PHILADELPHIA — The scratch marks scattered across the left side of Spencer Hawes’ face were indicative of how physical Game 5 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls became.
Hawes briefly addressed the media after Thursday’s shootaround as his team prepared for Game 6. Before walking away, the center was asked who was responsible for the scar.
“Gibson,” Hawes said with scowl.
Apparently, Bulls forward Taj Gibson inadvertly scraped Hawes’ face, although no foul was called on the play. It might be interesting to see how Hawes reacts Thursday night if Gibson gets physical once again.
“He’s a good player, an active player,” Hawes said. “We made our adjustments. We’ll be ready to go tonight.”
Gibson, who sprained his left ankle in Game 5, should be good to go coming off the injury. 76ers coach Doug Collins has raved about Gibson’s play throughout the series.
Collins was asked how his team can keep Gibson from having an impact.
“You can’t,” he said, “because his (play) is based on activity and energy. … I’ve always been a fan of his.”
Gibson has averaged 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game this series. He has yet to start a game through five contests.
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