76ERS INSIDE LOOK: SIXERS NEVER THREW IN THE TOWEL.

Byline: Michael A. Anastasi Sports Editor 

PHILADELPHIA - Dikembe Mutombo never backed down.

Nor did the Philadelphia 76ers, who spoke so much of heart it nauseated anyone who wasn't a cardiologist. Yet, in the end, it was true.

Philadelphia presented the Lakers with their most difficult challenge of the postseason, never once losing the spunk or courage that carried them through arduous, seven-game series against Toronto and Milwaukee. And, after Friday's final loss, they knew it.

``Had we won, I don't know if I could be any more proud of my team than I am,'' Sixers coach Larry Brown said. ``The effort my group put forth against a phenomenal club was just incredible.''

It was an effort not seen from the San Antonio Spurs, who folded meekly rather than offering L.A. the showdown widely anticipated as the ``real'' championship series. And certainly not from Sacramento or a ridiculously feuding Portland team that beat itself.

``They were very game,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. ``They really got our attention during the course of this series. We did a good job defensively on them tonight, yet they found a way to come back and play a real good offensive game still.''

Mutombo epitomized the Sixers' effort, ultimately fouling out Friday with 3:41 remaining but not before averaging 16.8 points - nearly seven more than in the regular season - and absorbing Shaquille O'Neal's merciless pounding, both verbally and physically.

``It was a great challenge,'' said Mutombo, who blocked 11 shots in the five games. ``It was not easy and I really cannot thank myself enough with all the effort I put up there. And to show the world that I was playing against a dominant player, I have to respect myself and I think I showed the people who voted for me being the league's best defensive player that I really did deserve that honor.''

Brown once again deflected questions about his future. He scheduled a postseason meeting with the team for today, and his players made it clear his return - as well as team president Pat Croce's - would be key to their future success, which they widely and eagerly anticipate.

``I'm not sure they'll be replaceable,'' guard Eric Snow said.