Eastern Conference First Round: Magic vs. Raptors, Game One
by Evan Dunlap on Apr 20, 2008 8:30 AM EDT
in 2007/2008 Previews
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PrintToronto Raptors at Orlando Magic, Apr 20, 2008 12:30 PM EDT
| Eastern Conference Playoffs, Round One | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| First-Round Series Tied, 0-0 | ||
| Amway Arena | ||
| 12:30 PM | ||
| TNT | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| T.J. Ford | PG | Jameer Nelson |
| Anthony Parker | SG | Maurice Evans |
| Andrea Bargani |
SF | Hedo Turkoglu |
| Chris Bosh | PF | Rashard Lewis |
| R. Nesterovic | C | Dwight Howard |
| Series Central | ||
The most compelling (yet least respected) first-round series in the Eastern Conference is now officially underway. Discuss the first game here. The new comment interface means you don't have to refresh your page at all; it's truly a live thread.
Will the Magic win their first playoff game since 2003? We're about to find out.
Go Magic.
EDIT: I've linked to these Raptors sites in the blogroll, but I'm linking them again here. They're all very well done. Check 'em out.
[Note by Ben Q Rock, 04/20/08 12:44 PM EDT ]
The Raptors started Andrea Bargnani, not Jamario Moon, at small forward, hoping Bargnani's size (7'0") would frustrate Hedo Turkoglu.
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Comments
Wardrobe curse!
Mike Dunleavy Senior is wearing a grey suit with a white shirt and blue tie. Magic colors. Look out!
Joey Crawford
When it comes to bringing out the worst in people not even Mauer can compete with Crawford. On the bright side people can’t continue to ignore Turkoglu. At least they shouldn’t be able to. But you never know.
Green Bandwagon: Celtics '08 or bust. Are you on the bandwagon?
I agree, somewhat. But I have a special dislike of Mauer because he officiated a game I attended several years ago in which the Magic shot 8 free throws and the Nets shot, like, 45. I’ll look for the recap later.
by Evan Dunlap on Apr 20, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Hot start
We haven’t missed yet from the field. Four threes, a Dwight Howard bank-shot, a Hedo driving layup, and a Hedo driving dunk.
It's Early
But this might be the most poorly announced playoff game so far. Dunleavy is wooden. Orlando looks great though.
Green Bandwagon: Celtics '08 or bust. Are you on the bandwagon?
announcers
I’m giddy that this is our only complaint so far! (GiantSquid is contagious.) I thought the magic would have some early butterfly’s.
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
The Magic
... I think the Magic heeded Dwight’s message, ‘we want to make Toronto feel like they’re in hell’ ... we are so damn dominant, it’s orgasmic.
We need to bury Toronto now …
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
bench
Is SVG going to go the entire series with a 3 man rotation?
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
Off the bench, I expect to only see Bogans, Dooling, and Foyle, like we see now.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Yeah, you beat me to it. That’s the rotation I expect, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Carlos got some PT
Raptors
Did anyone read (or write) how deep TOR will go on their bench?
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
I think Calderon, Moon, Kapono, Delfino. I might be missing one …
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Toronto’s … their x-factors are Kapono and Calderon.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
True, but I still wouldn’t tempt with fate leaving him open. I rather be safe than sorry and treat him as a threat.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Magic
We need to be careful … we’re starting to ease up on the gas. If we can balloon the lead back to 20, I won’t be as worried.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
I agree, SVG needs to light a fire under these guys at the half. Up by double digits but they have the momentum.
Great shot by Lewis at the end there.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
He didn’t get the shot off in time …
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
ESPN
Gamecast has Toronto getting a rebound with 0 seconds left followed by a shot clock violation with .7 seconds left. Obviously, there is a break in the space-time continuum.
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lead
if they get it down to 10, I’m going to be very worried
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After the first half:
60-47, Magic. Offensive rating: 133.0, eFG%: 77.5
Toronto ends the half on a 14-3 run.
Big Three Comparison
Howard/Lewis/Turkoglu: 10-for-19, 23 points
Bosh/Ford/Calderon: 3-for-16, 13 points
Magic Johnson
... is an idiot. He just said the Raptors should make Dwight Howard beat them … that’s the most idiotic analyst I ever heard.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
I agree, but for what it's worth...
Dwight in wins: 20 points, 13.9 rebounds
Dwight in losses: 21.8 points, 14.7 rebounds
That’s a minute difference. I don’t really read into those stats too much like that.
The fact that we’re beating the Raptors with a marginal offensive contribution by Howard, it’s dumb to say Toronto should make Howard beat them. We’re getting buckets elsewhere … I can understand if Howard was the only one doing anything, but he isn’t.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
The Magic have played very unevenly this season and those stats show that Dwight was very steady. They show that Magic is the Isiah Thomas of commentators.
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
Haha, he just called Dirk out pretty bad. Good stuff.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
We're winning!
Third Quarter Collapse has more posts than TOR has points! Let’s finish strong folks.
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
by redandblue on Apr 20, 2008 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Great Half
Evans is playing out of his mind and I really like what Nelson is doing, minus the stupid turnovers. 13 points won’t get you much but I think a reverse trend of our 3rd quarter collapses is due!
Hope so … I think it’s just crucial that we win Game 1. I don’t care how we do it, but I just want a win. Usually when you win Game 1, you’ll win the series (stats prove that point).
However, the way we were playing in the first quarter, I’d want to pummel my opponent to send a message.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Okay, that's ridiculous
Yeah, it was a foul on Lewis, but that whistle was inexcusably late. Call the foul WHEN IT HAPPENS; don’t wait for the guy to miss the shot.
We need to get out in transition more.
You can tell we’re hesitant in our half-court offense. We need to just let the 3’s fly in transition like we were doing in the first quarter.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Turk has the idea. We need to do more of that, just let the 3’s go.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
yeah, Jameer should have taken that shot up top. Thats his shot but it turned into a six point swing.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Jameer needs to let that 3 fly.
I understand we want to penetrate into the lane for a possible oop to Dwight or a kick out for a 3, but if we have a 3 … shoot it!
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
They're hot
They might never be this hot again. Shoot it.
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
SVG
... he needs to curse our guys out. We’re way too soft right now on the defensive side. We’re not playing with the same intensity that we were playing in the first quarter …
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
I agree, next time Bargs thinks about taking another 3 they should put him on the ground.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Dribble Penetration
Good idea by Dooling … we need more of that.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Lead
If we can get our lead back to 15 by the 4th quarter, I think we’ll be okay.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Fourth Quarter
... if I was SVG, I’d keep Dooling in the game in the 4th quarter. His defense has been pretty solid.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
No way, go with Nelson. Gotta show the kid some love as our starter, especially when he is playing so well.
by Eyriq the Red on Apr 20, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know about that, Jameer is the emotional leader on this team. I think you have to at least start him in the fourth even if Dooling gets most of the minutes.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that 5th block was amazing. Only a handful of players have the body to do that.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
You might just have yourself the best chat board and Magic site around now Ben Q
by Eyriq the Red on Apr 20, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Hedo
... it’s time for Turk to take over in the 4th quarter. This is his time.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
He’ll get it, he wants to be remembered.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
OOOOOOOHHHHHH, 2 more left. Huge momentum shift!
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Magic Johnson
... hey Magic, here’s Howard beating Toronto like you asked.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
by erivera7 on Apr 20, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Superman
Playoffs bring out the stars and Dwight is definitely not disappointing.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
The man is growing up in front of our eyes. Damn, I might cry now.
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dwight avg. 20/20 for the series.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
I don’t know, Nesterovic has done a pretty good job on him in the past. He may struggle in a game or 2
by magic fanatic on Apr 20, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Patrick Ewing
This is completely random but he’s my favorite center of all-time. My best is Wilt but Ewing is my fav.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Ewing? I just loved his game, he could beat you in a variety of ways. I always appreciated Ewing when I grew up watching him.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Turk
... should have shot that.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
stress
We’ve been up this whole game and I’ve been stressed out the entire team. I think a deep playoff run might kill me.
Game 1
... good win. I’ll be back for more tom foolery in Game 2. Should be fun.
Staff Writer for The DePaulia (school newspaper)
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
We also won
140 posts versus 100 TOR points. Helluva thread.
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
Wooooooo!
We won!
Recap coming late tonight, possibly even tomorrow, as I have school stuff to work on. But damn, what a game. Dwight Howard has ARRIVED.
Rotation
I like the 8 man rotation. Bogans played some descent D, Dooling some Great D, and, well, Foyle was Foyle. Sub Cookie for Bogans and I think we have a 8 man team that can play anyone. Sub Battie for Foyle and JJ for Cook and it’s a championship! Oh, that won’t be happening so never mind.
Amazing!
Probably the loudest and most incredible game I’ve ever gone to! The crowd was pumped and into it the entire time. There were also a surprising and disappointing number of seats empty in the O-Zone. Hopefully that will change now that we’ve won the first game.
Wooo! Go Magic! Great thread, btw, I read through it all :D
Great game
I was there and the atmosphere was something else. I absolutely love how the Magic didn’t panic when the lead was cut to single digits.
Ugh
A win, but an ugly one. Jeez, Foyle!
Tony.psd = Da Man
http://adonalobsessed.blogspot.com/
"Zorgon is definately the Mike Gravel of GSoM." - Zorgon
Keys to Game 1
Even though the Raptors shot 96% from the free throw line, 45% from three point range, and had a really good 24/7 assist/turnover ratio, the Magic, despite all that, were still able to win the game, because of a great team effort offensively and defensively.
The key stat to the game was that the Magic outshot the Raptors 53% to 38% while outscoring them from the field 95-73. Also great to see they outrebounded the Raptors 42-35. Only ten turnovers, too.
by Mike from Illinois on Apr 20, 2008 6:22 PM EDT reply actions
WOW
My mouth dropped when I saw how many comments you had in this game thread! :O
I gotta give props man. The site looks awesome seriously.
Re: WOW
I’m impressed too. I don’t think we’ve had more than, like, 7 comments in any single game thread. Then the playoffs come ‘round and we get 140+. Wow.
Magic fans are the best in the world, and 3QC readers are the best in the world. Maybe we’ll get even more on Tuesday night, because the game is in prime-time…?
by Evan Dunlap on Apr 20, 2008 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
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