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Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pistons vs. Magic, Game One

Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons, May 3, 2008 7:30 PM EDT


Eastern Conference Semifinals
Orlando Magic main logo
@
Detroit Pistons main logo
Series Tied, 0-0
The Palace of Auburn Hills
7:30 PM
TNT
Probable starters:
Jameer Nelson PG Chauncey Billups
Maurice Evans SG Richard Hamilton
Hedo Turkoglu SF Tayshaun Prince
Rashard Lewis PF Jason Maxiell
Dwight Howard C Rasheed Wallace
Series Central

The word most often associated with the Magic in this series -- and in the latter half of the season, come to think of it -- is "respect." We can go a long way toward earning some tonight in our first game with the vaunted Detroit Pistons. A victory in the Palace, especially one by a wide margin, would impress even the most unabashed of Magic homers.

The odds are decidedly not in our favor, though. After going down 2-1 to the Philadelphia 76ers in the quarterfinals, the Pistons woke up and won the next 3 games by a combined 49 points. Moreover, Tayshaun Prince shut down Andre Iguodala, the 76ers' best scorer, and made him a non-factor. If Hedo Turkoglu is able to match his normal production, I'll be very pleased.

The Pistons' other plan is to double-team Dwight Howard, says Nothing But Net. Fair enough, but double-teamind Dwight (obviously) will leave somebody open. The starting backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Maurice Evans will have to hit its three-pointers to make the Pistons think twice about that strategy. Keith Bogans will have to come up big off the bench in that respect. Odd as it may sound, we can probably count on KeBo coming up big in this series. He shot 12-of-14 from long-range against Detroit this season. That's not a fluke, and any scoring we can get from our seventh man is a plus.

Let's do it, fellas. Tonight's tip is at 7:30 on TNT. Bookmark 3QC's Series Central for all your Magic/Pistons second-round coverage.

0 recs  |  Comment 31 comments

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Oh Boy

Can’t wait! Most of the guys over at ESPN have this as Detroit in either 6 or 7. Abbot is the lone believer, picking Magic in 6. I am with him, but I am also a homer, so oh well.

Seriously though, simple things need to happen for us to win. Dwight needs to shoot %65 + from the free throw line, Turk and Howard need to keep the turnovers to under 3 apiece, and Lewis is going to have to nail that 3 ball. None of that is asking too much, is it? GO MAGIC!

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on May 3, 2008 7:46 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Defense, defense!

Also, if the Magic can play defense and rebound as well as they did against the Raptors, I like their chances against the Pistons. They held the Raptors to an average of just over 99 points in the series, which is impressive against a good offensive team like the Raptors. I saw a stat that the Pistons are 34-1 this season when scoring 100+ points, so the Magic have to concentrate on holding the Pistons below 100.

by Mike from Illinois on May 3, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I really hope the fact that we’ve been off for almost a week doesn’t hurt us. The Pistons are still in playoff mode and we’ve been resting. I could see it going both ways.

I also hope that our three point shooting is back up to par. Since Dwight is likely to be constantly double-teamed we’ll need that perimeter shooting to keep us in the game.

Go Magic!

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 6:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Already we’re bricking threes. Damn it.

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah

And Rick Mahorn was blowing smoke when he said the Pistons would double-team Howard. No open looks for our guys.

by Ben Q Rock on May 3, 2008 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don’t understand what the hell is going on with our three point shooting. But we’re tied at 22 at the end of the first. As long as we keep in this game I’m satisfied.

Maurice was having a lot of difficulty defending Rip Hamilton. Did Stan switch Rashard to defend him after that timeout? I wasn’t watching.

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

The spot shooting from Lewis has been HUGE. I don’t feel good about this game but really I should. We are competing and it is close without our biggest weapon going off yet. Great D and man is Jameer a baller or what?

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on May 3, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Jameer came to play, there’s no doubt about it. Fearless.

by Ben Q Rock on May 3, 2008 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m actually not too worried about Hamilton. 10 points on 9 shot attempts isn’t that great. But if he’s able to get to the foul line, we can forget it.

by Ben Q Rock on May 3, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And just like that

15-point lead for Detroit. Guess the Pistons didn’t take too kindly to us taking the lead a few minutes ago.

by Ben Q Rock on May 3, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Missed free throws definitely hurt

I wish they had capitalized earlier when Detroit was struggling from the field, only scoring on goaltends. That would have been a great time to go on a run.

by Marie on May 3, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Long odds

Pistons 50-5 this season when leading after three quarters.
Magic 2-21 this season when trailing after three quarters.

(Thanks, NBA.com)

by Ben Q Rock on May 3, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m depressed now. Anyone wanna get a nice long drink after the game? The weather is certainly reflecting my mood: it’s stormy and windy out in WP.

Freaking Pistons.

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

sorry

I’m not in Orlando right now

If you're not having fun, stop participating.

by redandblue on May 3, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That’s all right. I’ll drown my sorrows in some ice cream.

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mmm, ice cream

I have root beer flavored ice cream in the freezer

by Marie on May 3, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get out

Root beer flavoured?! Oh I want some of that :D

I have Ben and Jerry’s—Americone Dream. Mmm.

Sheesh, we’ve only scored 7 points in the fourth so far? :(

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's so good

It’s A&W root beer flavor, and I think it’s a Breyers brand.

by Marie on May 3, 2008 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

See ya

I’m off to Publix!

:( We haven’t even broken 70 points. That’s unbelievable.

by TheGiantSquid on May 3, 2008 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Smash

That was a full fledged beat down. Chalk this up to a mental break down on the Magic’s end. How in the world do you shoot that poorly from the line? Where is the three? Detroit pushed them around and they could not effectively push back. D12 mia. I ain’t gonna hate on this team yet, but man that was pathetic.

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on May 3, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

impartial opinion

Hi, I just discovered this blog and as an impartial (sort of—I actually hate the Pistons and so was kind of rooting for the Magic) wanted to offer my thoughts.

First off, I just want to make it clear that I really am trying to add to the discussion, not slam anyone, so please don’t take offense to any of this. Just a few impressions I had from this game:

-Keyon Dooling provides an amazing spark off the bench. Strong D, explosive energy….a great role player on a championship team.

-Hedo really moves like lightning. I’ve always liked his game, but right now I’d have to say he and Lamar Odom are easily the 2 most versatile players in this league.

-Dwight Howard is not quite as good as I expected. His stats make him appear better than he really is. I don’t mean this harshly, but honestly. He relies on his incredible physique and athleticism far too much, and has very little polish on his game at all. Detroit actually has the big bodies to take away his strength advantage, and he looked lost as a result. He is not quite Superman yet, not even close. With a true dominant big man, you can throw it into the post nearly every single time with confidence, and his amazing repertoire of moves will either get a bucket or draw enough attention to open up things for other guys. Howard truly doesn’t have many consistent moves, he relies on his athleticism far more than he should. Hakeem Olajuwon or Kareem would be a better assistant coach than Ewing, because they could “finesse-up” his game and take him to the next level.

Dwight Howard needs to be meaner. By all accounts he’s a great guy, but I saw the same thing out of him that I saw out of Carmelo-both were laughing and smiling when their teams were down. If a guy like Dwight can stay as focused and intense as a guy like Jason Maxiell, that really would be scary.

-Will JJ Reddick spend less time on his hair if he gets more minutes? lol I hope so, becuase the spikes out of the back of his head are creepy. Looks like Keanu Reeves from Constantine.

-To be honest, there’s not much you guys are missing. You have great shooting, great role players. I see two holes that, when filled, can make you championship contenders:

1) One more go-to guy on the offensive end. When all else fails, you need a guy who can get you a bucket no matter what. Ideally this would be Dwight, but he hasn’t reached that point yet. Right now Hedo fills that role, but if Tayshaun can slow down Kobe, you can’t expect Hedo to have an easy time. An upgrade at the 2 is necessary here, but of course, there’s not a lot of available 2 guards out there.

2) More defensive intensity. The parts are there. Long athletic wings, a beast of a rebounder/blocker in the paint. They just need to stay focused on that end for 48 minutes, and I think Stan VG will get them there.

I like the Magic, even if I’m not a real fan. I hope Otis Smith can tie up the loose ends. You guys have a great, young team, so keep your heads up, and best of luck.

by Snoopy2006 on May 3, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

Good post man. You are right on about a lot of things, even in regards to Dwight. He does need more polish and a more consistent go to move, outside of the dunk that is. Our 2 spot pisses me off, but what can we do but play with what we have?

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on May 3, 2008 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Welcome,

And thanks for your insight as a quote/unquote impartial observer. We hope you stick around.

I agree that we’re only a few pieces away from truly contending. Dwight does need to play with more focus. We saw what he did against Toronto, especially defensively, when he meant business. Hopefully he brings that intensity with him to Game Two.

by Ben Q Rock on May 5, 2008 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good Luck....You will need it!!

Hey all…I am not here to talk obnoxious crap. Just here for good playoff discussion. I respect your Magic. I just know that you are not even close enough to compete with us. We beat you up the other night, and we are still yet to play a complete game this year in the playoffs. I will say….I do think the Pistons would be SO much better with a different coach. I am not a fan of Flip Saunders. This whole ‘flip the switch’ mentality the pistons are known for these days came with Flip Saunders. Larry Brown would NEVER of allowed that mentality.
You have to respect what Joe Dumars has with this team. I understand down in Orlando you guys are not familiar with Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson….but listen….you will know them soon!!! These guys can play!! Makes us excited for years to come!!
I like the Magic. Hedo, I like, but he plays no D…..D Howard is awesome, except for when he plays us….I say that knowing that he will get his,,,,but you can even ask him….his hardest opponet to play against is the Pistons.
We held you guys(the 6th best scoring team this year) to 72 in the playoffs. Thats impressive. Lets see how you respond Monday night. Lets see if we can put a complete game together…I will say…and you have to agree…..we can win games like the other night when we dont really play that great…..you guys…to beat us, you need to play perfect basketball. Sorry to say…...So Good luck!!! And yes….we will take care of Boston in the ECF!!!!!! I love playoff basketball!!!! Yes, I am a Pistons season tix holder!!!!!

by LoveMyPistons! on May 4, 2008 10:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey

Welcome aboard.

I can’t speak for every Magic fan, but i Know how good Stuckey (you’re welcome for that draft pick, by the way), Maxiell, and Johnson are; haven’t heard much from Afflalo this season. Maxiell is the sort of guy we really need, a power forward who bangs on the boards on both ends, but who also has good range on his jumper. I have a lot of respect for him.

Here’s to an exciting, well-played series. Hope you stick around.

by Ben Q Rock on May 5, 2008 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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