The fact is that the Magic have nothing to prove by beating the Pistons. It’s a lose-only scenario. The Pistons have their number, not because they’re a better team, but because of matchups. McDyess, Maxiell, and Amir Johnson are athletic bigs who can neutralize Howard’s vunlerability in his mid-section. Howard’s not built like a tree like Duncan. He’s got powerful legs, but most of his power is in his upper body. Throw in the fact that Sheed is a big man that can shoot from the outside but defend like a tank inside, and their perimeter defense’s ability to shut down the Magic three point artillery, and you’ve got what you need to take this team down again and again and again.

[....]

The record books won’t say "2009 NBA Champions: Orlando Magic (Except They Didn’t Beat The Pistons)." The trophy reads the same, kids.