The fact is that the Magic have nothing to prove by beating the Pistons. It’s a lose-only scenario....

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.

Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm crushes it out of the park, so to speak, regarding the Magic's "need" to defeat the Detroit Pistons on their road to the NBA title.

about 3 years ago Evan Dunlap 7 comments 0 recs |

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I'd disagree that facing the Pistons would be a lose-only scenario ..

.. given the momentum and psychological boost the Magic would gain from a series victory.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C

by erivera7 on Apr 2, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions

True that man, I couldn't agree more because . . .

IF the Magic play AND beat the Pistons their confidence will be so high they’ll all be shouting “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” :P Seriously though, beating the Pistons in the playoffs will have this team believing they should be in the finals and a little confidence can be the difference maker with such a young and capable team.

Of course having said that, should we lose that series I’d be as crushed as anyone!!!

by blue-blood on Apr 2, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the Magic would gain more from beating the Pistons than any other team.

.. granted, Orlando can lose to Detroit again and make it all a moot point. But like I said before, I like Dwight Howard’s attitude on the matter. Step onto the court, man the eff up, and just win baby.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

Used to mix the wine with the lean/Now we sip soda with the Barre/20 inch blades on the car - Pimp C

by erivera7 on Apr 2, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions