Boston Celtics 95, Orlando Magic 94

by Ben Q Rock on May 11, 2009 2:03 AM EDT in 2008/2009 Recaps Comment 149 comments

The Orlando Magic battled back from a 9-point, second-half deficit against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter, only to face defeat at the buzzer as Glen Davis connected on a jumper from the left baseline to give Boston a 95-94 victory. Neither Dwight Howard's 23-point, 17-rebound effort, nor Rashard Lewis' 22-point barrage, could overcome hot shooting by the Celtics (52.8%) or poor shooting by their teammates: Rafer Alston, J.J. Redick, and Hedo Turkoglu combined to shoot 6-of-28 from the field and 2-of-15 from three-point range. With the win, Boston evens the series at two games apiece and regains homecourt advantage.

Team	Pace	Efficiency	eFG%	FT Rate	OReb%	TO Rate
Celtics	90	105.6	53.5%	25.0	25.7	14.4
Magic	90	104.9	42.9%	24.7	25.5	8.9

As crushing a defeat this is for the Magic--it's their third loss at the buzzer in these playoffs, out of four total losses--there's hardly reason to panic. Boston needed a clutch jumper from its fifth offensive option in order to win this game on a night when its opponent shot poorly and missed an unusual amount of open shots. There's not much else to say. If the Magic play this exact same game again, and get the exact same shots, they likely as not win. You have to credit them for battling back in the fourth period, which they entered trailing by 8 points. No panic in this team. Some silly mistakes doomed the Magic late, though. With the Celtics struggling to score, the Magic continued trying to launch backbreaking three-pointers, to get themselves--and a nervous Amway Arena crowd--back in the game. It failed, as the team shot 1-of-7 from downtown in the period. In fact, the Magic were trigger-happy from three-point range all night long. Doubly frustrating is that this reliance on the longball came on a night when Boston's three reliable bigs--that'd be Davis, Kendrick Perkins, and Brian Scalabrine--were mired in foul trouble. A few more timely drives to the basket could have given Orlando this win.

Before the game, coach Stan Van Gundy tried to stay mum as to who would start in the backcourt. One wonders if his final decision--Alston at the point, Redick at the two--ultimately backfired. Anthony Johnson didn't shoot much better than Alston (2-of-7, 4 points), but he was at least more patient and deliberate with his attempts. I'm not sure why Rafer, a career 35.4% three-point shooter, continues to pull-up for treys with 19 seconds on the shot clock, but he needs to stop. Meanwhile, Redick was the team's best playmaker with 7 assists, but struggled with his shot. Courtney Lee, who could have started in his place, played better defense and was more effective offensively, even hitting back-to-back jumpers late in the game to bring Orlando to within a point of Boston.

Arguably the biggest error Van Gundy made was not finding more time for Marcin Gortat. The Polish Hammer shone with 8 points, 4 boards, and superb defense, yet only saw 10 minutes of action as Van Gundy refused to play him in the same lineup with Howard. I understand his reluctance to play the two men together, given how infrequently they shared the floor during the regular season. What I do not understand is how Gortat, playing power forward to Howard's center, could possibly be any worse than Tony Battie, whom Van Gundy frequently pairs with Howard. In 18 minutes this series, Battie has 5 points and 2 rebounds on 2-of-7 from the floor. He isn't contributing anything. Orlando has to get more from him, or otherwise learn to trust Gortat in key moments.

Maybe it's all moot, though. Orlando had no answer for Paul Pierce (9-of-15, a game-high 27 points), while Rajon Rondo had his usually erratic midrange jumper going. Tough to beat the Celtics when those two guys are in gear, but that's what the Magic almost did tonight. But they don't get points for "almost," and will have to settle for a 2-2 series headed back to Boston, knowing they were only soundly outplayed once in these entire playoffs.

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I know it's not dignified

But the officiation was horrible tonight. I hate throwing someone under the bus, but I get why Joey Crawford has the rep that he does.

I’m not making an excuse but stating a fact. Worst officiated Orlando Magic game of this post season.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 2:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of officiating,

What’s up with all the non-called Boston defense 3 sec? Everytime Magic tries to feed Lewis the ball on one corner, Celts practically planted the defender from the other corner right underneath the basket. I am pretty sure that guy’s not guarding anyone because Magic players are always outside 3pt lines.

by pcnyc on May 11, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

c'mon guys

officiating? yes,there are games when officiating decides winner.
this one is simply not that kind of game.
our loss is our own fault only, poor shooting and all.
so,when a team is playing bad,they shouldn’t look on the refs to compensate for it. no,sir.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am not saying it cost Magic the game,

But it’s blatant voilation and it should have been called. I am sure there are plenty of bad calls/non-calls that Magic got away with, and it evens out, but two wrongs doesn’t make a right. Would Magic win if some calls are different? Maybe maybe not, but should a bad call somehow becames not so bad because it’s not game deciding?

by pcnyc on May 11, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course not,but there are always going to be bad calls. it's a fact.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't making an excuse, just stating a fact

The officiating didn’t cause JJ and Rafer’s awful shooting

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually thought the refs were worse for the celtics…there best player couldnt even stay on the court because of ticky tack non fouls…it was a disgrace…they sent lewis to the line after a touch foul to possibly decide the game…are you kidding me?

by PaintItBlack on May 11, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's the NBA, go figure.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Game Yall

But it’s Quite telling to see the Magic go 2-2 to a tired injured Celtic Team. No KG and No Powe. This should have been a Sweep and now with will be a Celtic win in 6.

Let this be a lesson to young Magic, that they have a long way to go to be considered anything close to Elite.

Good luck next game

Celtics 17 banners. That's more than your team.

by Celtics 4 life on May 11, 2009 2:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The circle-jerk on your own blog wasn't enough?

This whole KG injury has worked out great for you. If you lose, it’s ok because you’re not supposed to win without him but if you win, then you can go around bashing other teams for not being able to beat your team without him. If you think this series would have been a sweep with KG (and I like how you conveniently forgot how we are without our starting all-star point guard) then good for you.

It’s people like you that give Boston fans a bad name. This series is far from over. Talk to you again if the Celtics win…if not, thanks for visiting.

by Lee for three on May 11, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fans of every team do the same thing, for example a magic fan went over to celticshub and talked trash like the series was over after game 1 and game 3. happens. agree its annoying, lots of basketball to be played

by PaintItBlack on May 11, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In retrospect, this was Patrick Chewing.

So for the community here, make note of it.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you

I was just coming in to tell you guys this

we have some jerky fans, but he’s not one of them – we take no ownership of this guy

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on May 11, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No worries.

Your members that have come over here have been cordial with our community. We’ve had no problems, whatsoever. One of our members took the liberties to create aliases so that he could get a rise out of your site and our site as well. He’s been banned, accordingly.

Problem solved on both ends.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

excellent

promotions all around!

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on May 11, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Hurray!

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i usually have nothing insightful or useful to add to the discussion at hand

and I still don’t. But way to sell your own team short, then proceed to sell the Magic even shorter. Yeah, Celts are injured. I get it.

But Anyway, how about the Celtics a year ago? When they couldn’t find a road win ‘til the ECF? Going 7 against two teams that were not on par with them. Everyone doubted Boston, and they ended up winning right? I’m not guaranteeing that the Magic are going to end up doing something similar, but please.

these fanposts are starting to kill me

by misterterrific on May 11, 2009 2:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just ignore him.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep dick riding KG

Maybe it will improve your grammar.

It was great watching Perkins and house run to the magic side of the court to yell at our bench after the last second shot. You stay classy massholes.

by AB's triple double on May 11, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

couldn't watch the game... but this is shamefull. yelling at our bench?

shame on us. we should sweep those individuals,and look what has came out of it.
come on,magic,tighten our lines for the next one!

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, Davis was seen pushing a kid out of the way on the way to his celebration

And ESPN replays don’t want to show either of those things

by bandrewg08 on May 11, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was messed up, nearly knocked the kid over. There won't be a suspension though, I mean if it were Turk, it'd be considered a non basketball play and a suspension would be handed down.

For sure.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 11, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

pushing the KID? i'd like to c that. if someone stumbles across,please post it

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just watch the replay of the game winner, as painful as that is

as he’s running across the sideline where the fans stand, a kid was in his way, so he threw him out of the way, the kid spun around and I think a tshirt that was draped around him fell to the floor. Kid’s father didn’t look to pleased. Imagine, you’re first row on the floor in a pivotal playoff game, you witness the other team win by a buzzer beater, then adding insult to injury the guy that hits the game winner tosses your kid?

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 11, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow,just watched it. that was so not neccesary!

i’m always trying to view the situation from their side,too,but man!
at first i was thinking he couldn’t pass because of kid,but he DEFINETIVELY could!!!
and he pushed him with his arm! there’s no excuse for this.
he was thrilled,ok,but he should climb on the ref if he couldn’t run through,and leave the kid alone

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was actually funny

In Big Baby’s defense, maybe if he hadn’t pushed away the kid, the both of them would have collided and that kid would have really been hurt. But then again, Davis shouldn’t have gone out of bounds. That’s a reminder to all the lucky fans who get to sit on those sideline seats to pay attention at all times (kind of like the baseline seats in baseball)

by LibNat on May 11, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah....it's like sitting on the third baseline...

you gotta be ready.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

here you go

click on the link, then scroll down to the bottom: http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2009/05/10/the-taste-is-in-the-gristle-cetlics-at-magic-game-4/

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 11, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you. nice captured.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Davis came thiiiiiis close to striking the ref on that celebration

Would’ve been interesting to see the reaction to that.

"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."

by The Dark on May 11, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But back to the post...a lot of good points Ben

I know a lot of fans were upset with this lost, and understandably so…three buzzer beater losses and were still in the second round. But I look at the boxscore and how well Boston played and how we couldn’t buy a three and I still can’t fathom how we had a fourth quarter lead.

Allen still struggled from deep but he found a way to score…Pierce was locked in and each of their starters had a good offensive night. To see them play that well and be in it in the fourth despite all our shortcomings was encouraging. Our backs are against the wall Tuesday, but thats when we’ve played our best ball this post-season.

by Lee for three on May 11, 2009 2:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Yeah, Boston played well. That was to be expected.

.. just a bit disappointing that Orlando didn’t play up to par.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 3:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We'll take the win, missed open 3's and six-minute spurts of good play included

But now you magic fans are experiencing the same thing we celts fans go through constantly of late. We have found ways to lose games within our grasp for lack of focus and execution in crucial stretches. Chicago did this to us over and over. We’ll take this one, and I’m glad to see this series becoming worthy of our passion as fans.
NBA officiating is one ugly game blowing call away from a scandal at this point, I find myself praying that it won’t come down to calls in every tight game, because I’m EXPECTING there to be a disastrous piece of officiating when it counts…

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've been down this road before already with the two Philly buzzer-beaters.

It sucks, but that’s how basketball is sometimes. Cruel, evil, etc.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Turk had such a good look

at a 3 pointer toward the end of the game. Alston and Turk took a lot of bad shots, but that was not one of them.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hits that

wide open three 7/10 times.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I thought he was going to knock it down. Oh well.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

at least,these are the good news:

magic trailing into the 4th,and actually putting into higher gear…
i like that.
this loss was just a lack of concetration from a few players and maybe some luck,so much needed in sports.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are no moral victories in the playoffs

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah,these are the bad news.

as addition,bye-bye homecourt…

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Losing homecourt is the biggest news to come out of last night

At least the Magic will have two chances to win in Boston. Game 5 isn’t a must-win.

by LibNat on May 11, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd disagree. Game 5 is a must-win, considering the circumstances.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're both right.

game 5 is almost must win,i really believe magic have a shot in game 7

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so i was thinking,

is game 5 a must win for the Celts as much as it is for the Magic? Or is it more so for the Celts? I mean, sure, down 3-2 is bad for Orlando, but then they get a home game in game 6. But if Celts lose game 5, they get to play elimination game on the road… I think it’s a must win for both teams, which mean it’s gonna be a good one.

by pcnyc on May 11, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's incredibly likely

that whoever wins Game 5 wins the series. Obviously a win tomorrow doesn’t guarentee victory for either team as you still have to close out the series, but I think the fanbase of whatever team loses will be very uneasy after Game 5.

by Lee for three on May 11, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know I will be, it's just that we were riding so high, and now with KG and Leon out we struggle struggle struggle...

But I’m confident it will be a good game…

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well,it hardly can be a good game for both of us :). but good luck!

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Orlando would benefit more from a Game 5 victory

They could then close out the series at home in Game 6. Whereas Boston would have to travel to Orlando for Game 6 if they were to win Game 5.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's like this .. whoever wins tomorrow, wins the series.

That’s been my belief since the beginning of this matchup.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh, didn't you say that about Game 3, too? lol

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

This is the first time I’ve uttered that phrase, for that reason. I’ve said nearly every game is a must-win, but that’s about it.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most I said was ..

.. merely pointing out the statistical odds, that was all.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't that put too much pressure on the Magic?

If they think that they have to win Game 5, then that might psych them out. They should stay calm and focused instead. Be cool and realize that they have two chances to win in Boston, as long as they win Game 6 at home. They can’t possibly lose two straight games at home, can’t they?

It’s OK to lose Game 5 in Boston as long as they defend their home turf. Anything can happen in Game 7. Boston had a hard time putting away Chicago in their Game 7.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay to lose Game 5? That's the wrong mindset to have.

.. tomorrow is a must-win, for the simple fact that Boston will be nearly impossible to beat in a Game 7. Anything can happen, obviously, but Orlando shouldn’t test fate.

The Celtics didn’t have a hard time putting the Bulls away. They were in complete control of that game from the opening tip ..

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

they shouldn't mail it in like in Game 2 but neither should they panic

if they were to lose Game 5. A veteran team wouldn’t think that it’s do-or-die but instead look at the big picture, which is they have two chances to win in Boston and that the series is tied 2-2. They aren’t down 3-2 or 3-1.

But obviously they should give an all-out effort, which is what they should do every game.

I thought the Celts had a tenuous hold on that final game against the Bulls.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree they should give an all-out effort ..

.. but it needs to be every game, not every other game.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

okay,but heck,what does it take for orlando to give an all-out effort?!

by Dzogi on May 12, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hedo needs to go.

He’s not even helping anymore. He’s just killing this team.

Check out some of my photos: My Flickr Account
LifeOfAGiant.com - My photo-life-blog is coming soon

by big aaron on May 11, 2009 2:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

.. he's been inconsistent and struggling in the playoffs.

Turkoglu really needs to step up his play in Game 5.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 3:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a hard call

But yeah, despite a couple good games he’s had a poor post season once again. If keeping Turk means we’ll be regular season warriors, I don’t want him.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last postseason Hedo was okay. This postseason, well ..

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Maybe I’m being unfair and not counting the Toronto series, but he was not good at all against Detroit. At least that’s how I saw it, we could go all day on he issue I suppose.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Hedo was being defended by a long defender in Teyshaun Prince in the Detroit series...

so it was expected that he would struggle to a certain extent. He had played well in the Toronto series.

by malars on May 11, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's also been discussed here in recent days, but it should be noted

Van Gundy went with the Lee, Pietrus, Lewis, Turk, Howard lineup for a good chunk of the fourth quarter. The way Alston and AJ played I can’t say I really blame him.

It also goes without saying (but I will anyway) there is no way JJ should start over Lee for game 5. I said earlier I didn’t even think he should have today, but Redick has had a pretty short leash with SVG and his 1-7 night tonight isnt helping his case.

by Lee for three on May 11, 2009 2:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That lineup worked.

A.J. isn’t a problem .. Rafer is.

J.J. won’t start Game 5, not with the season practically on the line for Orlando.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 3:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He should be permanently suspended

from touching the ball. He had some costly turnovers, stupid shots and (surprise) missed layups.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he changed his game up in the second half

And was more productive, but I still agree that he deserves some heat. His play in the first half was criminal. If he starts I will be baffled

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well he sat most of the 4th....

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That helped.

.. and it’s no coincidence that the team went on a run when Rafer sat.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah,lee... u were right on that.

lee should’ve started,and get as much minutes as possible.
i went for jj for medical reasons,but with season on the line,that matters so not at all :)

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lee was handling the point

well late

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did fine.

.. SVG needs to play the Lee/Pietrus/Turkoglu/Lewis/Howard lineup a lot more in Game 5.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and how about gortat+howard? is the postseason bad time for new things?

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why peaches and not Lee?

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and not Reddick....sorry.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because Peaches is more versatile defensively.

He can guard either Allen or Pierce, if need be.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

It works because of Hedo’s ability to distribute the ball. Lee can still do his thing without being too far out of his element.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Magic sure had their chance in the fourth quarter...

…as the Celtics went nearly seven minutes without a field goal in that fourth quarter and made only 2 out of their final 10 shots (both courtesy of Glen Davis in the final minute).

Unfortunately, the Magic made only 4 of their final 14 shots, and missed 3 crucial free throws (one by Howard, two by Johnson) during that same span that Boston was so ice cold.

I know it was unrealistic of anyone to expect the Magic to shoot 59% like they did in Game 3, but whoever thought so many guys (Alston, Redick, Turkoglu, and Pietrus) would have such bad shooting nights.

The two players I’m most disappointed in this game for the Magic are Turkoglu and Alston. Turk’s performance was completely the opposite of his sensational performance in Game 3, while Alston easily had his worst game since he was traded to the Magic (and at the worst possible time).

It’s still hard to believe the Magic lost the game with their bench outscoring the Boston bench 31-2, but when the Boston starters are playing so well, and 3/5ths of the Magic starters are struggling, it doesn’t really matter how few points the Boston bench scores.

The question is… can the Celtics’ starters keep on playing that well for the rest of the series? One would think they will wear down sooner rather than later; that’s why I have confidence the Magic can go into Boston and win Game 5.

I certainly am not going to blame this loss on the referees, as the Celtics were the better team in Game 4 and made the clutch plays and the clutch shots; the Magic had plenty of chances but could not make enough of their own.

by Mike from Illinois on May 11, 2009 5:27 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I wouldn't test fate, not against Boston.

Everyone is waiting for the team to hit the wall, and the Celtics haven’t yet.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

22

22 missed treys. That is all. :(

Don't sweat the technique

by Rakim on May 11, 2009 8:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Peaches, Alston, Turk all took some ill advised threes.

I wonder how many of those were legit looks….. my guess is probably 10 or 11

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by UNFNOLE on May 11, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say .. half of the looks were legit & open for the taking.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing I don't understand is why we stopped doing the things that got us the W in game 3.

We pretty much abandoned dribble penetration, instead falling back on taking ill-advised threes with 15 or more seconds on the shot clock, or just passing or dribbling the ball around the perimeter until the shot clock got short, then chucking a contested jump shot. We all witnessed what the team can do when they consistently drive to the hoop and the Celtics have no answer. Please, please, please, please, PLEASE go back to what worked in game 3. I didn’t really see any change up by the Celtics on D that would keep the team from being able to do so effectively, the team just abandoned the strategy all together for the most part.

by malars on May 11, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

yeah,famous dribble&penetrate

well,to be realistic,we are no experts,and SVG definetly is.
why is team forcing 3pts and abandoning dribles that are proven to smash their defense and create space,is beyond me.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don't like to slight the Celtics but the Magic beat themselves last night.

.. the team just didn’t execute, as you said, the things that have been working in Game 1 & 3. I don’t understand why Orlando can’t put together consistent good outings, but that’s been the case in this series.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Off Topic, but 3QC has the best game summaries out there.

Million times better than the Sentinel. Great job, guys.

by bandrewg08 on May 11, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

surely,dude

3QC rules! if only our team did too…

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to say i do appreciate the TQC depth in summaries... i get an education over here, and from posts too...

One thing i like is the capturing of game to game trends, as opposed to just stat based projecting. I love this game because ya never know… big baby?… we’ll take it…

tuesday? Will Ray hit his shots? will perk’s shoulder be ok? will rondo show up? will e-house? will marburymoorescalabrini be any good? will we get in early foul trouble?

will turk hit his shots? will rafer be allowed to shoot? will aj do it again? who is courtney lee? will dwight be superman? will lewis keep it going? will reddick come up big? will the 3rain fall? or will they fall for the C’s instead?

will the refs matter? will the announcers learn to recognize the players? will KG and Jammer Nelson square off at halfcourt in an injured all-star challenge? will Leon care? will doc or SVG play calls matter?

I know one thing and one thing only… I like this series now and it’s gonna be loud in Boston!

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well .. one thing is for sure.

We’ll have all the answers to those questions tomorrow night.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's just frustrating cause the Celtics really aren't that good

But the y match up so well against Orlando at multiple positions. Seriously, How many guys can take a shoulder from Dwight and not even flinch? Shaq can’t. Al Jefferson can’t. Andrew Bynum can’t. When Dwight can’t easily post up his defender it completly changes our game. That’s just one example, I could go forever. It’s difficult to watch a team go to the wire with Chicago and have this much success against Orlando, but that’s basketball I guess.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Sometimes...

…the sum of something is greater than the individual parts that make it up. That’s how I would describe the success Boston has had so far.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Or the Magic are simply not elite

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 11, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, what is elite?

Are we one of the top teams in the league? Yes. Are they at the top tier? Yes. Are they a GREAT team? No. I don’t think any team in the NBA today is great. The NBA hasn’t had a great team since the Spurs won it. The Mav’s had the potential to be great a couple years ago, but they blew it.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe they don't have the most mental toughness

But physical on court/on paper talent, they’re definitely an elite team.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also think alot of people are conveniently ignoring...

…that Nelson isn’t on this team. The Magic aren’t playing with their full deck either. Nelson isn’t as good as KG is, but Nelson, other than Howard, can be argued that he has the 2nd most amount of importance to this team.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nelson is the second-best player on the team.

.. and the intangibles he brings (killer instinct, toughness, etc) can’t be ignored either.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which says a lot more about Lewis & Turkoglu if you ask me

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give Jameer some cred

Jameer stepped up big this year, he was the glue that kept this team together. Most of the time Jameer took a backseat to Hedo and Lewis by not taking a lot of shots. When the team started to fall off track, Jameer came up big with HUGE buckets again and again and again.

If we had Jameer, Boston would have never made that almost comeback. We also would have won last nights game.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Give Jameer Nelson credit?

That’s for suckers, and Magic fans. I’m neither thank you very much.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He deserves credit, though.

His emergence this season is the reason why Orlando is a title contender.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was being sarcastic

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 11, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, whoops. Hah .. my b.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know what I think?

I think you’re picking on me cuz I’m a Blazer fan. You’re being unfair to me. I’m going to complain to one of the moderators of this board!

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 12, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

You caught me.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least you didn't ban me for making a joke

You have no idea how much fun I plan to have on here tomorrow. 3QC rockin da hizzouse!

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 12, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

So far Perkins has held his own against Dwight, as well as someone could considering that latter’s greatness. The former may be limited offensively but one thing’s for sure, he’s physically strong and tough. And a good rebounder, too.

The Magic need to get him into foul trouble. Once he’s out of the game, the interior is wide open for Howard.

Don’t sell the Bulls short. If Game 7 had been in Chicago, they would have won. I think the Bulls would have been a challenge for Orlando, too. It seems that they peaked at the right time (unlike the Pistons, who just lay down against the Cavs).

by LibNat on May 11, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chicago would have been no match for Orlando

Yeah, rose would have got his but that’s about it. Brad Miller would have been pushed around and Noah’s length wouldn’t have been a factor at all (Noah was huge against Boston). Ben Gordon and John Salmons would have been shut down. It’s not to say that the Bulls are terrible, but they do not match up well with the Magic.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah .. Chicago wouldn't have given Orlando much trouble.

Sure, the Bulls “peaked” but it wouldn’t have mattered against the Magic.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah would have been eaten alive

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You guys really think that?

Wow, I’m a little bit surprised. Bulls fan would go bananas if they heard this (btw the posters/moderators of their blog aren’t as nice and moderate as the ones here).

I can see a few advantages for Chicago. Unlike Rondo, Derrick Rose can actually shoot jumpers, so the Magic can’t play off him like they do with Rondo. Orlando would have been less able to double team the others, such as Gordon. Noah may be skinny but he’s energetic and quite a rebounder. The Bulls are a tough bunch, They’re certainly not pushovers and they don’t give up. Remember all those OTs. Philadelphia may have been a higher seed but Chicago isn’t Philly.

Still, the Magic would have beaten the Bulls. But it wouldn’t have been a cakewalk.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Rose would have gotten his, but that’s about it. Gordon would not score at will on Lee or Pietrus. Salmons would have struggled with a 6-10 defender. Brad Miller would have been abused.

I also think on of the biggest factors for Chicago against Boston was Joakim Noah. He can guard multiple people on the court because of his energy and gives them fits with his length. Against Orlando, Noah’s length would not have been much of a facto as we have three starters at 6-10 or higher.

Glen Davis hates children.

by magic fanatic on May 12, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good points

But one thing I forgot to mention was intangibles. On paper the matchups look good for the Magic. But things don’t always turn out the way it’s on paper.

Chicago was playing at a high level and look at the uneven play of Orlando in the playoffs. If both teams play according to their potential, then the Magic should win. But things don’t go like that all the time.

Would the Magic have swept the Bulls? or won in 5 or 6 games?

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would have been a cakewalk .. 6 games, at the most.

- The Bulls don’t play defense.
- The Magic do play defense, better than the Celtics (this has been proven empirically).
- Stan Van Gundy >>> Vinny Del Negro
- Derrick Rose would have a matchup advantage over Rafer Alston, sure .. but it would have been a moot point with Dwight Howard in the lane deterring Derrick attacking the basket.
- .. if push came to shove, Lee could have covered Rose.
- Courtney would have probably contained Ben Gordon

.. I can go on. The Bulls don’t matchup with the Magic well, at all.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it an understatement

that Orlando has played 2 teams in the playoffs in which the matchup’s don’t favor them as much as they should?

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 12, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perkins has been able to hold his own with Howard, yeah.

BUT .. that’s why I’ve been wanting to see Dwight involved in pick & roll plays. I have no idea why Stan Van Gundy hasn’t elected to do that more, given the fact Howard has a speed advantage on Perkins.

It’s the best way to neutralize Kedrick’s defensive effectiveness against Dwight.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good point

But maybe SVG doesn’t want the offense to go through Howard. I think he wants Lewis and Hedo to get a lot of touches, because in his mind they are the primary scorers on this team.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not smart basketball, though.

If you feed the big fella early and often & make him a threat .. that opens everything else up.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 12, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so why hasn't SVG done that?

Have any columnists written specifically about this? and asked him about it?

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's an idea for game 5...

how about Dwight Howard doesn’t attempt any wild hook shots that have <25% chance of going in?

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 11, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Word. Yeah ..

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question: I read that Celtics coach Cliff Ray worked with Howard...

Over two years I’ve watched our center Kendrick Perkins develop into a superb defender and become a capable offensive player. I wonder if Howard mostly worked on D with Coach Ray, and left before the offensive development? Howard is a monster defender but you’re right, if he had some smooth post moves he’d be the best big man in the game… Yao being older and injured often…

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Patrick Ewing has helped his offensive game, some.

.. I think the biggest problem with Howard against Perkins isn’t so much skill-set, but more so, the type of plays that are being run for him. I’ve said this countless times, but Dwight isn’t effective on the low block against Kendrick .. he’s more effective in pick & rolls where his athleticism/speed can be used.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which our defensive lapses provide plenty of opportunities for him to do...

and if we don’t body up on him on rebounds better when shots go up he’ll kill us again tomorrow night… If Tony Allen weren’t such a looses cannon I’d suggest Doc try him in spots to see if he can help with the offensive boards, something he CAN do well, at times… when? wish we could tell…!

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Word. No doubt.

Guess we’ll find out tomorrow night!

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i thought a lot of the shots last night

were literally WIDE OPEN. maybe except a few turk and pietrus put up, but man the ones alston and redick missed were as wide open as it could possibly get. i think we just had a rough night from our starting guards. anyway, i would agree with putting lee back in the starting line up, so the team could start off with a high defensive intensity. 1 think i see different is instead of substituting redick in for lee, we could do more of redick in for alston and pietrus in for redick etc

by Wall851 on May 11, 2009 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thing is, Alston is a bad shooter to begin with.

.. doesn’t matter if he’s open or not. Rafer doesn’t shoot a high percentage.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This recap is too rosy

BenQ is right that it’s not time to panic, after all the series is still tied 2-2. But this loss was deeply troubling. It’s not as simple as the Magic losing by just only point despite shooting poorly while the Celtics played great. Orlando did shoot poorly but Boston also did not have a great game. The Celts struggled at times and in certain areas. That made it a close game.

Boston went scoreless for something like 7 minutes in the 4th quarter! It was hard to believe that the Magic could not capitalize on that and win the game. As “great” as the Celtics may have seem to play earlier in the game, they were trying to give away the game in the last 8-9 minutes of the 4th quarter.

Orlando had no answer for Paul Pierce (9-of-15, a game-high 27 points), while Rajon Rondo had his usually erratic midrange jumper going. Tough to beat the Celtics when those two guys are in gear, but that’s what the Magic almost did tonight.

In the last 16 minutes of the game, PP did not score. If he had, he would have ended up with something like 35 points, with the way he was playing before getting the crippling 4th and 5th fouls that affected his play. As for Rondo, he had just 3 assists (together with 3 turnovers for a 1:1 assist-turnover ratio). It was not a great performance. If those two had great games, then the Magic would have lost by double digits.

Ray Allen shot poorly from downtown again, just 0/5 on threes (that’s 0/10 in his last two games, I believe). And he scored a grand total of 12 points (no FT, either).
Boston’s bench was MIA. Just two points!
Glen “Big Baby” Davis had a good game (9/14 FG) but was just 3/8 on FT, way below his average.
Orlando shot 40% on FG, bad but not far from the 43% of its Game 1 win. It’s not as if the Magic shot really badly. Their 3-pt shooting was abysmal (19%) but they still made 4 more treys than the Celtics (10%)—that’s 12 more points.
Boston had 5 more turnovers than Orlando and 4 less assists.
Howard and Lewis both had good games, especially #12. You can say they canceled out PP and Rondo.

by LibNat on May 11, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

All that's great, but the Magic still lost.

I agree Orlando should have won, but the team didn’t.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we are about even then

because despite being up 28 points in game 1, the Magic really didn’t finish that game out well enough to feel good about the win

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" Henry V

by Jeff Clark on May 11, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

In the playoffs and win is a win. You take what you can get

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly.

i wouldn’t mind beating C’s in game 7,let them choose statistics and percentages

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll gladly take a similar result:

Boston almost winning despite poor play in Game 1 followed by a bounceback in Game 2….so I’ll gladly let things even out again with Orlado having a bounceback after nearly winning Game 4 despite a poor performance. ;-)

by Lee for three on May 11, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Both teams struggled, hence the close score

If one had team had played great and the other team poorly, then the score obviously wouldn’t have been so close.

There was at least one unexpected positive for the Magic: Dwight shot 7/10 from the line.

And oh I forgot to say that BenQ’s recap was again good.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i keep seeing orlando fans say

orlando gave the game away…i have to disagree…boston was up 9 late…boston missed 9 FT’s..they make those and it isn’t even close…boston goes 1-10 from 3…2 bench points…more turnovers…so as bad as orlando played…boston did also…don’t see how you think orlando gave the game away…so it isn’t like the C’s were setting the court on fire

by celticinorlando on May 11, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

don't expecting of you to read all our posts,so...

here is what we came up with.
orlando had a bad game,but boston wasn’t shining either.
we agreed on boston being a better team in that game,especially at perimeter.
we agreed that blame goes on few of magic players,and maybe coach(but that’s our POV,and we can’t hear his opinion).
bottomline: we aren’t underestimating celtics. not now,not ever.
respect.

by Dzogi on May 11, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Magic didn't execute like the team did in Game 3. That's on the Magic.

.. hats off the Celtics for winning, but that’s the reality of the situation.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

If we would have attacked the basket more often we would have won. Simple as that.

Jon Barry is not that bad.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I must agree. But I fear the boomerang effect. What if all those 3's fall in?

I’m not betting on game 5, no way…..

ps: Jon Barry is that bad ;)

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 6:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Barry isn't admired by most of this community, heh.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That signature made my day, you rock

by jyrecelts on May 11, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hah. Thanks, bud.

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

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 11, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barry is a pretty good color guy

He’s been in and around the league for a while, and he gets playoff games for a reason. It’s not like he’s carrying any star power.

No offense, but NBA veteran color guys generally get crap from this community. Not an insult, it just is what it is. Same goes with Kenny and Charles who do a really good job.

Glen Davis hates children.

by magic fanatic on May 11, 2009 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

omg your signature :D love it

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 11, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

truth

Glen Davis hates children.

by magic fanatic on May 12, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, sick sig

what about that kid wearing the #23 Cavs jersey jumping up and down after Big Baby won the game with his shot? that’s just messed up. Someone wearing a Cavs jersey celebrating a Celtics win at a Magic home game. I don’t get it.

by LibNat on May 12, 2009 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he was sitting next to a kid in a Lakers jersey too

brats, the lot of ’em

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 12, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barry's horrible

His information’s wrong a larger than acceptable amount of the time (not subject to interpretation, not subjective, just flat-out wrong). He’s more obvious than most in having favorite teams, and it colors his commentary to an excessive amount.

Charles, on the other hand, amuses me. He’s not a great deep analyst, but his commentary on individual players is usually fairly good, and his bluntness is something I enjoy.

Kenny’s also decent at understanding the game, but his personality irritates me.

"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."

by The Dark on May 12, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, color guys don't do their own research

especially former players. The info is handed to them by a team of ESPN researchers. From what I understand, ESPN research people hate their lives which may or may not affect the information you recieve.

Glen Davis hates children.

by magic fanatic on May 12, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs