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Orlando Magic 101, Boston Celtics 82

The Orlando Magic gunned their way past the Boston Celtics, 101-82, and into their third-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference finals. Orlando awoke from its series-long three-point-shooting slump by connecting on 13 treys in 21 attempts. Hedo Turkoglu led 5 Magic players in double-figure scoring with 25 points and 12 assists. Mickael Pietrus provided a huge lift off the bench with 17 points (3-of-3 from deep) in 24 minutes. A foul-plagued Dwight Howard nonetheless managed to anchor the Magic's defense with 14 defensive boards and 5 blocked shots; he chipped in with 2 offensive rebounds and 12 points on the other end of the floor. It was an all-around great effort from Orlando, which led throughout and closed out a tired Boston team with a 35-21 final period.

TeamPaceEfficiencyeFG%FT RateOReb%TO Rate
Magic88114.660.7%22.99.118.2
Celtics93.241.9%27.017.914.8

The first six-plus minutes set the tone for the rest of the game, as Orlando jumped out to a 19-9 lead. The Magic's made field goals during that stretch, in order: a three-pointer by Rafer Alston, a three-pointer by Hedo Turkoglu, a dunk by Dwight Howard, another dunk by Howard, a pull-up jumper by Alston, a three-pointer by Rashard Lewis, a floater by Alston, and yet another dunk by Howard. It was Magic basketball at its finest, with the offense making smart decisions leading to either easy dunks for Howard or open three-balls for his teammates. The nature of most of those baskets--three-pointers and dunks--also helped to take the Celtics' crowd out of the game.

The defense wasn't too shabby, either. Boston shot poorly against the Magic, who had the benefit of usually being able to set their defense after their own made baskets. Ray Allen managed to get hot--one of my biggest fears--with 13 first-half points on his way to 23 for the game, but Paul Pierce's disappearing act (4-of-13, 16 points) might have killed Boston's chances. For the Celtics to win tonight, both he and Allen had to have tremendous games in order to offset the Magic's brilliant shooting. He didn't, and his team lost.

There's really not enough I can say about the Magic's effort tonight that would do it justice. They responded to every Celtic rally, showing signs of the resiliency that made them one of the league's best road teams in each of the past two seasons. No signs of the "Masters of Panic" here. Tonight, it was all business.

An emphatic example of this team shutting the door on the defending champions: after Allen hit a three-pointer to bring Boston to within 12 points with 4:20 to play--again, the game was largely Orlando's to lose at this point, but the shot gave the Celtics momentum, to be sure--Turkoglu answered with a three-pointer of his own, a real dagger. Kendrick Perkins turned the ball over on Boston's ensuing possession. Turk twisted the dagger a bit more after Perkins' turnover, drilling a tough, off-balance 20-footer from the left basline to put Orlando up 17 with 3:28 to play. That was it. He earned back, with interest, every free-agency dollar he potentially lost with his pedestrian play in the first 12 games of the playoffs.

What more is there to say? The Magic defied the odds in rallying back from a 3-2 series deficit against the defending champions, who had been 32-0 in such situations in franchise history. They're 4 wins away from the NBA Finals despite being without the services of their second-best player for almost half the season. Absolutely reason to celebrate in Orlando.

The Eastern Conference Finals begin this Wednesday in Cleveland against the well-rested Cavaliers, who swept their first 8 playoff games, winning each by double-digits. Passing them won't be easy. Then again, that's what most people said about defeating the Celtics in a Game 7 in Boston.

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Comments

Display:

Not sweting on this side!

Orlando have send a msg! We are good went we want to!
Now they know that htis is it!!
We are gona play our best and will bring the nightmare that we gave to the cavs went they loss for the 1st time in the house. It was us there nightmare and they are gona wake up looking at the finals on tv ; )

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)

by Aleta on May 18, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

We'll see.

The Magic can’t afford to be inconsistent against the Cavaliers.

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 18, 2009 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just posted this in the post-game thread, but I thought it needed some more exposure...

ESPN states the Magic set the record for highest 3-point % by a road team in game 7 in NBA history with 61.9%. They only trailed the ’05 Spurs who shot 63.6% at home for all time 3-point % in game 7!

Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!

by malars on May 18, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Impressive.

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 18, 2009 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

MAGIC BITCHES!!!!

Its a celebration!

"My features are that of a god, its not a facade these rappers wanna be NaS"- Nasir Jones QB's Finest

Kristin Kreuk is teh love.

Still miss em: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvgVn0gg1E

by Wasabi Steak on May 18, 2009 1:09 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Charlie Murphy!

What did the 5 fingers say to the face? SLAP, Boston!

by GuapoDCole on May 18, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a celebration, but can't celebrate for too long.

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 18, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you, Eddy!

I read the article “How to get pumped for game 7”. At the time I was in my office, growing more and more nervous by the hour. I thought about it and decided to go to a new bar/restaurant that I always wanted to try out. I left work, threw on my Magic hat and checked it out. Everything fell into place beautifully, from the Magic victory to the 100% Magic fanbase, even down to the cute waitress. Forget about the pouring rain, this was easily my best night this year!

by GuapoDCole on May 18, 2009 1:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No problem.

Glad you were able to enjoy a nice night out.

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 18, 2009 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its Good To Be Back! Lets Make this the first of many...

We thought we had our names reserverd for a tablein the mid 90. Lets make it a Reality from here on out. 20th Season the Most Memorible thus Far…and It aint Over

by ends on May 18, 2009 1:24 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Watching Dane Cook...

“Sometimes you need to take the low road, it feels good.”

Screw the Celtics. I hate them and their ENTIRE fanbase. I’m glad Orlando beat them by 19 on their floor.

I’ve said all season that beating Boston was Orlando’s biggest challenge. Now that we’ve gotten past this roadblock, I believe we will be the 2009 NBA Champions. We’ve always matched up well against Cleveland. We have a better team than Denver and L.A. Let’s get the preparty started in Cleveland.

I still hate Glen Davis

by magic fanatic on May 18, 2009 1:31 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Can't get too ahead of ourselves.

Orlando has a ton of work to do .. Cleveland is going to pose as a tough challenge.

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 18, 2009 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

of course

But I think this team will win. I honestly don’t think the Cavs are a great team. I don’t think any team in the league this year (or last year) has been great. We create a lot of matchup problems for them, it won’ be a cake walk but Orlando will win.

I still hate Glen Davis

by magic fanatic on May 18, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, we'll see what happens.

I don’t agree but that’s okay.

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 18, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not being negative.

.. I’m just being cautiously optimistic and realistic.

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 18, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

well,let us keep it that way

ER,me and few others weren’t giving orlando a tiniest chance in game 7… and look what happened.
so,let us think the same about our series vs cavs,i say :))))))

by Dzogi on May 19, 2009 6:56 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Word.

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 19, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Magic-Cavaliers Series 7-Point Analysis

How SWEEEET it is!

The Bianchi strategy worked! After we put them down with critical articles, the Magic responded by playing the most energetic, disciplined game of the year, just like Bianchi had said.

This has got to be the most significant sporting achievement I have ever witnessed after covering them for over 40 years!

Gone is all that talk of Orlando folding at critical moments; of us being SOFT on defense. Orlando limited Boston to 75 and 82 points in the final two games. And even allowing Allen to score over 20 points, which MANY “so-called-EXPERTS” had pointed as a DECIDING factor in game 7, even with this, you know what…? IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE! Howard scored “ONLY” 12 points; Lee, our second leading scorer in the first round, scored “only” 3 points. And you know what…? IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE!

The TRUTH is Orlando has just TOO MANY WEAPONS, TOO MANY ALTERNATIVES, INSIDE AND OUT! The Magic were just two shot short of breaking the ALL-TIME 3-POINT SHOTS MADE IN A PLAYOFF SERIES!
 
Now, as some of you have already pointed out, the naysayers are starting again; stating categorically that the Cleveland will sweep the Magic! Boy, are they obtuse and blind! ANYONE who makes an OBJECTIVE analysis of this coming series will come to the following conclusions:

1. The Cleveland Cavaliers have an even BIGGER matchup problem with the Magic that Boston had. They have LeBron James, with his 30-35 points per game. He WILL score a bunch… BUT, for the first time in these playoffs, he’ll have to REALLY work and toil for those points. The Magic defense will make it very HARD on him. Again, he WILL score… BUT he will be contained.
2. Williams is an All-Star point guard, with great 3-point accuracy, BUT he WILL have the hardest time finding ANY SPACE to shoot those, with Courtney Lee in his face for 35 to 40 minutes!
3. Cleveland has NO ANSWER for Rashard Lewis, both in terms of height, speed AND accuracy! Plus, he’s a great defender. Nuf’ said.
4. Dito for Turk on the other side. No matchup there either!
5. We come to the MAIN EVENT: Cleveland has NO ONE TO MATCHUP WITH Howard; NO PERKINS-LIKE PLAYER to push and contain the MOST DOMINANT CENTER AND DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR in the NBA. Boo boo… I’m afraid this means 25 to 30 points per game; enough to COUNTER most of LeBron’s efforts. And guess what…? He’s making those free throws now!
6. The Orlando Magic have one of the DEEPEST benches in the NBA, with defensive specialists like Mickael Pietrus and the great 7-foot Gortat, as well as some excellent all-around role-players like Johnson, J.J. Redick and Battie. When Gortat comes in for Dwight, the Magic suddenly become faster and more agile. If you don’t believe me, just look at what happened in the fourth quarter, when Howard committed his fourth foul; Gortat came in for him… and the lead shot up from 11 to 20 points! NO CONTEST HERE EITHER!
7. Stan Van Gundy: The man is a tactical genius, full of energy and wisdom. And his Blackboard is now legendary!

That’s it; this is my 7-point analysis for the Magic-Cavaliers series… what do YOU have?

by manny55 on May 18, 2009 1:35 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Damn, that's a lot to wrap my head around

Gonna enjoy this win (and somehow sleep) before I get deep into the next series.

I still hate Glen Davis

by magic fanatic on May 18, 2009 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good points

Cleveland doesn’t have anyone like Perkins to give Dwight problems defensivley. I expect Dwight to put up monster numbers in this series.

by pjlawrence81 on May 18, 2009 2:08 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

agreed on most points,BUT...

we knew all that before we started series vs celtics. We were expected to get them much easier,remember our predictions? and it turned out to be 7 game series,unnecesserily by my humble opinion.
we are a GREAT team,but there is little something that prevents us to be perfect.
Nelson? could be…

by Dzogi on May 18, 2009 4:43 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was supose to be in 5!

We shoot ourself in the foot TWICE!!!
Thats why this series went to game 7. Thats why the started to play went been 3-2 down. Tha Celtics were no match up for us! We need to learn that we have to play with intensity and do your job. Went Howard went to the bench, we dint loss a noch and kept driling boston.
As i said, no sweting on this side, cause the cavs are just a lot of smoke and bell, made by espn, the greatest(?) analizers of the game LOL

I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)

by Aleta on May 18, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

On the plus side

We now have a Game 7 win under our belt, and experience with that sort of must win pressure. Can’t hurt us long term.

by eltharion_doa on May 18, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cavaliers aren't a lot of "smoke and bell" .. I think you mean mirrors. Anyways.

Cleveland is a legitimate team and it starts with LeBron James. Don’t be mistaken, though. The supporting cast for the Cavs is solid; that’s why he team is in the current position it’s in.

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 18, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cavs in 5, maybe 6

 Magic may have Howard but he will be defending a jump shooter in Ilgauskas, which will open the lane for Lebron to attack the rim, repeatedly. Ray Allen had a subpar series against the Magic, he doesn’t really create of the dribble, whereas Mo Williams and Delonte West definitely can. Cavs might can get away with single coverage vs. Howard, but the Magic can’t use that strategy vs. Lebron, he’s too good a shooter and passer. Big factor at this point is fatigue vs. rust. It seemed like the Celtics just ran out of gas after their second 7 game series. Cleveland’s been off to heal and pretty much watch the entire Orlando/Boston series and their bench isnt that bad and have plenty of big men to bang with Howard, like Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Anderson Varejao and Lorenzen Wright. Let’s not forget the have scorers like Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. The Celtics are nowhere near the defensive team the Cavs are, so 3s wont come easy. If the Magic don’t steal a game in Cleveland, which I doubt,the series goes 5, if they can the series maybe goes 6 but that’s a big maybe…Anyway Go Nuggets!!!

by mizzo2876 on May 18, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, SVG isn't smart enough to switch Howard to Varejo instead of Big Z on defense? Right....

Single cover Dwight all day, he will abuse you! The Cavs don’t have a Kendrick Perkins who can muscle Dwight out of his spot, so I don’t see anyone stopping Dwight from dominating the paint. Also, I have a feeling Mo Williams will be guarded by Courtney Lee, our best perimeter defender, which will hopefully nullify the Cavs second best player. That will leave Dwight and the rest of the sqaud from keeping Lebron from penetrating, making him a jump shooter which falls right into our hands! Also, I’m not sure fatigue is really a factor with our team, and your team showed that rust isn’t really a factor either. You obviously didn’t watch any games between the teams over the past two years. This is a matchup nightmare for Cleveland. Cleveland, don’t get too overconfident or it will be your downfall!

Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!

by malars on May 18, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Howard will foul out every game with that strategy.

Something tells me LeBron is not going to shy away from attacking the rim even with Howard in. He’ll just take the and one all day. If Lee is on Mo, then West, who in the playoffs has been their second best player, will be guarded by who, Reddick? I’ll take that LeBron will gaurd Hedo, so I doubt he’ll be as effective. They will have matchup problems with Howard, but they have 4 bodies that can at least cause him some problems. Cleveland’s D is much better than Boston’s, and the Magic were taken to 7 by a Celtics team that was old, worn down and shallow off the bench. Cleveland is healthy, rested and deep. I’m not saying it’ll be a cakewalk, but I don’t see the Magic getting by the Cavs. I would also much rather have Mike Brown coaching than SVG. There’s a reason this blog is called 3rd Quarter Collapse. The Cavs don’t do that.

by Delonte's Inferno on May 18, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Magic are 55-6 when leading after the third quarter.

.. the complete antithesis of this site’s name.

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 18, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That name most likely came long before SVG as the Magic collapsing in the third quarter was not something new to SVG led teams! It's been a problem for a while now...

If Lebron were so keen on taking it to the rack for the And-1, why did he shy away from the paint and turn into a jump shooter practically every other time the Cavs faced the Magic over the past couple of years? Curious how you think that all of a sudden, Lebron is going to change his tendencies and that Dwight is somehow going to have problems defending, especially when I said he would be the head of the team help defense against Lebron. Also, I agree that your defense is better than the current version of the Celtics, but I still think they are overrated. Just because they had the league’s lowest opponent PPG (which I think is more about offensive pace rather than defensive strength), they weren’t as good in several more important categories to both the Magic and Celtics! Mike Brown? Seriously? He’s a good coach, but his Coach of the Year was more predicated on Lebron James than Mike Brown!

Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!

by malars on May 18, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, and regarding your comment about who would guard Delonte, you must not watch too many Magic games.

Just because JJ was starting last round, that was just him keeping CLee’s spot warm for him while he was adjusting to the mask and absolutely shutting down Eddie House, so he’ll be guarding Mo Williams or West depending on who has the hot hand, and our PGs (Alston and Anthony Johnson) will be able to handle the other guard. I doubt JJ will see much PT this series, as that has been the trend in all three previous games against the Cavs this season.

Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!

by malars on May 18, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lorenzen Wright? He's not playing in the playoffs.

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 18, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

A great fourth quarter for the Magic

In that final quarter, the Magic shot 10 of 15 from the field, including 3 of 4 from three point range, and 12 of 13 from the free throw line, while the Celtics shot just 7 of 18 from the field, including 2 of 8 from three point range, and 5 of 8 from the free throw line.

Great job by all the players and coaching staff on the Magic.

I know I said before this series started that it would be impossible for the Magic to win a Game 7 in Boston; never before in my life am I so glad that I was proven wrong about something!

Should be a great series against the Cavaliers, and could go 7 games.

"Chicago Blackhawks... One Goal... the Stanley Cup"

by Mike from Illinois on May 18, 2009 3:08 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Orlando finished the job this time. Nice to see.

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 18, 2009 3:15 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm glad this one wasn't a nail biter

Close games are more memorable, but it is nice to occasionally have those games where the Magic have complete control from start to finish (I still didn’t feel safe until Doc Rivers took Pierce and Allen out though).

Boston put up a tremendous series, and Big Baby played himself into a very nice contract. Now I’m looking forward to see how the Magic will match up with Cleveland in the next round.

Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek

by funny80sguy on May 18, 2009 3:37 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Should be exciting.

Can’t wait to see how the ECF’s unfold.

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 18, 2009 3:49 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're still up?

Isn’t it like 3:00 or 4:00 where you’re at?

Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek

by funny80sguy on May 18, 2009 3:53 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I stay up late.

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 18, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

school over for you up there?

my friend at the University of Chicago is still in classes because they’re on the quarter system instead of semesters. I think she’s almost done, though. I just proofed her master’s thesis.

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 18, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Almost. I graduate in the middle of June.

.. at which point I’ll come back to Orlando and relax until grad school starts.

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 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

awesome, congrats! :D

you’re going to a different school for grad right?

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 18, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

Yeah, I’m going to Northwestern to continue my journalism studies.

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 18, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks. Yeah, I'm real excited to attend NW.

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 18, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

I wasn’t that impressed with Davis. To me, he looked like a tweener — too big and slow to play SF, not nearly enough rebounding ability to play PF. He was an effective scorer, more so vs. Chicago than vs. Orlando, but the overall effect was somewhat Eddy Curry-esque. Not that that’s the worst thing — with a better attitude, Eddy Curry would have a place in this league. But I suspect that place would be off the bench.

Now, the Celtic who I really thought came alive this postseason was Perkins. 11.6 rebounds per game, 2.6 blocks… those are serious NBA center numbers from a guy who was a bit borderline in the regular season. (Granted, he also played 7 more MPG…) Granted, he didn’t quite keep up with Howard… 17 rebounds per game! Those are Dennis Rodman numbers. But as the soccer fans say, there’s only one Dwight Howard.

…not that it matters. I’m sure the Celtics can figure out their own situation.

by 3.3seconds on May 18, 2009 5:07 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perkins had a great series.

I was impressed with his play.

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 18, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does this mean people will stop trying to act like Stan isn't a great coach?

Because seriously, if you believe in “clutch”… that was as clutch a fourth quarter as we’ve seen in recent memory. Like, from any team. Magic came into the 4th with a 5-point lead, and honestly, that game was over by the 6-minute mark. The Celtics COULD theoretically have gotten back in, but only theoretically.

You can talk about winning games with a last-minute shot, but unless that team was way down late and recovered into the position to win with a shot, that’s just one shot. And if they were way down and have to recover, why were they way down and had to recover? The Magic got up there, they stayed up there, and they closed the thing out in the 4th.

And might I point out they did it the same way they’ve done it all season — they shot the 3, they forced the opposition to take contested shots, and Dwight controlled the paint. They executed. Simple as that..

by 3.3seconds on May 18, 2009 4:48 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That's the word I've been harping on with the Magic.

The team finally came through and executed almost flawlessly last 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 18, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Orlando learned its lesson from Game 4.

.. and closed out the game this time around.

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 18, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Once again, congrats to Orlando.

Your team delivered in the 4th when it was supposed to fold, and it won in Boston in a game 7. I think it’s a memorable performance, even though I was disappointed at the Celtics effort on defense last night.

Now, I truly think that the Magic can beat Cleveland. You have a good bench, a good starting lineup and some favorable matchups. Your team showed that it can play good D, is efficient on the road and is able to stay efficient in the clutch.

Good luck for the ECF, and please beat Cleveland, I can’t stand this team and I think that you have the only remaining that can really beat them (maybe along with Denver).

by Drucci on May 18, 2009 5:17 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for the kind words.

Heck of a series between Orlando and Boston. It was fun and nerve-wracking to watch.

GL in the off-season and beyond.

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 18, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good series

As a Celtics fan, I would like to extend congratulations to you Orlando fans. I envy you guys for having more basketball to watch. You guys match up well against Cleveland, and I believe you will give them their first battle. Bring it like you did last night!

"I don't hate anyone, at least not for more than 48 minutes, barring overtime."
-Sir Charles Barkley

by Major-Tom on May 18, 2009 7:06 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No doubt.

Appreciate the props .. Orlando should give Cleveland a real test in the ECF’s.

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 18, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So impressed

Hedo—making his money. Peaches-Stone Cold Killa. Skip – way to keep a level head. I said back before game 6 that I was hoping that game 5 and the resulting media frenzy would hopefully prove to be a catalyst to propel the Magic into capital C contenders. Awesome, awesome to see EVERYONE chip in with little or big things. Beautiful. I love the lessons we learned as a team and am anxious to see if we can continue to apply them to an even tougher opponent. This had to be a helluva confidence booster. One thing I’m fairly confident about: this is the end of Cavaliers winning by double digits each game. Hopefully, haha. Go Magic!

by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 18, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Stone Cold Killa

He was so consistent in this series, a word rarely used with him. Our most valuable player in this series.

I still hate Glen Davis

by magic fanatic on May 18, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Peaches had a great series.

.. he played well nearly each 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 18, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great to see.

Hope he stays in the groove. Should see more PT.

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on May 18, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are we talking about Pietrus??

  If so i agree that we don’t win the series without he contribution…a nice surprise. I hadn’t hear Peaches as a nickname for him…thats pretty funny..lol:)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a great learning experience for the team.

.. the Magic really benefit from a series like this against the Celtics.

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 18, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

SVG:

“I am going to panic enjoy this one until I get on the plane tonight and start watching film.”

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 18, 2009 8:45 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL

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 18, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh can't forget:

How awesome was Gortat reenacting his tattoo?? LOL

by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 18, 2009 8:47 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Gortat laid the hammer

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 18, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that was sick.

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 18, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Loved watching Gortat...

…doing the Micheal Jordan!! They should send him a poster!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe you can get a free Lexus out of the deal.

I mean…your big time now, you got your media pass, access to the locker room, references from Goukas, Players checking in on you.

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

by UNFNOLE on May 18, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't mind getting a Lexus IS 300.

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 18, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

only three words

Thank you Magic

congrats, it will be a nice ECF series

http://sixers4guidos.wordpress.com/

by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on May 18, 2009 9:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

No doubt.

Thanks for the well wishes.

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 18, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey I called it, man

totally said Magic in 7 on that poll. I’m magical!

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 18, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You're psychic.

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 18, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am!

starting a new business, guys: 1-800-Miss-Squid. I’ll even talk in a bad accent for you!

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on May 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can we call you Cleo?

"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 18, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So What

Celtics ran out of gas and the Magic had better, healthier players. With KG and Powe healthy, we’d probably be talking about game 3 of the Cavs/ Celtics series instead of Orlando battling a depleted team..

by mizzo2876 on May 18, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

YAWN!

Lame excuse. Orlando has been without Jameer Nelson since before the All-Star break. Injuries happen, especially to teams that went all out to buy superstars over the age of 30.

Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.

by North of the South on May 18, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

A tired excuse.

Being without an all-star like Jammer who was the team leader is harder to overcome. The Magic deserve all the credit.

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on May 18, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there something in the Boston water...

…that keeps Boston fans from taking defeat gracefully WITHOUT excuses??

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Congrats from a Pistons fan

Orlando showed real mental, as well as physical toughness last night, pulling away from the Celtics in Boston in the 4th quarter of a game 7. Especially impressive given Howard’s foul situation. Hedo and Pietrus were clutch.

Good luck against the Cavs. I hope Detroit can re-tool enough by next year so the Pistons and Magic can renew their rivalry.

by Toledo Joe on May 18, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Believe me I was praying the Magic to avoid Detroit in the 1st round.

I know this year’s Pistons was not the same team without Billups, but as a Magic fan, you don’t want to see the Pistons in the playoffs.

Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.

by North of the South on May 18, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If we don't win it

I’d love to see Billups get another ring with Denver.

Only because it’d have ESPN crying into their beer for six months after neither of the Greatest Players on Earth won a title.

by eltharion_doa on May 18, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hah.

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 18, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like I said in an earlier thread, I'm hoping for an Orlando-Denver Finals

ESPN may have executives keeling over from shock

"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 18, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If that were the Finals, Orlando vs. Denver, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided not to broadcast it.

Instead they would air highlight reels of how great were the seasons of the Cavs and Lakers.

Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.

by North of the South on May 18, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry..

…but Chauncey still gives me nightmares…i don’t want to see him in any playoff game!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No doubt.

The ECF’s should be epic. Thanks for stopping by and showing some love.

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 18, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Stan's the Man Once Again!!

 I have to say i have been one of the one’s here on SVG’s case during the playoffs but i have to give credit where credit is due. Stan coached a perfect game last night. Perfect. I have been a Magic fan since the concept was first brought up in 1987 and i have to tell you i have never seen the Magic play a game as good against as good an opponent in as crucial a circumstance, that being a Game 7 on the road inBoston no less against the defending champs. No not even our blowout at home in Game 7 against Reggie Miller’s Pacers(which is why he hates us so much btw) was as impressive…and i was there for that one! Dwight and the Magic’s defense was incredible and flawless except for the one time Hedo did stay with Ray Allen on the switch with JJ. The offense was incredible!! They ran there offensive sets the entire game!! The 3 poinetrs where coming as a result of passes out of the offense and not from some one-on-one step back 3 with the shot clock running down!! Micheal Pietrus PASSED UP an open 3 to pass to a man cutting the lane…i almost freaked!!! They learned from Game 5 and stayed in their offense the entire game and Boston never really had a chance…and halfway through the 4th they knew it.!! So props to Stan for having a great gameplan and coming through BIG when it counted the most. Can we please START C. Lee now that Ray Allen is fishing tho???

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

To Celtics fans...since i am not allowed on their blog for being a bad boy....lol..

I just wanted to give props to the Celtics team for being a very worthy opponent and ultimately for teaching the Magic something about themselves that will ultimately help them as they take Lebron and the Cavs on in the next round. Alot of people..including some Celtics fans… are discounting the fact the Celtics team we beat was under-manned injured and tired and that it was only the EC semi-finals and not something greater. But the bottom line is that the Boston Celtics were the defending NBA champs and in my opinion you can never BE THE CHAMPS until you BEAT THE CHAMPS and for us to overcome Boston and its still great talent and vaunted history…even in a sometimes ugly 7 game series…was a tremendous mental victory for us more than anything else. And we thank you for not making it easy, as it will aptly prepare us for anything the Cavs can they at us. Make no mistake, Orlando does not fear the Cavs as much as we feared playing you guys without home court advantage. Even Lebron tipped his hand saying that he wanted to play the Celtics…knowing that they match up much worse against us as they did in the regular season. Cleveland may have their rest (or rust), but we are much more grateful to have our "swag" no small thanks to this very tough series and to you Celtics…a most formidable opponent!!

We will look forward to your Celtics being at full strength next year and testing ourselves again to see if we are worthy of whatever playoff success we have from here on in. I promise we will do whatever we can to derail the Lebron World Takeover Train for at least another year. And don’t worry about Kobe…if we get that far…he already knows we have his number. The only fear the this team has let is Magic killer Chauncy Billups, and hopefully the Lakers will take care of that for us.

On comment on the game and the future of the Celtics from an opposing viewpoint. If Garnett had been healthy and played..i doubt we would have would they way we played…terrible at times…but i think as the have done all year the Magic only play great when the challenge is great…and i think not facing KG was a letdown for them as well…and it showed at times. Boston clearly played harder in the series with the exception of the last 2 games i think. But i also what would the impact of KG play have been on Rondo who clearly gave everyone fits in the playoffs this year…when he felt like it that is. I think the future of the Celtics largely depends more on Rondo’s development more than anything. He’s almost like Dwight in that is so obviously physically gifted…that he seems to coast sometimes we he could be dominating the game at both ends. All along Magics fans were hoping that Boston would settle for jumps shot instead of continuing to drive the lane and get calls against us…but the never did. I also felt that Rondo and Pierce took Allen out of his game as much as Reddick or Lee did…more interested in getting their shot off one-on-one than waiting for Allen to get open. I think honestly….outside of Dwight…Perkins may be the best defensive center in the league and Dwight could learn a thing or 2 from Perk on the offensive side as well…great find for Boston there!! I will be interested to see if KG is the same talent after his surgery as before..and if Big Baby’s break run in the playoffs will do more to hurt Boston next year than to help them if it causes him to be too pricey for Boston to keep both him and Powe since they play the same position behind KG. Without Garnett, Pierce was truly the only one on the Celtics who could consistently create his own shot and felt like some Celtics fans than he should have just tried to take over as he has in the past. I suppose the determined Magic double teams had something to do with it…but he’s been double teams his whole career…he just seemed tired…worn out…possible hurt. Anyways…great series…tremendous stepping stone for our side mentally…hope to see you guy back at full strength next year to reclaim what possible may be ours same time next year. Till then….

 Perhaps you could relay this on the Celtics Blog ERivera…since you are so cosy with them over there…thanks:)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 18, 2009 4:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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