Orlando Magic 107, Cleveland Cavaliers 106
by Ben Q Rock on May 21, 2009 3:18 AM EDT
in 2008/2009 Recaps
155 comments
Led by Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, the Orlando Magic rallied from a 15-point halftime deficit to shock the Cleveland Cavaliers, 107-106, and take a 1-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic's versatile forwards combined to score the team's last 17 points, with Lewis' three-pointer over Anderson Varejao with 14 seconds left providing the final margin. The Magic withstood what John Krolik of Cavs: The Blog argues might be a career-best performance from LeBron James. The league MVP finished with 49 points (20-of-30 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range), 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, and only 2 turnovers in 41 fatigue-inducing minutes. He and Varejao were the only Cavaliers to impress. In contrast, Orlando got more balanced production, and its bench outscored the Cavaliers', 25-5.
| Team | Pace | Efficiency | eFG% | FT Rate | OReb% | TO Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic | 86 | 125.0 | 60.9% | 15.4 | 24.2 | 15.2 |
| Cavaliers | 123.3 | 53.4% | 13.6 | 22.2 | 9.3 |
I'm really not sure where to start with a game like this. The Magic looked like they were about to get steamrolled in the first half, as the Cavs got whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it, wherever they wanted it. Varejao set the tone by scoring the Cavs' first 6 points, all as a direct result of sneaking free along the baseline for layups. Cleveland tuned-up the Magic with 63 first-half points. Mo Williams hit a three-pointer from near his own foul line as time expired, appearing to give the Cavs momentum.
On the other end, Dwight Howard was the only Magic player who could get it going offensively, with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the first half. He must be happy to see Zydrunas Ilgauskas lining up across from him after having to tangle with the smaller, stronger, and bulkier Kendrick Perkins in the last round. Howard used his significant speed advantage to score around Big Z, who sagged a few feet off Howard and still managed to get beat every time. Lewis and Turkoglu combined for only 10 field-goal attempts in the first half as Cleveland did an admirable job chasing them off the three-point line.
After halftime, it was as though the teams traded places. Suddenly, the Magic were the ones moving the ball well, while the Cavs were the ones relying on one man to do it all. James, who somehow always seems to get his otherwise spotty jumper going against Orlando, indeed did about as much as he could. But on the whole their offense stagnated, with little-to-no ball movement. The Magic, meanwhile, worked the ball inside to Howard, and looked to involve Lewis and Turkoglu in the offense more often. It worked. They never seized the lead in the period, but trimmed the deficit from 15 to 4 heading into the final frame. All they could have asked for at halftime was to give themselves a chance to win the game going into the 4th quarter. Well, they did that.
Anthony Johnson drilled a three-pointer from the left wing--off a pass from Turkoglu, who accounted for, via score or assist, 26 of Orlando's 29 fourth-period points--to give Orlando its first-ever lead with 10:06 to play. Cleveland called timeout and immediately put James back into the game. It was a roller-coaster ride from there until the final buzzer, when the Magic walked off the floor victorious, winning their second straight Game 1 on the road.
I have to admit--and in fact, I Tweeted as much when it happened--that I did not think the Magic would pull out the victory after James barreled his way into the lane, drew Howard's 6th foul, converted the layup high off the glass, and made the ensuing free throw. That made the score 106-104 in Cleveland's favor, and after the Magic timeout, the Cavaliers would have time to set their defense. Howard would not be in the game to draw defenders away from the three-point shooters. Ultimately, none of it mattered. The Magic moved the ball beautifully, but the outcome largely rested on Varejao's roaming on the p lay. For whatever reason, he lingered with Ilgauskas--who was defending Marcin Gortat--on the baseline when Turkoglu swung Lewis the ball on the right wing. Lewis gave a jab step, which Varejao bought, then elevated for the game-winning trey.
The Magic are not more talented than the Cavaliers, but tonight, they simply played smarter. They're more versatile, able to lean on Howard in the first half, with Lewis and Turkoglu coming up big in the second. The extent to which Cleveland adjusts defensively may determine the outcome of Game 2. The Cavs hang their hat on their defense, and they can't be happy to look at the boxscore and see Turkoglu's 15-point, 14-assist line, or Lewis' 22-points on 9-of-13 shooting. Given the way the Cavs' offense died in the second half, one wonders if they simply feel like they beat themselves, rather than the Magic beating them.
14 assists, incidentally, is a new playoff-career-high for Turkoglu. It best his previous total, 12, which he set in Game 7 of the Boston series.
Credit Orlando for gutting this one out, and credit the Magic's bench players for finding ways to contribute. Michael Pietrus continued his strong recent play, with 13 points and capable defense on James. Johnson, too, played great defense and even forced the younger, quicker Delonte West into a 24-second violation by relentlessly poking at the ball. The win was a result of every Magic player playing his role--although we'd like for Howard to manage more than 13 rebounds, and to block at least one shot, next time out. It's hard to complain about the offense. And, on most nights against the Cavaliers, when James' jumper isn't falling, the same sort of defensive effort will win games. Tremendous win. We'll see if they can build on it Friday.
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What a JOLT in the spine!
OH MY!
This has to be the BEST game I’ve seen in my life! A true BREATHLESS thriller to the last second.
There are sooo many things to point out… and of course, the pundits already are making up excuses for the Cavaliers… EXCUSES for the “favorite”!!!
They are already saying that Cleveland was "coming off its second extended layoff of the playoffs after sweeping Atlanta." –What a bunch of sore loosers! I hate people who just can’t take a defeat; must always try to "win" even at losing. They never accept their own mistakes, and NEVER give ANY credit to their rivals. Jeeez!
It’s IRRELEVANT. The TRUTH of the matter is:
1. There were TWO DIFFERENT Orlando teams in each half; a clone (first half) and the REAL Orlando Magic (second half).
2. The magic clones started with the energy of a zombie and the defensive posture of a mouse. They allowed all the wrong people to score… Verijao and West? REALLY..! And in the second quarter they allowed everyone AND their dog to score. It was like they were still cherishing their victory over Boston.
3. Cleveland SHOWED no ill effects from their EXTENDED LAYOFF; hitting a robust 51% from the field, and doing all the "little" things they do to be where they are. And LBJ was once again, the KING. But you know what? It was all IRRELEVANT!
4. When Orlando finally made a comeback, they just got lucky, and Mo Williams made an INCREDIBLE, once-in-a-lifetime shot from 80-feet at the buzzer! Accent on the once-in-a-lifetime part, or at the very best, once-in-a-series shot, because HE won’t be making another like that one… not in THIS series.
5. The first quarter witnessed some of the worst call, or should I say… lack of calls! ‘Nuf said…
6. The REAL Magic showed up in the second half and the rest is NOW HISTORY:
SVG got his plan in action, his players actually executed the plan, Verijao and West disappeared off the map, "Z" joined them in the Phantom Zone (where they’ll stay punished for all eternity… or for the duration of these playoffs), and of course, James continued to poured his numbers… 49 to be exact, Magic overcame a 15-point deficit, played with a true CHAMPION"S poise and won the game!
7. The Magic ARE now truly confident, and as for the Cavaliers… BE AFRAID… BE VERY AFRAID! For the Magic will NOT play another first quarter as bad as they played on this game; they KNOW there is NO lead they can’t overcome… NOT playing the Cavaliers! They KNOW their DEFENSE will beat Cleveland… whenever they choose to play. They KNOW their offense WILL come around eventually… in ANY given game, but ESPECIALLY when playing Cleveland. They KNOW they have a REAL TEAM behind, where EVERYONE contributes a little, for the good of the whole. Oh… and finally: We beat Cleveland… AT CLEVELAND!
PS: Guys! I actually hit on some of my pre-game numbers (as posted two days ago in the "Eight Keys For the Orlando Magic in Their Series Against the Cleveland Cavaliers" –Third Quarter Collapse), even the Magic’s final score, go take a look! HAVE to do it again, though each game requires readjustment due to constantly flowing conditions…
Unreal game
Living overseas, I stayed up late in bed to watch the game but fell asleep by the 1st half. I honestly thought Orlando had lost game, but what a pleasent suprise to wake up and see this.
Its still a tough series but we took homecout. Now lets keep it moving!
"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
Magic need to learn the lesson of Game 2 vs. the Celtics and not repeat the same result vs. the Cavs.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
You think you could actually try to act like the WON the game Mr. Negative..???
Geesshhh
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
The job's not over until the trophy's in Orlando
Until then, the goal is to win the next game, not celebrate the last game
"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."
Sorry..i guess i'm just a "Glass Half Full" kind of guy..:)
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, that's all I'm trying to say.
I’m not being negative, just trying to keep things in perspective and stay realistic.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
LeBron is awesome. No doubt 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
He can be the best!!
BUT ORLANDO IS THE BEST AS A TEAM!!
This is NOt a one man game!!
At the end, what we got is a LBJ crying with a blow zip on his nee. That was the cause of the loss!! LOL
What an MVP he is!!
I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)
BTW!!
He got 49 points, out of blow out calls!! from the refs!
Thats call home field adv!! They couldnt get it done!! LOL
What a joke!
I will see the Dolphins win a SUPER BOWL before i die(22 years and counting)
Cleveland actually got more fouls whistled against them than the Magic for the game
The Cavaliers were charged with 19 fouls, the Magic 15 fouls.
The Cavaliers had only a 17-14 edge in free throws attempted, even though a few of the calls against the Magic were debatable.
LeBron James was phenomenal, making 20 of 30 shots, many of them from the outside. He earned just about all his points.
"Why not us... why not now?"
by Mike from Illinois on May 21, 2009 5:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah… the refs can do a lot of things, none of which I think they were doing tonight, But they can’t make shots for LeBron.
Yeah, and we broke your damn shot clock too.
LBJ was filthy last night.
.. when he makes his jumpers, he becomes completely unstoppable.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
The refs were horrible
I’m not saying they favored anybody, but they did a poor job last night.
I still hate Glen Davis
by magic fanatic on May 21, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe so. In the end, there were more fouls against the Cavs but...
… that doesn’t mean that the refs didn’t call some phantom fouls against Orlando, or swallowed the whistle during some obvious fouls made by Cleveland. Thankfully, despite the close game, it didn’t prevent the Magic from winning. Bad officiating is something the Magic has to be prepared to deal with from this point foward.
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
by North of the South on May 21, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd be interested to see ....
if anyone has a stat as to how many jump shots the Cavs took compared to the Magic and then compare that to the fouls. Bottom line is the Magic overcame EVERYTHING for an amazing win!! Go Magic!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
If you'd liike, you can take a look at the shot charts on ESPN and see.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Ken Mauer was absolutely horrendous last night. That was some horrible officiating right there!
Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
Oh, and apparently this (see below) is not a foul, but a clean block! Riiiiightttt...
Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
The thing that bugs me the most is that this is considered a clean play and there was a helluva lot more contact on this play that on Dwight's last two fouls!
Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
Everyone notes that was a bad call last night.
Every analyst I’ve heard or read today stated as much.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
During the telecast, Marvelous and Doug Collins were praising Lebron for his defense after that play and called it a clean block even after several replays ad nauseum!
Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
Yeah, I remember.
I tend to mute broadcasts for that reason.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
As bad as the first half was for the Magic...
The second half was terrific for them!
They outscored the Cavaliers 59-43 in that second half and made 23 of 39 from the field (just a shade under 60%).
Nice ball movement from the Magic throughout the game, with 32 assists.
Rafer Alston and Turk combined for a sparkling 22/3 assist/turnover ratio.
What a great comeback for the Magic… a total team effort!
"Why not us... why not now?"
by Mike from Illinois on May 21, 2009 4:47 AM EDT reply actions
Orlando played at its peak offensively in the second half.
The team did all the basic things on offense – attack the basket, dribble penetrate, pick & pop/roll, etc.
The Magic also pushed the tempo, which I felt was necessary against the Cavaliers, given the fact Cleveland is an excellent defensive team and Orlando can’t afford to let their opponent set up defensively.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
When the Magic are on top of their game...
No one can beat Them!!!!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
QUEEN JAMES has refused to take the last shot yet again.
Magic in 5. Hey rashard, that was a 20 million dollar three pointer right there, hehe ;)
Chicago: Where Derrick Rose happens
His teammates refused to step up
Late in the game, there were a few series where James was trying to get his teammates involved. James would pass it, the Cav would dribble for a bit then give it right back to LeBron with a few seconds to shoot. If the Magic continue to shut down Cavs’ #2-12 they should advance to the Finals.
We'll see.
.. even if Orlando shuts down the role players for Cleveland, it may not matter against LeBron.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Queen James? Really?
.. he didn’t refuse to take the last shot. Cleveland executed great ball movement to find a shot for Delonte West (who already nailed a go-ahead three a few possessions prior). Granted, I’m sure the Cavaliers wanted LeBron to take the shot but still not a bad idea. Definitely could have been worse ..
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I noticed that as well...
.of course it was rounded rebuffed by Cavs fans as he “trusts” his team mates…….and funny how you don’t hear a lot of critics bitching about overpaying Rashard now do you.??? Way to go Rashard…so glad to see him step up big in the 4th and to win the game!!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Rashard is overpaid
His talents aren’t worth what he’s being paid. Saying he’s overpaid, and saying Orlando shouldn’t have acquired him are 2 different things, IMO.
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.....
Hornets fan here.
I predicted that the Magic would win in six, and my prediction is looking good so far. I have no idea why so many Cleveland fans thought this would be easy, when the Magic dominated the Cavs in the regular season.
Eh, regular season means almost nothing.
Playoffs are a different animal and should be treated as a separate entity.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I just don’t think that’s true… they’re the same players, playing the same game. There’s a few differences in terms of preparation, and no back-to-backs, and a lot of teams will shorten their rotations, but other than that, it’s the same game. If Howard can get around Ilgauskas in the regular season, or Hedo can’t guard LeBron, or Gibson is an unreliable outside shooter, that’s still true now.
Yeah, and we broke your damn shot clock too.
That's why I said it means almost nothing.
It all depends on the matchup and situation.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Do you have statistics to back up this assertion?
Hollinger today: “Game 1 provided an important lesson: We should pay attention to regular-season matchups, particularly when they’re as one-sided as they were between these two teams.” http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090521
Intuitively, it seems like regular-season game should be indicative of later (including playoff) head-to-head performance. They’re not everything, of course, because the sample size is small, level of effort is different, etc. But unless you have empirical support, I think your words “almost nothing” are off the mark.
by gift of the magi on May 21, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I can try to look into it extensively, but that would be beyond my power.
I said it all depends on the matchup and situation. Not sure how “almost nothing” is off the mark when it invites the possibility of a link being sustained. Granted, only one game has been played so it’s tough to tell whether this is a recurring trend (like Magic/Pistons) or not. This is the first game these two teams have played each other in the playoffs.
We’ll see what happens.
There is the other side of the argument (which I think is what you’re asking for). When Cleveland made it to the Finals, the team was 2-6 the past two regular seasons (’06, ’07) against Detroit, yet were triumphant against the Pistons in the postseason.
Smaller sample size is the Cavaliers going 2-5 the past two regular seasons (’05, ’06) against the Wizards three years back, yet Cleveland beat Washington in the playoffs. This was before the Cavs began to win that matchup on a consistent basis.
There’s a number of examples that goes both ways with the argument.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Thanks for your response.
I agree that it’s a live argument.
by gift of the magi on May 21, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
No problem.
I like discussion .. you brought up valid points.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Oh yea...absolutely....
…hell i don’t know why they even bother to play it at all…lol
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know that the Magic as a whole are less talented than the Cavs… in fact, I’d say they’re probably more talented. Yes, the Cavs have the best player, but the Magic have the clear nos. 2 and 3, and no. 4 is either Williams or Hedo. Personally, I’d say Hedo, especially with the way he’s looked recently… we’re looking at the very real possibility that the Cavs’ no. 2 guy would be the Magic’s no. 4. (Or their no. 5, with Nelson!)
I think the big swing, and I’ll say this may continue all series, was on the bench. The Cavs’ bench is thoroughly threadbare.
Szczerbiak didn’t shoot well tonight, but he’s usually good for a few points.
Joe Smith had all five of the Cavs’ bench points in game 1, but only one rebound in 15 minutes. He’s averaging 7 and 5 in 20 minutes… he’s Tony Battie. And he may be the Cavs’ best bench guy.
Gibson only does one thing: shoot. He shot 39% this season.
And as for Ben Wallace… that is sad. I have rarely seen a player so thoroughly done as Wallace is at 34. Tonight’s performance - in which he logged a -14 +/ over the span of ten minutes — wasn’t a fluke. So far in the playoffs, he’s averaged two rebounds and under one point in 11 mpg.
Which means a) we have a huge bench advantage, with multiple players who can contribute, and b) they’ve been overplaying several of their players — especially West — throughout the postseason to compensate. If West keeps playing 40+ mpg, he’ll be easy prey for the Magic’s much fresher SG trio. West played 47 minutes tonight.
Who ever thought the Magic’s bench would be among their strengths in the conference finals?
Yeah, and we broke your damn shot clock too.
by 3.3seconds on May 21, 2009 6:49 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Ben Wallace had an excellent regular season, defensively.
.. he has looked the same since coming back from injury.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
One more point!
No Magic player had a +/- above 4, or below 4. Any thoughts on what that might mean? (The Magic are a balanced team, and this was a close game… the Cavs’ +/ scores ranged from +12 (Ilgauskas) to -14 (Ben Wallace).
Yeah, and we broke your damn shot clock too.
It means it was a 1 point game and they all equally deserve the credit!!:)
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Great Game
Rashard Lewis proved he is clutch. I like how we were balanced as well.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
Dope signature.
.. and yeah, the Magic’s balance offensively proved beneficial down the stretch 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
Rashard stepping up in the clutch will payoff big time as we go on farther from here:)
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
crooked ass ref!!
i cannot even really comprehend how crooked the ref with the hair slicked back was…
he was responsible for every single bad call ….
was he the one donaghy called every game night?
I think that was Ron Garretson
He had the second-highest home foul margin, behind Javie (and ahead of Joey Crawford), and was 42nd (out of 61 refs) for the number of fouls called per game. So, he’s slightly below average in number of fouls called, but highly skewed towards calling them for the home team.
Salvatore was 13th in fouls called, and 40th in home foul margin, so he calls a lot of fouls, but is more even (the top 51 in home foul margin were pro-home. 2 were neutral, 8 were pro-away).
Ken Mauer was 55th in fouls called and 34th in home foul margin – dude’s whistle is permanently swallowed.
"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."
Thanks for sharing the numbers with us.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Just curious....where did you get those stats..???
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Statsheet.com
"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."
That's great thanks man!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah. I got Mauer and Garretson confused
Weird that Mauer was making so many calls – there were only 6 refs all season with a lower average number of calls in games they were officiating. Somebody must’ve spilled his Wheaties yesterday.
"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."
LOL to your last sentence.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Game 1, the Morning After
Nobody can question this team’s heart anymore.
Those four missed free throws by LBJ are especially glaring now, especially the two that hit the front of the rim. What the hell was he doing?
AC/DC + Tampa Bay Rays = Big Balls on a Budget
He got beat up.
The 2 off the front rim were after Dwight’s hard foul, if I remember correctly. I think he also had trouble after he and Peaches bumped heads.
LeBron was exhausted last night.
.. he played his heart out on both ends of the court and just wore down as the game came to a close.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Cavs fans say that he was suffering from exhaustion and cramps in the 4th.....
…makes me wonder what he was doing with all that time off..lol:)
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Great win by the Magic, way to hang in tough and beat the musketeers...
Rumour has it that instead of feathers in their swoopy hats, when the musketters do team photo shoots they reach for a few sprigs of Varajaeo’s hair…
Thanks for the kind words.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
LeBron isn't dethroned, yet.
Orlando still needs 3 more wins, but last night was a start.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Hmmm...was that a hint of positivity..??? :O
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
The war
Isn’t over, but the first battle is won. You’re a ray of sunshine, aren’t ya? Anyway, you choose your king, mine is Magic!
I'm your huckleberry...
I'm not choosing the King.
.. I’m stating a fact. LeBron isn’t dethroned until the Magic get 3 more wins.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Well, honestly, the King was never throned since he never won a title and the moniker was given to him before he even played a game...
I’m not trying to argue or take sides with those that think you’re being negative. Just pointing out an error in semantics! ;)
Orlando Magic ECF-bound!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
No worries.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Do you think they can?
Will the Magic win the series? Or is LeBron just too much?
I'm your huckleberry...
Magic in 6!!
I said before the series that the Magic could win in 6 if they split the first 2 before the Cavs knew what him them, Game1 being the best chance…and they did that….so i’m sticking with the Magic in 6…but hopefully i’m wrong and they can take friday’s Game 2 and win it in 5!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Considering the Magic, at minimum, split the first two games, yes, I think it's possible.
Orlando had to win Game 1 or Game 2 to have any realistic shot at beating Cleveland. The team has done so .. now the next step is to see if they put the Cavaliers in a 2-0 hole.
I’m curious to see how Orlando responds to the situation. Personally, I want to see the Magic get greedy and take both games, but I know that Cleveland will come to play tomorrow.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
How does a blog writer allow objectivity to override common sense?
Cavs in 6 fellas? Really? You know this is a Magic blog, right? Why am I so jaded by this?
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
I just checked your predictions thread before posting on here.
I know this is a professional blog with a national audience, but you guys kinda lead the fanatics of Orlando. Like I said, objectively the Magic are the underdogs but if you look through the common sense prism of a Magic fan this series is at worst a toss up.
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
by Eyriq the Red on May 21, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya....i was kind of wondering which Magic team they were watching this playoffs....
…maybe they only saw Games 2 and 5 of the Celtics series??
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not an indictment on Orlando. That's not why Ben and I chose Cleveland in 6.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Just a great all around game
Win or lose, if you weren’t entertained last night than you should never watch basketball again.
I still hate Glen Davis
Last night was an instant classic.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I actually thought Magic didn't play all that bad in the first half,
maybe just first quarter. Cavs came out with a lot of energy or adrenaline or whatever. Magic withstood that, and 2nd quarter they were trading baskets until Cavs made some tough shots.
Then it’s the Magic’s turn to make those in the 2nd half. That and a lot of LeBron stallball by the Cavs = comback. Man it’s good to be on this side of a comeback for once :D
Orlando didn't play well in the first quarter. That was all.
The team seemed confused by seeing LeBron on Alston offensively and it became a trickle down effect, as the Magic played with no energy and looked a bit lost defensively .. the players bounced back, though.
No kidding on the last sentence .. it’s definitely nice. Second time in six tries.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I thought Orlando played great from the 2nd quarter on....
..tha Cavs just finally slowed up enough for our red-hot Magic to catch them!! Great win!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I see a big difference between Magic and Cavs when their superstar is on the bench.
At least last night. When LeBron’s out, Cavs look lost, like they are not used to LeBron not being there making things happen. But when Dwight’ on the bench, it’s like the Magic players know that there’s no Dwight to get the rebound/backing them up on D, so they play smarter to get good shots and put in more effort on D.
close one.
everyone’d like to have LBJ,but it almost came down to him last night,and that’s what magic have to do.
close the others,and hope for the best. he is hardly getting any hotter,so it looks fine to me.
but without 2 greatest stars,i believe we’re simple better team.
that’s the magic power: equally players,and strong bench,anyone could explode
Yeah, the Magic can play without Dwight because Hedo, Rashard, and others can step up.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
So it wasn't a dream
Just had to check in an be sure I didn’t fall asleep at half-time and dream the outcome I wanted. The biggest obstacle for this team is sometimes the “mental” part of their own game. It sure looked like they had a breakthrough last night. I was glad to see Dwight stay aggressive in foul trouble and pretty much keep his head in the game after some really crummy no-calls. Don’t know what it is, but it seems like when he keeps his cool in those situations, Hedo & Rashard are more effective at stepping up their games. Such a big win for so many reasons. Now I’m going to dream about the Magic coming out to play Game 2 like they played the 2nd half of Game 1 and NOT like they played Game 2 in Boston. Go Magic!
Just another Magic fan
Lori
Orlando looked calm last night, as the game came to a close.
.. the team just executed.
The Magic have been through those situations a number of times before 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
I'm a Celtics fan and I have to say...
That I want to see Orlando Magic beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs are a great team but when it comes to them playing against the elite teams (when they are healthy), they struggle immensely. Look at their records vs the elite teams.
Honestly, the Cavs don’t seem to have the team that can face against the toughest teams and I really hope Magic wins this series. Also, I hope Denver Nuggets beats the LA Lakers as well. Lakers don’t show any heart in basketball… it is all Kobe, in my opinion… but hey, I’m a Celtics fan… I was born to hate the Lakers.
Good luck to the Orlando Magic.
Beat them Cavs!
No kidding. Thanks for the kind words, AlexC.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I thought the regular season didn't matter E??
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The awesome thing
is what the “MoP” said at halftime:
“You are all playing like witnesses.”
Well it worked, didn’t it?
AC/DC + Tampa Bay Rays = Big Balls on a Budget
No doubt.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Surprised with the line...
The Magic are not more talented than the Cavaliers
Outside of the best player on the planet, I believe the supporting cast of the Magic IS better than the Musketeers.
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 10:52 AM EDT reply actions
clearly meant, are better
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm no grammar wiz
but I think “is better” is correct. “Supporting cast” is one collective group, and therefore singular.
by Lee for three on May 21, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
hmmm, you may be right, which means I may have been right, before I corrected myself and became wrong.
LOL, I have no idea, I’ve always been the computer wiz and work in IT, so English takes a backseat with us. Code is our English.
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea i wasn't real impressed by this statement either...
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I just realized something
When Superman got down his dunk, that shot clock sure broke off fairly easily.
I can’t help but wonder if it was set up to do that.
AC/DC + Tampa Bay Rays = Big Balls on a Budget
It sure was.
First dunk of the game on that hoop? Definitely fixed. Just like how the turnbuckle comes off of the corner rope so easily. It’s loosened up before the match starts.
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
hmm, and then we saw how magic played poorly in the first quarter
how much of that is because they are not used to seeing the shotclock on the floor instead of over the basket?
Not really...
Red Auerbach of Boston Celtics fame would break the thermostat in the visitor’s locker room so it would freeze or even paint it pink to distract the players a little bit. Sometimes it is those slight advantages that can determine an outcome of the game.
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 21, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
ok,here's an idea,then. let's have our revenge
what do u think we should do at the amway concerning chalk?!?
Well, I hoped we are better than that and would never do such a classless thing . . .
But since you asked . . . how about we use sneezing powder instead? Sure, the press and several people in the front row will be affected as well, but it would hinder Lebron’s game for at least 10 minutes. (by the way, I don’t truly think the Cavs rigged the shot clock, but it is fun to think so)
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 21, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
of course,we're joking here. but what an idea!!!
it’s great. hopefully someone from amway will read it and act:)
We shouldn't put out Chalk for Bron...
then again he probably brings his own with him
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Not fixed
Just a simple case of someone not doing their job correctly
I still hate Glen Davis
by magic fanatic on May 21, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely not fixed.
I know people are running with the McMahon gag, but this isn’t the WWE. LMAO.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I was thinking the exact same thing.
I’m wondering if the Cavs were practicing the last few weeks with the shot clocks on the floor just to get that slight edge.
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 21, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned conspiracy theory?
:D
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
by North of the South on May 21, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Everyone does!
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Be serious..lol
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
man,am i happy or what?!?
is this really possible? what gives? this was so unexpected to me…
well,it looks this could be a toss up-matchup,after all(sorry E).
so,can we get past them? not so sure,though it seems a little more possible.
i’m only afraid of those falls in the game they had vs C’s. if that doesn’t happen,i see rings shining in the distance…
3 more wins in this series, and 4 wins in the Finals is still a long way to go.
Let’s worry about Game 2 first. Like I said against Boston, if they win Game 2, then it’s over. Of course they didn’t win game 2 against Boston, so it dragged all the way to a game 7.
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
by North of the South on May 21, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Orlando can beat Cleveland again in the Q.
It’s just going to be tough because you know the Cavaliers will respond. Question is ..
.. will the Magic have an answer? Better hope the team learned from Game 2 vs. Boston.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
It's a toss-up matchup, now.
.. yes, I favored the Cavaliers but with one caveat, which I stated here and elsewhere before the series a number of times. If the Magic can split the first two games, then the team has a chance to win the series. I stated that the series wasn’t a toss-up matchup at face value, meaning before the games began.
But I stated that it becomes anyone’s series if Orlando can split the first two games.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
If Orlando takes both of them, then the team will put Cleveland in a big hole ..
.. I wouldn’t put it past LeBron to do the near impossible in that situation, though.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Hmmmm...i wonder if Vegas would let me bet on outcome of a series after 2 games have been played??
…and still give me the odds at the start of the series??? lol
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I tried to congratulate your team last night, but your blog was going craaazy!
Of Course. What a game, the Magic really pulled it together. I couldn’t help but think watching James that the Cav.‘s are like snow white and the seven dwarfs. I don’t think the Celtics could have pulled off what you just did. Way to Magic.
Thanks, sir.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Interesting tidbit from BSPN's daily dime.
In the LeBron James era, prior to Wednesday night, Cleveland was 100-5 (.952) in the regular season and 10-0 in the playoffs when it held a lead of more than 15 points at home.
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, I put that in the TMA post.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Our Magic just keeping blowing up all the numbers ...and naysayers!!!
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm reading this everywhere I go and it doesn't make sense:
“The Magic are not more talented than the Cavaliers..”
Are folks so smitten with King they don’t realize the trio of Dwight, Hedo and Rashard is just as good, if not better, than LeBron and any other two Cavaliers?
Ya, I'd like a detailed explanation as to how the magic are not more talented. Our starters vs. their starters?
by AB's triple double on May 21, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Given how insane LeBron has been this year, any lineup with him has the advantage.
For example, LBJ’s statistical plus/minus is more than the entire starting lineup for Orlando.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/blog/?p=2491
I’m aware of the matchup advantages for the Magic, etc .. just saying.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
That's what I mentioned above too. I don't know where Ben is drawing that conclusion for.
The record? Well look at the Cavs record against the elite teams(Bos/Orl/Lal, 3-8) look at Orlando’s. I agree that the best player on the planet plays for them, but take away LBJ and take away Dwight. I believe the talent of the remaining players in this pool favor Orlando.
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 21, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not speaking for Ben, but I think he's talking about the rosters in their totality.
Again, he can give a better answer than I can but that’s my guess.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I'll take our supporting cast over Lebrons supporting cast anytime
by AB's triple double on May 21, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
So would I.
LeBron is just so good that it makes up for the advantage Orlando has with the supporting cast.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Maybe.
I definitely think he’s the best player we’ve seen since… well, I get the sense that pre-retirement Jordan might have been better than him. But honestly, looking at the guy now, I’m sorely tempted to take him over 96-98 Jordan.
Which is a good thing for the Cavs, because while their supporting lineup is better than their stats (remember the Cavs are one of the league’s slowest-paced teams), they ain’t THAT good. Williams is an effective scorer but a poor defender and not a true PG; Ilgauskas is what passes for a starting center in this league; West is a solid outside shooter and a great defender. These are all no. 4/ no. 5 guys on a typical playoff roster. (The Magic’s, for example — Howard, Lewis, and Nelson are all worlds ahead of these guys. Williams might be better than Turk — though the two have similar assist totals.)
I shudder to think what happens if LeBron ever ends up with a strong supporting cast. Can you imagine LeBron, Pippen, and Grant/Rodman? LeBron, Tony Parker, and Ginobili? LeBron, Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion? I challenge you to name a no. 2/no. 3 combo in the NBA that’s NOT better than Williams/West. (Or Williams/Z if you’re inclined to order them that way.)
Well, okay, the Kings. Maybe a couple others. Still.
Yeah, and we broke your damn shot clock too.
Luckily for the Orlando Magic.....
….numbers don’t dictate outcomes…players do!!!!! And refs occasionally…lol
"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"
by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
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