Orlando Magic 103, Cleveland Cavaliers 90
by Ben Q Rock on May 31, 2009 7:16 AM EDT
in 2008/2009 Recaps
94 comments
With their trademark inside/outside offensive attack working to perfection, the Orlando Magic easily dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers, 103-90, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, a game in which they never trailed. The Magic advance to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Dwight Howard, the "inside" part of the offense, played the game of his life and was unstoppable underneath, beasting his way toward 40 points on 14-of-21 shooting, with 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, on the "outside," the Magic connected on 12 three-pointers in 29 attempts; Mickael Pietrus led the way with 4 treys in 7 attempts. For the first time in this series, the Magic made LeBron James (25 points on 8-of-20 shooting) look human. He mostly did what he had been doing earlier this series, namely by driving to the basket and jumping into defenders as he tried to finish. Tonight, he rarely got the benefit of the whistle, attempting a mere 11 free throws.
| Team | Pace | Efficiency | eFG% | FT Rate | OReb% | TO Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavaliers | 87 | 103.4 | 50.0% | 13.9 | 18.2 | 11.5 |
| Magic | 118.9 | 53.8% | 21.3 | 29.7 | 13.9 |
It's certainly possible for the Cavs to win when secondary players like Delonte West and Mo Williams lighten James' offensive load, as they did tonight with a combined 39 points on 15-of-31 shooting. But nothing the Cavs could have done, short of James taking his game to an even higher level, was going to stop the Magic on a night when they got 40 from Howard and 36 from three-point range. Kevin Arnovitz broke down the offense in greater detail at TrueHoop here, but it suffices to say that this was Magic basketball at its finest. Great ball movement, great player movement, good shot-selection... the team really did not make too many mistakes offensively tonight. And, in a bit of a twist, they ran their offense almost exclusively through Howard in the post. Fewer high screen-and-rolls with Howard and Hedo Turkoglu tonight. But going through Howard worked. He dribbled through or spun around single coverage. He split or passed out of double teams. The Cavs had no answer for anything he did. None. In the most important game of his professional career, he rose to the challenge.
I'm most impressed with his passing. Cleveland didn't vary its double-team coverage much, almost always coming from the high man on the weak side after his first dribble. Dwight read and made the proper adjustments, which also has me wondering why the Cavs didn't sometimes send a help defender from the strong-side baseline, for instance. Keep him guessing.
Dwight was not the only Magic player doing damage, though. They all came through, in some way or another. Rashard Lewis' 8 rebounds, Turkoglu's 7 rebounds and 5 assists... the team's 11 offensive rebounds in 37 opportunities... they just had more than the Cavs did tonight, as has been the case for the entire series, a fact which seems to disprove the popular argument made before the series started that Cleveland would have more energy due to its breezing through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The Magic ran out to a 30-25 lead at the end of the first period, as Howard matched James with 13 points. And they kept the pressure on in the second, bumping the lead to 11 points at the 7:35 mark, then to 15 at 4:21, then to 16 at 1:25, and finally to 18 with 10 seconds to play in the half. All throughout the period, I kept expecting James to go superhuman and rally his team. He never did. Not to pile on James, who had a magnificent playoffs, but he could not get anything going after that 13-point first period. In the last three periods, he shot 3-of-13 for 12 points. West had 3 more shot attempts and 8 more points in the same timeframe, which was odd to see. Most teams facing double-digit deficits, on the road, in an elimination game, would put the ball in their superstar's hands and have him go to work, especially if that strategy worked in previous games. For whatever reason, the Cavs didn't run many isolation sets for James tonight. With the way they were defending, they would not have overcome an 18-point deficit anyway. Still odd that they didn't at least give it a go, what with the season on the line and all.
Howard is clearly the MVP of this game, but let us not give Lewis short shrift either. He's a matchup nightmare for Cleveland, which has nobody outside of James who can hope to guard him. Forced into early action after Anderson Varejao got himself in foul trouble, Ben Wallace had the unenviable task of guarding Lewis for most of the first quarter. Wallace played him for the shot, so Lewis uncharacteristically put the ball on the floor and drove to the basket, either for the shot or for the kick-out. Wallace later sagged off him, so Lewis elevated for the straightaway three-pointer which rattled in. The stat sheet shows only 2 assists for him, but his passing on the interior (as a driver against Wallace) or around the perimeter (against anyone) helped keep the offense moving. Nobody held the ball too long for Orlando tonight, which forced the Cavs back on their heels. On some scores, it wasn't that the Magic caught the Cavs napping and got an easy bucket, but rather that they worked the ball around so quickly and so well that the Cavs couldn't catch up. That's a rather long-winded way of saying that Cleveland gave a decent effort defensively, and the Magic still tuned it up for 103 points on 87 possessions.
Packed with reporters, ballboys, and other guests--I believe the grandchildren of team owner Rich DeVos were present, seeking autographs from players--their locker room was excited and upbeat after the game, as you might expect. Coach Stan Van Gundy wandered in after his post-game presser, saw the commotion, and said, "Wow, it's busy in here. What happened tonight?" which drew chuckles. Reserve point guard Anthony Johnson (3 assists in 10 minutes tonight, including a killer lead pass to Howard for a fast-break dunk) was so pleased with the win that he wore his Eastern Conference Championship t-shirt out of the locker room, over his dress shirt. Howard had trouble using his phone, which had locked-up due to his receiving too many text messages. Happy times for everyone on Orlando's side.
That's what I'd like to stress now. There will be time in the coming days to size-up the Lakers. Now, though, is time to savor the win. Orlando has reached the championship round just twice in 20 years, which illustrates just how rare these opportunities are. Savor the win now, worry about Los Angeles later. As Van Gundy said in his presser:
"[Preparing for Kobe Bryant after having to prepare for James] will be a lot of fun, but I'm not doing that tonight."
Amen to that.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place this Thursday evening in L.A.
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So, do they dare punish "the NBA's biggest star" about blowing off the postgame press?
We know something you don't know
And if we don't share then we don't grow
Unabomber set the whole world on fire
by Orlando Rays on May 31, 2009 7:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
His feelings were hurt. Reduced to a mortal.
The Surfdog
by Surfdog on May 31, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it carries a $10,000 fine. I still didn’t hear of any punishment for the Mo Williams ball-flinging fiasco, but I’m sure there’s something looming around the corner
by GuapoDCole on May 31, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't hold your breath. Nobody punishes The King.(or should i say ex-king)
The Surfdog
by Surfdog on May 31, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who cares?
.. LeBron was understandably pissed after the game, just let it go.
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 31, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's an automatic fine, I believe.
by Ben Q Rock on May 31, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
will it actually be enforced is the bigger question
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 31, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Negatory.
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 31, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what are you, a T1000?
negatory that it’ll be enforced or what?
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 31, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Negatory that it'll be enforced, yeah.
LOL at the T1000 comment.
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 31, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
-noone in this team can see them beating us 4 times. -Mo Williams
On the 20th anniversary of Orlando Magic we have the opportunity to enjoy watcing these excellent guys (not just excellent players) in NBA Finals.
They will face LA Lakers in a best-out-of-7 series,entering series as underdogs (what else is new). I like that.
Lakers are possibly THE best league’s team,and definitely among first 3.
The machups are splitted again,and I personally think this is another toss-up series we are entering. Splitting the games in Staples will be the key,again,and it IS possible.
Ben wrote an excellent recap again,although I’d like for these guys to write longer recaps,then I won’t have to look the games anymore lol.
Now,I think this shot for ‘ship is as good as it gets for Magic. They just have to play every game like they did last night vs cavs. If they can do that,franchise will remember it’s 20th birthday for a long time,along with us,and Kobe,well,good luck on that chase for MJ.
And no,my lad,you are not MJ,nor you will ever be. So,give it up.
by Dzogi on May 31, 2009 8:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Congrats to Orlando
Truly a balanced deserving team, in the true essense of team ball, even with a superstar in Howard.
Good Series, and hats off to LBJ and the Cavs. LBJ is a beast and truly representative of a MVP of the
NBA. I can’t say enough words about Lebron.. Still when the Cavs acquired Mo Williams, after having built support cast around smallist players in Delonie West, Wally S. and Daniel Gibson with a host of older bigs and lack of offense from the bigs, I felt this team was unbalancely flawed.
Orlando was the team to exploit this Cavs weakness, and did it with class!
man up!
by exult463 on May 31, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, LeBron was .. ridiculous against the Magic.
It was fun getting to watch him go to work. I’m a fan.
.. thanks for the kind words, btw.
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 31, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the early ESPN poll, 59% overall see the Lakers beating the Magic
But the Magic took Utah and most of New England, showing how many Celtics fans hate the Lakers.
We know something you don't know
And if we don't share then we don't grow
Unabomber set the whole world on fire
by Orlando Rays on May 31, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We weren't picked to beat the Celtics or the Cav's either and looked what happened to them.
The Magic play best when they’re the underdog coming from behind. They like to make the naysayers eat there words.
The Surfdog
by Surfdog on May 31, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dunno why us carrying Utah made me laugh as much as it did
presidential election flashbacks, ha
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 31, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No surprise. That's fine.
Lakers should be considered the favorites to win the Finals.
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 31, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if LeBron gave Mo a sound beating for his stupid prediction,
and his failure to provide any kind of consistent offense. I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
Aprende epsañol y esto tendra mas sentido para ti.
by Diosnomeama on May 31, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not sure.
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 31, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations, Magic-folk
Boy, does my “Cleveland in five” pick look stupid.
Good luck in the finals!
-sw
"I didn't go there with the intentions of getting ejected. I went there with the intentions of just telling Kobe, 'You got to relax. You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?'" -Ron Artest, 05.06.09
by Steve Weinman on May 31, 2009 9:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Steve.
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 31, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From the bottom of this Wizards' fans heart
Thank you to the 75th power for taking out LeTravel and that egotistical entitled bunch and all their “witnesses” with them! Hope you thump the Lakers!
"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck
by George Templeton on May 31, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hah. Thanks for the support .. I'm sure Orlando will do its best against Los Angeles.
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 31, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Celtics fan here and I wanted to...
Congratulate the Orlando Magic for making it to the NBA Finals and you Magic fans should definitely know that every Celtic fan will be cheering for Magic to beat the Lakers.
I hope Orlando Magic wins it all and make all the non-believers feel stupid. I’ll be honest with you, I thought Magic was going to get killed by the Cavaliers but I’ve been proved absolutely wrong…
Once again, congratulations to the Orlando Magic. BEAT LA!
by AlexC on May 31, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, bud.
.. should be an epic Finals.
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 31, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What. A. Game.
=)
Shut up, Mo.
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 31, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man your sig rocks
This is the happiest I’ve been as a Magic fan since… well the last time we were in the Finals, of course.
Cheese… milk's leap toward immortality.
by ratherfantastic on May 31, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it would be the time the Magic won the NBA Finals. lol
by AlexC on May 31, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's see what happens...
Cheese… milk's leap toward immortality.
by ratherfantastic on May 31, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm so proud of the Magic right now
Gutsy playoffs so far, and I’m glad the Finals don’t start until Thursday so we can savor this for a day or so (tomorrow I will work up my lather in determining which Lakers players I will loathe for the next round). Every single one of our guys who played in ECF contributed something positive to the games even if shots weren’t falling. Great coaching by SVG and great execution by the players.
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 31, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh the most hated for me has to be Gasol
such a whiner
Cheese… milk's leap toward immortality.
by ratherfantastic on May 31, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dwight's gonna put handcuffs on him.
The Surfdog
by Surfdog on May 31, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Denver screwed up when they didn't knock Gasol on his as*, not only is he a whiner but
he is so totally soft. It would have changed the game and the series.
by eastie Rich on May 31, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
.. I don't think Gasol is soft.
He’s an excellent player.
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 31, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with half of your statement.
Gasol is a very good player, but he is soft. To me, at least, soft and bad are completely independent of each other. You can be soft and still be a very good player. I got into an argument with my friend over this last year when we played the Raptors because I kept saying how soft Chris Bosh is. That doesn’t mean he’s not a good player…quite the opposite.
And on the other hand, not being soft doesn’t mean you are a good player. I don’t think anyone would describe Jamaal Magloire (sp?) as soft, but that doesn’t mean he is good.
P.S. I also only refer so said player as Pau Gasoft…and after this last series I have been referring to Pietrus as Le Jordan.
by Lee for three on May 31, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gasol is no Dwight in the paint but he’ll get his points and rebounds and blocks. He has a low post game and will challenge Dwight with that and with a face-up game from further out. I don’t know if I’d call him soft — maybe finesse is a better word. By the same token, you could easily say Lewis is soft for a power foward and Turk is soft since he’s plays so much at the perimeter. While they both drive the ball (Lewis use to be a great slasher in Seattle), they post up far less than most forwards do.
by RKStevens on May 31, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd call him finesse more than soft.
.. I would label that tag to Lewis and Turkoglu, as 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 31, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I live in LA and get to watch Lakers games all the time. There's nothing like
Gasol driving an ungaurded lane, slamming a dunk, then turning around with a sneer on his face like he’s saying “I’m the baddest man in the world!” I’m sorry, what a joke, he can’t do that on solid defense, and mostly looks like he has to work really hard, then when he scores his face says “what a relief.”
O.k. Gasol is a really good player, but he’s soft. Knock him on his butt just once and watch him cry like Sasha. Would have won the series for Denver.
Just an observation, now go kick LA’s butt!
by eastie Rich on May 31, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No worries. I hear you.
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 31, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody here know when tickets go on sale to the public
trying to go to game 5, which will happen.
One Freaken Second
by magic fanatic on May 31, 2009 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 6th, to the general public.
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 31, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem.
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 31, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats, and good luck!
Two weeks ago, I told erivera7 that all would be forgiven (for beating my beloved Celtics) if the Magic went on to keep LeBron out of the Finals. I’ve been rooting hard for your guys ever since… and all is, indeed, forgiven. Enjoy the heck out of the next couple of weeks!
by John Trussell on May 31, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the e-mail and for the kind words.
.. should be a fun next couple of weeks, indeed.
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 31, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So..all the pundits are talking about is how the Cavs lost the series, not how the magic kicked their ass for the last 3 years.
by i2ambler on May 31, 2009 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's okay.
.. can’t worry about the national media.
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 31, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the media are all prisoners of the moment and hype artists, the pundits will always praise the next “great thing” and make the “safe pick” so they don’t look bad if the unexpected happens
by hawkster77 on May 31, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and by the way.. no more vitamin water commercials on espn. haha
by i2ambler on May 31, 2009 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm so happy
It’s great to see the outpouring support from Celts and other teams around the league. The Magic have flown under the radar all year and finally are getting the attention they deserve but I’m sure Kenny Smith will still find some reason to call us the third best team in the East lol..This team believed before the season started that they were capable of reaching the finals. Otis Smith even had championship trophy pins made for all team and staff members before the season started saying anything less than a championship is a disappointment. I’m so proud of the Magic!!!
On another point I read this article this morning and it got me thinking…
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=86525817347&h=s01uc&u=YsCg5&ref=nf
"One thing about knowing that you're dying is that it keeps reminding you you're alive so it's no time to pass up a party."
- Warren Zevon
by Wally Balls 407 on May 31, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's cool, but like Dwight Howard said, there's still work to do.
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 31, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Differences between LA and Cleveland
1 – Lebron is better than Kobe
2 – Kobe’s supporting cast is MUCH better than Lebron’s
3 – The Cavs play better defense
4 – The Lakers better post defenders
5 – The Q is much tougher than the Staples Center
Obviously not having Nelson for this series is huge because he came up big time in both wins against the Lakers in the regular season. But Lee, Pietrus and Lewis are playing much better now than they were then.
But that’s looking too far ahead. As fans, let’s enjoy this win for the next couple of days. For all we’ve been through these playoffs, we certainly deserve it.
by Lee for three on May 31, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't disagree with any of your differences.
.. however, when the Lakers are at their best, they can play defense as well as any team in the league.
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 31, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pietrus is going to be tough on Kobe
I’m looking forward to watching that.
Life is hilarious.
by SolGoode on May 31, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
kelly dwyer
said this game proved all of us “conspiracy-nuts” to be pretty foolish … although i love kelly dwyer’s writing i have to disagree. …
if anything this validated us … when the refs finally call a game even, the magic win by 13!
thanks, good night.
by coque429 on May 31, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 1 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 31, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think what he was getting at is that LeBron drove right into contact, repeatedly, in an elimination game, an rarely got the benefit of the whistle.
by Ben Q Rock on May 31, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, those were the type of calls he got in previous games.
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 31, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm so proud of this team.
Just looking at the pictures of Dwight holding the trophy and hugging all his team mates shows how much this means to the guys, who are usually pretty cool and unassuming.
Dwight was huge in Game 6 too. Not many other big men would be able to hang 40 on the best defence in the league in a do-or-die game for said defence.
Bring on the Lakers. I can’t wait for Howard to eat Gasol alive.
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LifeOfAGiant.com - My photo-life-blog is coming soon
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by big aaron on May 31, 2009 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if you go to the Sentinel's website
they have a whole slide show of Dwight hugging his teammates and the trophy :3
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 31, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best defense in the league? That title would go to the Magic, but I get what you're saying.
.. don’t forget about Bynum, btw.
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 31, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Magic are a Class Act
Guys… GUYS!!!
We won… WE WON!
And now we MUST show some class… as LOT of Class. We have THE BEST TEAM IN THE NBA, and just because we are proud of our Magic, so are they, and for that reason alone, we MUST respect Cleveland and all THEY accomplished this year; the Cavs ARE a first rate team and LeBron James IS the MVP this year. He could do no more…
Having said that… WHAT A SERIES; and NOW THE CHAMPIONSHIP! The Magic have steadily kicked it up a notch in EACH of the Playoff Series it’s played. Right now, Orlando is THE hottest team in the NBA. Theres NO stopping us now!
I’m going out on a limb here, but I think that the Lakers are going to have the SAME MATCHUP problems that Cleveland had with the Magic, plus some additional ones of their own: MP can contain Kobe better than James, simply because he’s NOT as tall, or as strong. Don’t get me wrong; Kobe WILL score his 30 to 35 points, but NO MORE, because he WILL be covered like a glove by some of the BEST defensive specialists in the league.
Can the REST of the Lakers take over the slack… hounded by the no. 1 team in DEFENSIVE EFFICIENCY in the League?
Courtney Lee will run ALL OVER Fisher; heck, even Rafer is better than him. And if they leave Rafer some space, it’s lights out, Lakers! Do they have ANYONE who can guard Turk AND Lewis? And, who the heck can stop Howard. Plus, the Magic bench, which badly outplayed Cleveland’s, is quite ready for their Western counterparts, being taller, faster and having some of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the league!
But, AGAIN the naysayers are guaranteeing a Lakers Championship, underestimating the Orlando Magic… AGAIN!
I have the Orlando Magic winning the NBA Championship in 6 games.
by manny55 on May 31, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, do you know anything about the Lakers? The Magic bench is taller and faster? Everyone off the Laker bench is 6-7 or taller except for the point guards. But they (Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown) compare favorably with the Magic’s point guards in size and speed. And how can you say a bench where 34 year old Anthony Johnson is the backup point guard is faster than any bench? I’ve watched all the Magic games and they’ve been playing basically a 8-man rotation with Pietrus, Johnson and Gortat being the main guys off the bench with Battie getting a few minutes here and there and Redick hardly playing since the Boston series.
We’ll see how well Lee and Pietrus do against Kobe. He has a better skill set than James but is less athletic. But he still has the ability to drive and has a better mid-range and 3-point shot. Plus he has a post-up game and I expect him to use it against some of the smaller Magic defenders. He’s had to deal with being guarded by Battier, Artest and Carmelo so I’m sure he’s ready for the Magic.
I think there are matchup problems for both teams. The Lakers have more flexibility than the Cavs because they can slide Gasol to center and bring in Odom to play either Turk or Lewis. Gasol won’t be able to stop Howard but neither can Bynum or pretty much anyone else right now. The biggest thing would be that the Lakers won’t be able to play both their 7-footers when Lewis is in unless they want him shooting open 3’s. The Magic will also have to defend the Lakers since they actually have a low post game from more than one player as opposed to the Cavs where Varejao and Z were basically useless down there. The Lakers have the ability to go small or big and have more scoring options than the Cavs.
I’m a fan of the Magic but the Lakers have always been my main team and so for me it’s a no-lose series. The Magic played the Lakers on either the second game of a back to back where they lost the previous game or had a loss priot to playing the Magic. It’s hard to predict for me because both teams have changed so much since the last time they played. The Magic have lost Nelson but got Alston. Lee has gotten more experience and Peitrus is back in the lineup and playing well. The Lakers lost Bynum to injury and have had to adjust to playing Gasol more at center while they bring him back into the lineup. Odom has played more minutes with Bynum out and starts occasionally depending on the matchup. They’ve also added Shannon Brown who has been playing well in the playoffs. Both teams have been tested during the playoffs. The Lakers have more experience and home court, but if they leave the Magic shooters open, they’ll be in trouble. The question for the Magic to me will be if they can continue to shoot better than their season averages or will the law of averages start coming into play? Every Magic player except for Lee and Johnson shot at least 5% better from the 3 point line last series with a few shooting 10% better. Can they keep that up? Can Dwight continue to shoot 70% from the free throw line? If they can, the Magic have a great shot.
by RKStevens on May 31, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good post.
Considering your question about the law of averages, for the postseason ..
Alston – 31.7% | 35.1%
Johnson – 39.1% | 30.0%
Lee – 40.4% | 30.3%
Lewis – 39.7% | 39.1%
Pietrus – 35.9% | 39.3%
Turkoglu – 35.6% | 37.3%
“Can they keep that [three-point shooting] up?” By all indications, yes. Some players are shooting a little better, some players are the same, some players are shooting a little worse. It all evens out.
As for Dwight’s free-throw shooting, I would say he’s capable of keeping it up. Can’t say for sure, tho.
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 31, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still can't believe it
I think I’m in shock. I didn’t go to bed until 4am because I was so wired!
I was just so sure, after Jameer went down, that the rest of the season would be a wash. I had hoped we would make it to the playoffs with Rafer, but never held high hopes for how deep we got. And look at us now. I’m just….amazed, lol. I’m so proud of this team. They earned this.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 31, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the Magic definitely earned it.
.. it’s been a fun ride, that’s for sure.
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 31, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, I'm not worried about whether we win a championship or not...
Right now, I’m just happy that we beat a very tough Cavs team and a very resilient Boston team to claim the Eastern Conference Championship. We’ve been through a lot of losing,
it feels really good to get here. This has been my favorite Magic squad to date, even if one of my favorite players is watching from the bench right now (Jameer). We’ve continuously gotten better every year, every game this season, and every series this playoffs. The ability of this team to fight back from adversity, persevere through losses, and always rise to the occasion has really been amazing to watch. I personally think we will win against the Lakers, but I am already in love with this team, and it is a joy to watch them play regardless.
Kudos to the Cavs and Celts, without them being great teams and really pushing us, we wouldn’t be as good as we are today. Remember, in competition how hard your opponents push you is also a critical component in your growth.
-D
by Swami Digital on May 31, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
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 31, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nuggets fan here
Boy, do I wish I was here to talk friendly trash sayin Denver in 7, but…alas…. :)
Anyhoo, I think it’s safe to assume that you have all of Nuggets Nation on your side. Beat down the lakers, eh?
by herewereyouwish on May 31, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks the support.
.. sorry about the Nuggets.
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 31, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Portland Fan
Not to take credit, but the Magic being my favorite Eastern Conference team I picked up a SWEET old-school Magic T-Shirt (probably around 94/95 – coincidence?) and now you guys are going to (win) the finals.
Congratulations, I think you guys have what it takes, just keep feeding the beast and jacking up threes.
Life is hilarious.
by SolGoode on May 31, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope. Should be a good series between two excellent teams.
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 31, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been on a real high since the game last night. Apologies for not posting but I was out watching the game
I think they found me slumped over in a park with a Hedo jersey on and a bottle of Dom perignon champagne
"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 31, 2009 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Congrats from Fear The Sword
Helluva series, boys. Best of luck in the Finals!
Ride on ye fearsome Horsemen of the Basketball Apocalypse. We got this.
by Turkmenbashi on May 31, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, bud.
Heck of a series, indeed.
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 31, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lakers fan here
Ever since they passed the 76ers and went against the Celtics, I was kinda rooting for the Magic to go to the Finals. After watching Game 6 last night, I have concluded that if I had to choose one team for the Lakers to lose to in the Finals, it would be the Magic.
Best of luck to both teams. Even if you guys don’t win a ring, remember that you guys fought against so many odds to get here. That is an accomplishment itself.
by 27up27down on May 31, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the kind words.
GL in the Finals. Should be an epic 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 31, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cavs Gone Fishin'
Someone from another Magic site shared this with the community, and I had to share it here:
ORLANDO MAGIC NBA FINALS BOUND!!!!!
LET'S GO MAGIC! LET'S GO!!!
by malars on May 31, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, gosh. 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 31, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, look! The bigger fishes Mo was talking about having to fry!
by Ben Q Rock on May 31, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO.
Skip looks like he’s carrying a big baby .. in this case, Dad.
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 31, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The one thing about the Finals is
For Kobe this is his last chance to establish himself as a remaining elite player. I would be quite shocked if Orlando won because of the Kobe factor.
That being said, Boston had the perfect storm last year, and umm, Orlando does this year. I don’t know if Orlando has what Boston did with Pierce, Garnett, Allen and Posey last year.
This could be anything from a 5 game series laugher to a 7 game classic. The longer this goes is the longer the Magic have a chance. I don’t think they can win the series in 5 games. But, I’ve been wrong before.
Should be lotso fun.
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 Jun 1, 2009 2:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This series is tough to predict, to be honest.
I see three likely outcomes, Magic in 6, Lakers in 6, and Lakers in 7. I’d be shocked if it went 5 games.
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 Jun 1, 2009 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Makes perfect sense to 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 Jun 1, 2009 3:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
.. good.
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 Jun 1, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Sorry.
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 Jun 1, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations
Wishing you all success this year (beat L.A.). You have the skill and the desire and here’s wishing you the very best of luck to go with it! However, we will be back next year, and will have you in our sites as we go for #18.
by thirstyboots18 on Jun 1, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the support.
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 Jun 1, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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