Boston Celtics 95, Orlando Magic 92
by Evan Dunlap on May 19, 2010 12:53 AM EDT
in 2009/2010 Recaps
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PrintIn arguably one of the most crushing defeats in franchise history, the Orlando Magic dropped a 95-92 contest due to poor late-game execution which rendered their heretofore impressive fourth-quarter rally meaningless. Dwight Howard scored 30 for Orlando, while shooting guards Vince Carter and J.J. Redick added 16 apiece. But those two were involved in two separate, but equally damning, late-game errors which cost Orlando a chance at victory. Paul Pierce scored 28 to lead the way for Boston, while Rajon Rondo hit timely shots throughout the game on his way to 25 points. With 34.7 seconds remaining and the Magic trailing by 3, Carter ran a high pick-and-roll with Howard and wisely attacked Glen Davis, Howard's man, off the dribble, taking him all the way to the basket and drawing the foul. An 84% free-throw shooter on the year, he clanked both foul shots--neither looked good on the release, really--which forced Orlando to make the biggest stop of its season and get a timeout. Kevin Garnett's open jumper from near the top of the key missed, and Redick corralled the rebound. But rather than immediately calling timeout, he took a few dribbles toward midcourt and then called it. His decision to dribble eliminated the Magic's opportunity to advance the ball to the frontcourt out of the timeout and cost them 3.4 precious seconds. The Magic needed a three-pointer to force overtime, yet had to inbound the ball from the backcourt. Jameer Nelson's heave fell short, and now Orlando faces a 2-0 series deficit heading back to Boston.
| Team | Pace | Efficiency | eFG% | FT Rate | OReb% | TO Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 89 | 107.2 | 49.3% | 29.7 | 25.7 | 16.9 |
| Magic | 88 | 104.5 | 44.4% | 40.8 | 25.6 | 15.9 |
| Green denotes a stat better than the team's regular-season average; red denotes a stat worse than the team's regular-season average. | ||||||
What makes this loss doubly frustrating is that Orlando indeed made the proper adjustments. Howard still got his share of post-up opportunities, but he moved more decisively this time, and showed softer touch and a calmer demeanor than he did in Game 1. He also got some chances on the move. Yet he didn't have much help on offense apart from Redick, who drilled some big shots, repeatedly attacked the teeth of Boston's defense, and made excellent passes. Nelson and Carter missed Howard on his rolls to the rim several times. Rashard Lewis did a better job of getting him the ball in useful spots, but that's it. Lewis, who is suffering from the flu, shot 2-of-6 from the floor, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished 4 assists in a team-high 41 minutes.
Boston's defense had some holes, such as when they overplayed the pick-and-roll and unwittingly left Howard open. But as I said, Nelson and Carter got tunnel vision and didn't always manage to deliver the ball to him. The biggest factor in their defensive success, I thought, was their removal of the three-point shot. The Magic shot a solid 38.9% from beyond the arc, but managed only 18 attempts. Boston can live with Howard scoring efficiently, and even getting some dunks, if it can limit the three-pointer. That's exactly what happened tonight.
On the other end, Orlando was simply a step slow. Yes, it held the Celtics to just below their average efficiency, and yes, it forced some turnovers. However, the Magic moved sluggishly on defense. Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus too often allowed Pierce to catch the ball in his comfort zone--really anywhere from 15 to 18 feet from the basket, but especially on the right side, elbow extended--and he made them pay by sinking some signature stepback jumpers. He also drew fouls, some more legitimate than others, to work his way to the line. That is his game. Orlando has done nothing to take him out of it. He is truly feeling it, which helps to explain this Tweet he sent shortly after the game, though its questionable timing and mode of transmission has led many people to believe he isn't actually responsible for it.
But the Magic did not totally dog it defensively. They defended Boston's most critical baskets fairly well. At the 2:35 mark of the final period, Garnett gave the Celtics the lead for good with a fadeaway jumper from the left baseline over a hard contest from Howard, whose palm could scarcely have been closer to Garnett's face without touching it just before the release. Great defense succumbed to better offense. After Redick turned the ball over on Orlando's next possession, as Davis slid in underneath a driving layup attempt to draw the charge, Orlando elected to double-team Pierce a few feet beyond the arc as he milked the clock. He managed to find Rondo on the left wing, where Rondo drilled a jumper seconds before the shot clock expired. If you're going to double off of any Celtic, it has to be Rondo, who lacks range on his jumper. But tonight, he had it going as well. That basket gave Boston a 93-90 lead.
Nelson tried to counter with a tying three-pointer off the bounce over Rondo, but he rushed the shot--only 12 seconds elapsed--and Orlando wasn't in position for the rebound. He redeemed himself on the next play by zipping right by Rondo for a tough layup in traffic to bring Orlando to within one, which only highlighted the silliness of taking that previous quick three.
The Magic have to get more out of Lewis and Nelson offensively if they are to have a prayer in this series. But defense might be their biggest problem. Sure, they can live with Rondo shooting jumpers, especially when Garnett (5-of-16) and Ray Allen (1-of-6, and a total non-factor) aren't hitting. But they cannot continue to let Pierce fire away from his spot.
As for Carter and Redick? Barring a miraculous comeback to win this series, their gaffes will go down as one of the most glaring in Magic history. Carter's reputation for not delivering in the clutch worsened tonight, and I expect several national, mainstream media columnists to paste him in the papers and on the internet tomorrow for failing to come through. They will mention his decision to attend his college graduation the morning of a Game 7, which he concluded by missing what would have been the game-winning shot. They'll compare him to Kobe Bryant and talk about unfulfilled potential. They'll invoke the term "legacy." None of that matters now, though. Carter and the Magic can't worry about any of that. Just gear up and play hard. Winning at least one game in Boston would ensure that they'd return to play another game at Amway Arena.
Crazy as it seems, tonight might have been the last pro basketball game in the history of that building, which has hosted the Magic since their inception in 1989.
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As far as the tweets go..
he was at the podium in a press conference when one of them was sent. And there was one sent 20 minutes after the game and PP has NEVER done that at all. Unfortunately someone hacked into his twitter account. PP has too much respect for the Magic as a team to do something that stupid anyways.
Still @ sexy it was funny to watch D12 EGO get bruised by the "aledged" tweet...
by Ol' Green Boyz on May 19, 2010 12:59 AM EDT reply actions
Since when did Dwight have an ego?
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Ego?
Um…okayyyy….I’d take a little look at your own boys first before throwing stones here.
is Loading ████████████ 99%
Too depressed to even have a sense of humor about anything anymore.
“You can call ‘leader’ until your ass bleeds, doesn’t mean it’s true!” Cartman’s words apply to the Magic. They are just not as mentally tough as the Celtics, to apply an overused sports cliche, and for all their talk, they’re not ready for a title. I’m a sad panda. I really wanted to make it a trifecta for South Park references, but I just don’t have it
in me right now.
Boston is a better team because they don’t make bone-headed plays late or brick clutch free throws. Blah, so sad.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Guys, chill!!!!
Boston won two in a row, so what???
Now we need to do what they did. We adjusted a little bit, but not enough in my opinion. SVG will sort it out though. Why the long faces?
It’s a challange allright, but it’s not impossible. It’s not like we are the Hawks and they are the Magic. Both games were close. We are adjusting and competing.
I sincerely don’t think Boston can get any better. We can. If we just came out aggresive from the start and impose a lead AFTER the first half… I don’t see Boston making a run late like us.
We still have a good chance. Both teams are experienced title contenders and before games 6/7 home court means sh**.
Cheer up grumpy!
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 6:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I agree
The Celtics won by 3 and 4, and with plenty of refereeing help and mistakes from the Magic. If we can limit the mistakes and the refereeing is balanced, then I don’t see why we can’t take it one game at a time – treat every game like it’s game 7 and work from there.
The refs have been mostly balanced.
I mean, Perkins and Pierce fouled out and Wallace had 5 last night. What else do you want? The Celtics, right now, are playing like the better team. Can that change? Sure, it’s not impossible. Will the Magic play much better than they did in game 2? I don’t know. 92 points is a good amount against this Boston defense. I’m being realistic here, no matter how much it depresses me.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Yeah the refereeing was in Magic's favor in the 4th quarter
If we somehow would have managed to push it to OT… there would’ve been no Pierce and no Perkins on the floor.
I'll say it was nice to see Dwight bounce back at least.
Mark Jackson was pissing the hell out of me with all his “The Magic can’t rely on offense from Howard” remarks, even with him scoring on the majority of his possessions. If he ever gets hired as a coach, that team is fucked, excuse my language.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
I think he was saying that the Magic can't win with giving Howard the ball on the Low Block...
And he made a point, because in game 1, Howard was really taking it slow in the low post and not using his speed or any shiftiness, and it led to 7 turnovers and a bunch of misses…
I don’t think he was being unfair…
Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!
Agreed.
I’m not a fan of Mark Jackson, but he’s correct that the Magic can’t win this series by solely relying offensively on Howard. And the point here is not that Howard can’t provide offense; he showed his offensive skills last tonight. The point is that we cannot get into a back and forth where we only score a maximum of 2 points/possession. We win by punishing teams from the three-point line (and mixing that in with a healthy dose of low-post buckets).
If we can’t score from the 3, we can’t win.
by gift of the magi on May 19, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
"I really love this Celtics team." - Mark Jackson
Wow, tell us how you really feel.
"I just Rashard'ed my pants!!!!"
by Wally Balls 407 on May 19, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
LeBron???
First I want to start off that this is just a thought. I know its early to be talking off season but its an interesting idea. Bring LeBron to Orlando. A sign and trade involving Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and 2 unprotected #1 picks. Cleveland gets something to contend for the present. LeBron gets the full contract that Cleveland can offer and still can go to an immediate contender. The Magic get a 2nd superstar and control of the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future. If need be throw in Bass or Gortat and Delonte West. Then all we would need is a backup PG.
The Magic would have a starting line up of: Howard, Anderson, James, Redick and Nelson. The bench would have Bass or Gortat, Peaches, and our back up PG. Again this is just an idea to think about. I’m on my phone, therefore I haven’t looked at the exact figures and seen if they would work but the point I want to make is that this is a place where LeBron can go. We would have the best Defensive player and the best Offensive player. Think about it, that’s a possible dynasty. They already do Mickey Deez commercials with each other.
I posted this here because it was a spontaneous thought and I don’t know how to post on my phone. I apologize for the ‘wrong thread violation.’
by The Magic Man on May 19, 2010 1:03 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I hope you're joking.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
No way the Cavs take on Lewis' deal. Or Carter's, even if 2011/2012 is only partially guaranteed.
At minimum, it’s Nelson, Pietrus, Anderson, more salary ballast, and several first-rounders.
Ok
I’m fine with that. Think about it we have no GO TO weapon on O. The Lakers have Kobe and Lamar and Pau are great back stops. The Celtics have Pierce and the other 4 are good back stops. The Spurs had Duncan ect. Only One team has won with multiple guys on basically the same level and won: the Pistons. We would now have LeBron with Dwight and Carter as great backs stops. It would mean moving to a more conventional offense though.
by The Magic Man on May 19, 2010 1:14 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This Lebron talk or who we need before Game 3 is played
is just the type of attitude that I hope the guys in the locker room dont have and what we dont need from our fans right now. Both games were winnable its not like we are being destroyed. Our top scorers have been scoring under ten points and we are keeping it close.
Me Against The World And I'm Winning
by Andeezy on May 19, 2010 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yea, we shouldn’t be talking about that FA stuff at all right now. We got a playoff series to make a comeback in.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 1:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
this times 1000
"He is fast, but what I like about him is he looks like one of those track guys that actually knows how to run the ball and has good vision and patience. He is not just running at top speed. He knows when to use his speed, and he has some power and toughness, too.'' Barry Sanders about CJ2K
Dwight Howard >The Justice League of America
by Bonafidebrother on May 19, 2010 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions
If i could pick any player to play with Lebron it would be Dwight, i think they’d go together perfectly. And a Lebron-Dwight pick and roll would be awesome, but the Cavs won’t do it because of Rashard’s ugly contract.
by CavsLebronFan on May 19, 2010 5:35 AM EDT up reply actions
When it comes down to it, we need to get big and dismiss this culture of the 3
That unique unorthodox offense with Hedo last year and again this year with shooting the 3 and having big guys on the outside.
In the end we need scrappy defenders and big guys to help Dwight. Spurs had it, Lakers have it, C’s have it. You need that in a title team.
Even with a Finals trip they got a lot to learn man…
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
yeah abandon what has worked for two years because of two games
quit overreacting
do you know how the spurs won their championships? DEFENSE AND THREE POINT SHOOTING
How has it worked? We dont have any titles and have been beaten by the Pistons, Celtics and Lakers who did have those intangibles
And No, the Spurs won titles because of stifling defense and additional support in the frontcourt for Duncan (Be it Nazr, Oberto etc), scrappers like Bowen and Ginobili and Parker penetrating the lane on offense. And of course their franchise player posted up and had an array of moves (ours is still developing and that’s being generous)
Boston has a similar stifling defense with their bigs which allow their backcourts to abuse us, Detroit did the same thing in their years using a mix of front court players in the lane (the 2 Wallaces, McDyess, Campbell, Okur, whom all would make it easy for Chauncey and Rip to get the ball and push it on the transition back).
Right now Orlando is still too much of an offensive finesse that while it plays good D mostly has Dwight handling the paint. It works but its not the type of ball that gets us over the hump and makes us a championship team. We’re not aggressive enough and its been the problem when going against veteran teams.
We had big guys but all they do is work the perimeter. You can see Dwight cant do everything in the paint on his own, because he can get into foul trouble or he’s left on his own to deal
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions
If you would rather have Nazr and Oberto on your team than Rashard Lewis
You are straight up doing drugs. We have lost TWO FUCKING GAMES by a combined seven points. All of a sudden this means we are a failure of a team because we can’t win the championship? If we had more than 1.5 (Dwight/JJ in game 2) or 2 (Jameer/Vince game 1) players play well in either game for these last two games we would probably be tied 1-1 or even up 2-0.
Proof how difficult the playoffs really are for the best teams in the NBA. Nothing is guaranteed.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
I'll take a Nazr or a McDyess, or any additional interior guy in the frontcourt at PF paired with Dwight and Gortart coming off the bench as a solid rotation in the paint
The $118 million Power Forward who is actually a small forward (and is slowly starting to reveal that he cant get it going without Hedo which even Magic players have gone on record as acknowledging) not so much…
The reality of the fact is, this unorthodox uptempo offensive style of ours with PFs jacking up 3’s does not work against vet teams with big front-courts. Because they can defend our perimeter shooting well and then the one guy who is in the paint (Dwight) gets hassled and pushed around. We have length but its always used on the perimeter which doesn’t mean anything against championship teams or if you want to assert yourself as a championship team.
It didnt work against Pistons, it didnt work against the Lakers and its not working against the Celtics. Dwight needs help in the frontcourt against these 7-footers and unless we pair Gortart in the starting lineup I don’t know if it happens.
Otis knows that going into the off-season (he should have known that last year and I thought Bass would have worked. Probably still could sloppiness and all against these teams as he showed against the Lakers in the reg season). The problem is who is he gonna get at the 4 to pair up when you have this Rashard and his bum contract.
Honestly, what was the point back in 07? I would have rather have just kept Ariza and developed him as he was coming along if we weren’t getting a PF.
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
You have to be able to shoot from the outside to play the 1-4 positions for this team. Ariza couldn't.
by Evan Dunlap on May 19, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
But he developed into a player who could with LA
And given that SVG would have given him free reign maybe he would find his stroke.
That said, thats partly why I hate this team sometime. Why do we HAVE to all shoot the 3? Like a lenghty lockdown defender and potential slasher like Trevor couldnt have been handy? I like his upside more compared to what Shard is now at times..
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure that had nothing to do with Houston's system? He wasnt really gunning it
In this system he would have had free reign.
But why are still talking about 3’s like thats all we needed him for? He was a lockdown defender who was a decent inside scorer
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 20, 2010 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, he was absolutely gunning it
He took on far too many responsibilities, although that has a lot to do with the lack of talent on the Rockets’ roster. But yeah, his usage spiked to 21.2% and he posted a dreadful 48.8% True Shooting mark. He needs to be a complementary guy on a great team, not the best guy on an average team.
Now, with Yao back and a full season alongside Kevin Martin, he could improve. But I think his best bet on offense is to emulate Matt Barnes: cut, get offensive rebounds, and all that. The difference is Barnes has an outside shot, and Ariza doesn’t. Last season’s playoffs was clearly a fluke.
Now, maybe Orlando could have used him in 08. But he wasn’t getting the job done (47.9% True Shooting) and didn’t earn Van Gundy’s trust. He was strictly a specialist. In Mo Evans, they got a guy better suited to play their system.
I understand the complaints about bailing on him early, but I don’t think the Magic would be where they are today if they looked elsewhere during the 2007 free agency period and groomed Ariza to be Turkoglu’s backup at SF.
indirectly that trade also got us Rafer Alston as well
we traded Brian Cook as part of that package.
I agree with the caveat of needing certain player(s) to do it. Not many people can beat what Rashard Lewis normally does for the team. The Magic may have to find the opportunity player(s) to get to put Lewis at 3 or 6th man against Boston and LA, the last two title teams. Developing Gortat or Bass more can be that too perhaps, especialy with Gortat.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 2:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree they have to develop Gortart, Bass and Dwight as a frontline
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Bull***t
One series doesn’t make the whole team concept wrong.
We are unique and title-ready. I just think the Cats + Hawks lulled us to sleep.
We will come out in game 3 and leave Boston 2-2.
The team is not flawed – we just had one bad game and one 30 second mental burp in the second.
It’s not the end guys!
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 6:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Man, I really do think the Hawks lulled the Magic to sleep. :/
by derekk on May 19, 2010 9:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No, but 3 Playoff elimations the past 3 years against teams with big frontcourts who hassle our big guy does
We need to combat length and strength with well, length and strength. And not just on the perimeter against smaller guards like last year vs Cavs.
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Im not saying its the end
Its just an idea. I’m right there with all of you, I not only WANT but I believe the Magic can still win the series. As a fan I’m afforded that luxury. SVG and Otis Smith aren’t going to blow up this series because of a message board. If anyone in the lockerroom has evan thought of the LeBron senario I would be shocked. This is a message board, we share ideas that’s the point.
As for this series I am very much in favor of starting JJ at the 2 and moving VC to the 3. Idealy I’d love for him to give a huge punch to the bench, but I don’t want to deal with everything that comes with that. VC is playing good well but Pierce is a monster at the moment. I think we can win in Boston. We’ve won a lot there lately. Including two games in the Playoffs. I don’t think we’re out of it just yet but its going to be a tough up hill climb.
by The Magic Man on May 19, 2010 3:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Let's just hope we can return the favor
and take the next two games in Boston .Nothing is impossible and we have been a few seconds away from winning games 1 and 2. Hopefully everybody will show up on Saturday.
Me Against The World And I'm Winning
Like Kevin Garnett...
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
by cgsimone on May 19, 2010 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec that shit. What’s up with doom and gloom, Magic fans? Come on this team did not just play the way they did for the last few months to roll over. We def could take two in Boston. Fuck Vince and choking and legacy, were too deep. Anything is possible!!!!
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on May 19, 2010 1:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Now you turn on Vince? lol .
I’ll be here in week when you say the same about the entire team.
Dude played hard this season, he just didn’t hit them when they count but I never get the impression he isn’t trying out there. And I’m not a fan of his or anything, but I get it, put it that way.
This team did not face the challenge we have now in the past few months either. When you’re up against vets, you’re up against vets.
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah it's one thing when I guy doesn't try and doesn't hustle, and another when he is just missing
If a guy plays hard and works, you gotta live with that. That’s the most you can ask from someone – to give it his best.
I’m not turning on Vince. Just saying that fuck all that talk about Vince choking and his legacy, etc that the media and other people are going to spin on this game. We are too deep to blame this on one guy not coming through. Honestly its mind boggling to me how this team can’t take this series.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
You guys should know me as a Magic fan by now. I don’t overreact and I don’t throw players under the bus. I just don’t want anyone getting hung up on what the media is already spinning as a Vince tank job. It wasn’t that. And btw Wasabi, you wont see me here in a week turning on the team…does that mean you think we’re out in a week. THIS FUCKING SERIES ISN’T OVER.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dk7Il3EqI0
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
This will be a date to remember.. or FORGET..
:( I’m sorry this is too much.. I witnessed the Wizards winning the Lottery instead of the Nets.. heading to Boston down 0-2.. what else could go wrong?!?! please.. Well more Power to those who believe in Magic.. yes we can.. now we are against history.. thus we can make history.. silenthero out..
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
Both games were close. Magic can keep that trend going in Boston
Hopefully, lead the game instead of trail for most of the game. Magic can win at the Garden. They have to.
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
Caracas, Venezuela.
by North of the South on May 19, 2010 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions
ok sick of the lebron talk. not going to happen
- meer is the man. but he is NOT a championship pg. imo all we need is a real pg. put a rondo on this team and its done.look at what is happening when meer faces a tough defender like rondo he gets beat ALMOST every time. before you all talk smack about my comment look at the #s and it says it all.
Except for Tyreke Evans who is pure awesomeness. :P
(Just a joke folks.) Jameer is rather awesome in the Magic’s system when they’re running it. The C’s just have effectively knocked them off their game.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
Jameer just had 20 points in game 1.
It wasn’t a spectacular game, but he was one of basically 4 players to play well. This game he was not as good, but he’s not why we lost (although that 3 attempt didn’t help matters). When will the Jameer haters stop…
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Never most likely.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
Btw pookey…I’m reading a lot more in the media that we are being compared to the 2002 Kings…which I don’t agree with for multiple reasons. But at this stage, the 2002 Kings were a much better team that was composed under pressure (minus maybe CWebb, lol). This current Magic team is showing they are a little shakey when faced with a threat. If anything, the 2002 Kings got hosed throughout that WCF series. The Magic on the other hand are just coming up short.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
Ah, that Kings team folded like a camp chair.
I see the parallels in a lot of ways unfortunately Jafi.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
yeah in Game 7 they did…after the worst officiated game in league history…and after they endured Robert Horry’s shot…the Kings went through a lot in that series…that adversity was insurmountable…
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
If that's the case
We can go ahead and call the refs our for fixing the series.
"I just Rashard'ed my pants!!!!"
by Wally Balls 407 on May 19, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
2 glaring problems
1. Defense of Pierce. You cannot allow Pierce to catch the ball at his sweet spot. The Magic have to be really physical and deny him that position.
2. Matt Barnes. Celtics are daring him to shoot. He isn’t making his shots or shooting frequently enough to make them alter their strategy. His man is lurking in the paint and discouraging penetration. Instead of drawing defenders with penetration and kicking out to open shooters, the Magic’s perimeter players are having to create their own shots and shoot challenged 3s.
There’s still hope. The Magic are right there, they must adjust.
"I've hacked into your brain. You're throwing a party and no one's showing up."
While what you say is true about Barnes, it’s not glaring enough to be a key problem I think.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 1:50 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
These are two very evenly matched teams.
The average point differential in the regular season games was 5 points. In the two games so far, the Magic have now lost by 4 and 3 points respectively. In the regular season, it was Boston mostly coming out on the losing end of close games. Now it’s the Magic.
If we can put a complete game together, I’m very confident we can win a game or two in Boston.
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
Ben…why you say that winning this series will be a miracle. Come on man, you know this team. I know you know we can win 1 if not 2 games in Boston. No mas doom and gloom from all you guys!
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on May 19, 2010 1:47 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I believe Magic can win the series, but must make offensive adjustments.
We can’t give up hope, we ain’t like that guys. I didn’t see the offensive adjustments I wanted that could get Magic well above Boston. Except for getting it to Dwight more, the Magic missed many key things they shouldve changed offensively.
I think their defense was okay, PP is ECF MVP I guess, but Allen and KG were ineffective (with some unlucky shots for Allen). Rondo broke out with weakside layups (he still couldn’t really score on Dwight but he attacked when he’s out and he adjusted great when D12 was back in) and passing to the backdoor cutters. Those cutters like Davis and Perks get point blank bc Rondo’s PnR and confusion between Dwight and Rashard; tho I think it’s Lewis who is mostly at fault (and between Gortat bringing D and also keying an offensive rally…). But really, again, I think the overall team defense was pretty decent. It’s the Magic offense that was so horrible.
I think the Magic have to attack the paint much more. Half of their FTs were from the fouls on Dwight and the rest of the team outside VC and JJ didn’t attack enough. VC fought and played hard, he upped his FTs. His only fault was a total tunnel vision when attacking the paint. 1 assist for 15 fga, pretty same for Dwight too. Dwight (today atleast) and VC are good for go to scoring, but they miss so and so and so many open passes and other chances to kickstart some ball movement. I really liked Dwights no dribble, straight up offense, and when he dribbles he actulally does draw doubles and that’s when he has to pass. Those two got to attack the paint to make plays, passing out or not settling for anything short of FTs if there’s no chance at all to hit an open shooter or start a ball swing. Rashard also was not aggressive, it seems he is a dead matchup and he only contributed a sound 4 assists, if the Magic don’t start finding an offensive groove so Lewis can get going, it will continue to look as if Gortat should be playing more and more to react to the Celtics D. The biggest dissapointment to me was Jameer. I have never seen him so regressed, he was shut down easily by Rondo. He did not use PnRs to attack and be constantly aggressive, a huge adjustment I was expecting because Jameer has a terrific game PnR game with Dwight and excellent drive and dish moves. If the defense and PnR defense is too tough for Jameer, he still could’ve gone into the paint to probe and keep the dribble alive- shuffling the defense and allow him to search for openings to make a assist or score; something VC should try out too actually and not that Hedo is better but that’s what he does; PnR into the defense and look to pass. When there is so little doubling on Dwight, there is no inside and outside offense (and basically no offensive system at all), so someone has to playmake inside the paint consistently to make the defense decide to collapse inside and leave the out open and the whole team must attack the paint to show that FTs can as easily be their bread and butter offense if 3s are always taken away.
We can’t lose hope guys, I believe the Magic will come back. Boston is worse at home (statistically proven) and much of the Magic squad has already beaten Boston at Boston, including a Game 7 from last year and this reg. season. Keep the faith guys.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 1:48 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Props for putting up a recap so fast. Definitely the worse loss for me since '03 GM 7 vs. DET
I already see people reverting back to the same old tired arguments. Talk about panic:
1. Rashard isn’t a true power forward/soft/shoots too many 3’s. We need a “banger.” Play Bass more.
2. We need a “true” PG. Jameer is too small and shoots too much. Not championship caliber.
3. Vince Carter will never win the big games. We should have kept Hedo. He was clutch. We should have never traded Courtney Lee for him.
4. Dwight Howard smiles too much. He’ll never win a championship until he gets that “killer instinct.”
5. Stan screams too much. The players won’t listen to someone who is yelling at them. “Master of Panic.”
What else am I missing?
0-2 going to Boston is definitely a scary position to be in. But there is no reason to suddenly switch up the game plan that has worked for us all year. And we definitely shouldn’t be calling to scrap the whole roster and throwing out fantasy trades. Lebron? Really?
FEAR THE MEER!
by bandrewg08 on May 19, 2010 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree that we are in match-up hell and that the Celtics just look better right now but
I’m so pissed off with the people here for writting that stuff (you missed the infamous get LeBron here). You guys who already started talking about who should be traded or not will have all the time in the world to do that later. For my part I really didn’t belive that Dwight would bring such a monster game and I’m so glad he prouved me wrong. The Magic had a garbadge 3rd quarter that costed this game, it wasn’t VC nor that stupid play by Redick. We were all proud so far in the playoffs to say that this is a “team” so I prefer to stick to that and blame the team for the loss. I would still like the Magic to run a little more and get going at least one more guy in the offense. This was a great game and there is no way that Magic won’t win in Boston.
Time to get that finger bling-bling
Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.
0-2
speaks for itself, and although anything can happen, we obviously have a tough road ahead of us. MAGIC in 7
Vince Carter - Half Man, Half Retired
Matt Barnes - Half Man, Half Tattoo
NO WAY i'm going to start picking my team apart NOW!
It’s going to be TOUGH… and everyone KNOWS it.
Now; THAT’S ENOUGH!
We the fans; who REALLY care about this team, will support the Magic till our last breath in this series AND the next one!
Adjustments WILL be made; shots WILL fall… we WILL prevail!
GO MAGIC!
They still have to win 2 games.
Magic still had a chance to win in the first 2 games. It just comes down to execution on both ends … we still have a chance. It’s getting slimmer and slimmer but heck anything is possible.
We're stuck in matchup hell
And facing a team that’s red hot and playing it’s best basketball all season.
As some people said all season, Magic > Cavs > Boston > Magic. The Cavs messed all that up by losing last round. So, once again, this is all LeBron’s fault.
Atlanta vs. Orlando is matchup hell.
This is more like matchup purgatory.
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
When J.J. Redick (16 points) scores more points than Nelson (9 points) and Lewis (5 points) combined, that's not a good thing
I really admire how the Magic have fought like heck in the fourth quarter of the two games, but it just hasn’t been enough.
The 6:18 span during the third quarter when the Magic were outscored 13-1 was a killer; the Magic shot 0 for 8 from the field during this span (6 of those shots were jumpers), 1 for 3 on FTs, and committed 3 turnovers.
Honestly, I give Boston credit for being the better team the first two games, and doing what they needed to have done to win. That being said, the Magic did several things better in Game 2 than they did in Game 1 (shot three pointers better, shot free throws better, and had more assists and fewer turnovers than in Game 1).
If the Magic can find a way to win Game 3, this is a series again.
"2010 Orlando Magic Playoff Basketball... Enjoy the Ride."
"Chicago Blackhawks... One Goal... the Stanley Cup"
by Mike from Illinois on May 19, 2010 5:24 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Ray Allen
Its going to take sub par performances from Ray Allen from here on out. You rememebr last year Ray’s series versus us was one of his worst performances ever. Paul is going to be Paul, Rondo will be Rondo. Garnett, outside of a crucial bucket at the end, is really, really past his prime. So in addtion to KG already being at 75%, Ray needs to tank it.
Past his prime? Did you wathc the Cleveland series? The magic are playing great d on him which is making it hard for him to score. But he is contributing on the d like the KG of old.
Have to agree on this one.
Rashard, Gortat, and Dwight are just playing great D. KG put it on Jamison, who was supposed to be the new weapon for LeBron to get over the hump.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Yea a game 3 win can make it look like there’s a chance to go 2-2 and regain homecourt.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 9:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bleh Squid.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
And Squid
Magic fans around the world were cursing JJ for what he did. Just so you know.
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
I saw
ugh this stinks :( Stupid Celtics.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 19, 2010 6:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah it stinks.
At least you have London. :)
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
lol true
it’s really beautiful here today, too. I dunno why I’m still sitting inside trolling the internet…
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 19, 2010 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Me either. :)
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
okay okay
I went to the British Museum and then had ice cream and now I’m going to the supermarket. Happy???
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 19, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
and BTW - I love Pierce's Tweet
can’t stand how the NBA got soft in the last 10 years…
hope it was him not some a**hole hacker. respect is overrated ;)
miss the all-out wars of the 90’s.
“There will be blood” in Boston games. Maybe even Howie will stop smiling…
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 7:23 AM EDT reply actions
So he really is the one who tweeted those stuff?? not an impostor or something??
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
by silenthero07 on May 19, 2010 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions
No idea... Im just saying I WISH it was real PP
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Even if it's not real if the Magic learned about that tweet you are right "there will be blood" lol..
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
by silenthero07 on May 19, 2010 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions
and stop blaming the refs!!!
guys – the charge on Reddick was a terrible call, but we still had more than a fair share of chances to win if not for the Choker Classic starring VC and JJ.
Recognize – first game we got beat, second game we beat ourselves in the final minute.
Hope this was the worst we have seen from the Magic this series.
We have to play perfect the rest of the way.
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 7:27 AM EDT reply actions
It stinks that VC could become known after this as Nick Anderson II
Such a great career with the Magic was devastated by some missed free throws in the Finals against Houston.
Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!
He still has time to redeem
But again, even if he made them both, the Magic would’ve still be down by one. The 30 foot desperation three was the key (of fail) in my opinion. It was a series of events that was a fail.
I hope he redeems himself in game 3..
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
by silenthero07 on May 19, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
For people who wanna talk crap about the Vince missed FTs.
It even happens to the “best closer in the game”. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=adande_ja&page=bryant-090610
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
Both..
VC and Nick Anderson have done a lot for the Magic in their time here, it really angers me that they get this thrown on then..
is Loading ████████████ 99%
Agreed its the dismissive overview of both
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
didn't howard say several times before the series that Orlando was the better team
and they would win the series?? now he is talking about pride before the fall? Come on Dwight…go back and read your own quotes…
by celticinorlando on May 19, 2010 8:23 AM EDT reply actions
Orlando is the better team.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
“Orlando is the better team.”
I honestly don’t believe that.
At best Orlando is evenly matched and has just come up short twice.
The difference is the coaches. Doc is amazing. Anytime he felt the Magic shifting momentum it was TIMEOUT. Regroup.
Why we ever fired him was beyond me. He was CLEARLY not the problem.
Coaching is semi-overrated in this league.
Celtics were near the bottom of the league every season Doc was there until they were gift wrapped two future hall of fame players.
you forget to...that the Celtics were on the verge of firing him and plus he was talking about leaving after the season...
so….CLEARLY he is not the answer…
"He is fast, but what I like about him is he looks like one of those track guys that actually knows how to run the ball and has good vision and patience. He is not just running at top speed. He knows when to use his speed, and he has some power and toughness, too.'' Barry Sanders about CJ2K
Dwight Howard >The Justice League of America
by Bonafidebrother on May 19, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Not right now.
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
No, but given how you guys have been playing since April, I didnt think we were the better team either
Y’all pulled a Houston 95 or LA 2001 peaking at the right time I suppose. I thought we did too, but this team traditionally struggles with big bruisers (LA, Detroit in the past)
"To my Hustlers, heres some motivation: He who has begun is half done, why you waiting?"-NaS
Certified Kristin Kreuk obsessive.
by Wasabi Steak on May 19, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Match ups match ups match ups
That is all basketball comes down to. You can “scheme” and “plot” all you want, but if you are using the same players (match ups), it will only take you so far (i.e. a 3 point loss in Game 2 instead of a 4 point loss in Game 1).
Especially given Rashards play, I would bring Bass in the minute Lewis needs to sub out. This gives the Magic a whole nother look/player/match up the Celtics have not gameplaned for yet. Let’s be honest, whether or not you liek the guy, he plays unlike anyone else on the team, causing Boston to reevaluate on the fly. Might work, might not, but hey we’re down 0-2 so why not.
Also, why not try AJ in for J-Will? We all know AJ can come in at any point in any situation and be productive. Someone else Boston has not gameplanned for. Might work, might not, but hey we’re down 0-2 so why not. What happened to our “amazing depth”??
I liked the twin tower idea, but the execution is not enough to get it done. Gortat is way too much like Howard, and for every compliment he provides on a play, theres a duurrr moment on a play that follows with those two.
I would like to see things like this put in BEFORE a desperation type game 4 down 0-3, at which point it just looks shameful.
Something. Anything to shake it up. My only thing with Ryan is that he plays so much like Rashard ala Gortat to Howard.
However, maybe we could get lucky and put in Ryan and he just lights it up like it was November all over again…. LOL
We still didn't get blown-out
We lost by 3 and 4 points. I think it comes down to better execution and not necessarily shaking things up.
Correct
Anderson’s a much better rebounder than Lewis.
by Evan Dunlap on May 19, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
0-2
0-1 don’t panic. 0-2 don’t panic. We still have 5 more games. The way things are going it could be 0-4. Don’t panic we can go fishing with Lebron. Doc uses his players to intentionally foul – Stan leaves his players on the bench. “Wake up call.” You make millions and in the Eastern finals and you need a wake up call. Hello, it’s 0-2 time to get up. Is that good enough. Somebody needs to wake up “Peaches” and remove the fog that’s around him. Why does “Mr. Dribble” waits till the defense gets set before crossing the half court line? You need 3 points, why is Howard in the game? When are Ryan and Bass going to get in the game(there are 12 fouls)? They are not good enough or are we saving them until we get a 30 point lead? We can still win the championship but it doesn’t look good right now.
Please contact this number if you have any information about this Missing Person
[portrait photo]
His name is Rashard Lewis and he used to be an offensive enforcer – putting up all-star numbers, confident in his shot and never shy to take a bigger guy off the dribble.
He inexplicably has gone missing after Game 4 of the Atlanta series not only clanking the majority of his shots but also refusing to shoot altogether.
His Magic family is slowly descending into grief. HELP
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 9:15 AM EDT reply actions
If the reason is matchups...
…why aren’t we playing more iso Shard vs. Garnett??????
If we play twin towers more – Perkins vs. Gortat is a draw and Dwight can stop KG most of the time.
Lets shake up the rotation and give more time to a five of Hammer-Dwight-Lewis-VC/MP-Meer
If this takes KG off the floor or pushes him to play D against Howard/Gortat- great! Shard can shoot over Pierce/Allen all day. If KG stays on Lewis – godamn mein! – start abusing him on iso!
We don’t need to go to the post every possession – we need to exploit Lewis vs. Garnett – he needs to shoot at least 15-20 FG a game for us to gain an advantage and throw Celtics off balance.
On the other hand – I believe we can try Lewis on Pierce on defense if he plays him for the drive. Gortat + Howard will stop him at the basket and Lewis is long enough to take away his mid-range jump shots.
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking about that lineup.. could work really well.
by derekk on May 19, 2010 9:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Maybe it's just way too small a sample size
But KG seemed to get off his shot just fine against Dwight when the Celtics were down 1 late in the 4th.
And while I’m sure you’re apparently in favor of trying just about anything that MIGHT work at this point, I don’t think you guys want Dwight pulled away from the paint like that consistently. I don’t believe you have him out there to protect the perimeter. But more importantly, I think it’s clear to you guys that the Celtics love pick and roll, and if the C’s do that while Dwight’s 15 or so feet away from the paint guarding KG, you’ll be in a world of hurt.
Good point...
But I will take Rashard over Garnett every time when it comes to shooting uncontested mid range jumpers or driving to the basket.
It’s always OFF vs. Def in these situations – I think what Lewis would do consistently challenging Garnett would outweigh def problems with Dwight out of the paint.
I also think that Rondo’s mid-range jumper was to good to last in Game 2. (Hope so at least)
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Magic is unbeaten in this year's playoffs!
anything is possible!
I AINT doing this....
I am a REAL Orlando Magic fan. All this talk about Lebron coming here, PP tweeting or not, Mental mistakes…or even Vince becoming NA II….its all crap. I was at that game last night and my heart was crushed….got phone calls from all over the country last night talking about how we are gonna get swept. I AINT HEARING IT!!!!
We ARE THE ORLANDO MAGIC! SVG is going to make the adjustments, Nelson will get his head in the game and attack Rondo and the rest of that aging Celtics, We going to do what we have to do…
So we need to stop all this panicking, we didnt get blown out like Raptorel said…they barely hung on to this one after the lop sided calls…and I aint gonna harp on that either. We need to buckle down, get it together, and play CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL! ENOUGH SAID…
"He is fast, but what I like about him is he looks like one of those track guys that actually knows how to run the ball and has good vision and patience. He is not just running at top speed. He knows when to use his speed, and he has some power and toughness, too.'' Barry Sanders about CJ2K
Dwight Howard >The Justice League of America
by Bonafidebrother on May 19, 2010 9:23 AM EDT reply actions
i agree. even if the Magic win Game 3, the dynamic really changes…the pendulum swings…Magic have just forgotten how to win as crazy as that sounds…
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
Mark Jackson kept repeating it and its true
The Magic cannot win by posting up Dwight and standing on the perimeter they need to run more Pnr action.
The other thing is how SVG’s offense is designed, having 4 guys starring at Dwight’s offensive struggles benefits the Celtics. You have to cut to the basket to at least let the Celtics guards work on D.
By the way, Rashard Lewis didn’t play poorly, he just didn’t get any good looks because :
1. the celtics don’t double Howard so he can’t kick it back out to the open man leading to a Lewis 3
2. the pick and pop involving Lewis and Nelson is well defended by the Cs. Rondo is a great on ball defender so he doesnt need much help on the screens.
I’d suggest either leaving Matt Barnes out of the starting 5 and have Carter and Redick start or start Redick and Barnes, Carter providing the spark off the bench. Barnes CANNOT defend Ray Allen, he’s too quick. Redick does a much better Job at chasing Allen around those screens.
Even though their defense hasn’t been stellar in game 2, it’s their offense that’s flawed against great defensive teams. They may need to adjust their playbook a little bit by moving a it more instead of waiting behind the 3 point line for something that’s not going to happen.
i did not expect ths series to go this way
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
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by bestbostonsports on May 19, 2010 9:59 AM EDT reply actions
Who did?
EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985......
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....
that ass clown looks like a genius right about now
…but we have Paul Pierce’s tweet.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
Um, what happened?
I’m shocked. Just from reading Ben’s post about their attitude was not right for the first game. Its the East Finals! They should already be ready to go.
What an excruciating game to watch because the Magic seemed to be doing a lot of things right, but Boston always had someone making a play. 1st half was Pierce, 3rd was KG, then Rondo was crazy good in the 4th. We had maybe 2 1pt leads in the whole game.
And Vince. Ugh. Missing the FTs was big, but god i hate when he fades on his jumpshots and drives to the basket. He did play hard, but he needs to draw fouls and not fade away from the contact.
Just a week ago, we were on cloud 9 feeling great about this team. In just 3 days, we’re halfway out. This sucks.
"It's all part of the plan." Jeff Moorad and The Joker in the Dark Knight.
"Just because you went to the Finals last year, you can’t go out on the floor and expect teams to lay down. We got no heart. You can only make so many excuses. Everybody has to come and play hard, not just one or two guys."-Matt Barnes
About the energy thing.
I think it’s more complicated than just saying, “they didn’t come to play”. I think the players are regurgitating what Stan is saying when he refers to “energy” and “intensity”. The Magic had trouble in game 1 because they weren’t executing well. On defense, they didn’t have to run back in a month so their perception of game speed was flawed. Clearly, they made a correction in the course of the game but by then it was too late. Game 2 saw a difference in the beginning quarters, but the Magic’s issues in execution are still there to an extent.
So I don’t think it’s as simple as saying they don’t have the energy or effort. They just aren’t playing smart because the Celtics D has thrown them completely off their game. Many people discuss the odd lineups and adjustments that need to be made to win, but think about that. The Magic are playing with lineups they aren’t used to playing and aren’t as efficient with. This is another reason that they are being thrown off their rhythm and their execution is suffering.
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
I am disappointed that we loss this game but I am still confident
the team will continue to fight and play well in Boston.
Go Magic!
I think we should replace Jwill with AJ for a game.
He played great for us last year, whereas Jwill doesn’t seem that effective to me. We need AJs old man strength. He’ll get us going haha. I still believe!
by BlueSkyOneCloud on May 19, 2010 2:20 PM EDT reply actions
Against Rondo? You been smoking????
Dad would probably have to wear casts on his ankles the rest of the year…
No offense he is a good player, but it’s not his matchup.
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 19, 2010 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
hey now
Dad has his moments!
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 19, 2010 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
We all do!
I hit four consecutive 3’s in the final 10 minutes! Just yesterday!
;)
Feed the cutter!!!
by Piotr Szczesniak on May 20, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
What can i say! VC really came up short!
I wonder how many on this board were here for the offseason when VC was signed. There were many, many, many arguments about whether VC is a “loser” or whether his failure to win anything was simply due to him not having a great team around him. Obviously most magic fans took the latter argument for being true and excused VC’s failure to never get past the 2nd round of the playoffs and only manage to even get into the playoffs for 6 of his 11 prior years. I wonder what the prevelant thought process is now after his tragic game 2. Before the final few minutes of the game i was actually going to commend him for a solid performance and “showing up.” But when the game and the SEASON is on the line, down 3 with 2 free throw shots with 40 seconds or so remaining, you simply MUST knock down both free throws. Not only did VC miss one, but he missed both! And not only were they misses, but they were obvious misses due to nerves.
Some people just don’t have “it.” VC is one of them. Regardless of how high he used to be able to jump, VC has never had Kobe’s killer attitude. And that’s what caused him to fail last night and destroy any hopes of a Magic championship.
My only question is, what would have happened if Hedo was on the line? I really think he would have drained both.
His "failure" to get out of the semifinals has more to do with the teams he was on than it does with his talent level
He’s never been on a team this good. His teams lost to better teams in the playoffs. He had mostly awful teammates. We’ve been over this.
that was the thought process
That’s what everyone said in the offseason. His teams just weren’t good enough, etc. But now his team is even MORE talented than the other team, and his team still looks to be coming up short.
The series isn’t over, but being down 0-2 is next to impossible to come back from, especially when one considers that the 2 losses were on home court. The question is, do you guys still think that VC’s failures over his career to win anything are due to his teams or if there has been a change of heart, and Magic fans now think that VC simply doesn’t have “it.” You know, the desire, the work rate, the never die attitude, the clutchness?
VC is a great talent, always has been and always will be. But in the mental landscape, he has always come up short and will always come up short in the future. If the Magic are going to win a ring, it will be without the help of VC, when it counts. Just my opinion.
Yeah he got scared
But he’s a man. He’s just a “normal” guy. You can’t “punish” someone for this. You can punish someone who doesn’t give his best to win. Vince has had these kinds of moments in the past, but not in these two games vs. the Celtics.
Vince has to be more cocky and arrogant on the floor, that’s when he plays at his best. I’m pretty much the same when I play. If I’m “cool” and “nice” I lose that mental edge. You have to be cocky and think you can dominate anybody on the floor.
Are you having fun?
I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.
Right
But I wont blame Vince for this.
It’s everyone’s fault, if team performed, those FTs wouldn’t be so huge.
And yes, when it comes down to it, Hedo/Kobe would be better on the stripe in that moment. I’ll give you that. So what? I’m still happy with the trade, as much as I originally was against it.
That’s perfectly normal thing in proffesional sports.
Stay classy.
we got this
i believe in my boys, if anyone can pull this off its them. sure they made some mistakes game 1 and game 2, but stans a great coach he will have them ready. when we have had our backs against the wall we have delivered, like game 6 and 7 against boston, game 4 against philly, bostons a great team, but we can do this. dwight played very well yesterday, and we are gonna need that on the road, vince is gonna come out lookin to kill somebody i hope, and nelson and shard will get going. This series just getting started, they won 2 in our buildin, lets get it back
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