What They're Saying Before Game 2 Of The NBA Finals: Part II

Orlando Magic must avoid falling into an 0-2 tar pit against Los Angeles Lakers
Brian Schmitz thinks it'd be best for the Magic to win against the Lakers ...

They could use a breakthrough win, not solely for historical purposes, of course. But because a split in L.A. swings the momentum the Magic's way and reminds doubters of their resiliency heading back to Orlando for three consecutive games. [...]

Dwight Howard wants to do something The Big Exit couldn't accomplish in Orlando.

"I think it would be great for us as an organization," he said Saturday. "Our goal wasn't to make it to the Finals and win one game. We want to win the whole thing.

"We believe we will win it."

Alston said after Thursday night's 100-75 loss to the Lakers that he was affected by Nelson relieving him and playing the entire second quarter.

Van Gundy said Alston was making an excuse for his subpar play, to which Alston responded, "I'll give you a good excuse. I sat 12 minutes real game-time. I sat about 30 minutes real-life time. There's your excuse. It's different. I don't care who it is."

On Saturday, Alston laughed off the exchange with Van Gundy.

"That's Coach. But I'm not the one to make excuses. Everyone understands about playing. It's just a rhythm thing. And he understands that I still go out and give him 100 percent effort every time and do what I have to do with the minutes that I'm given," said Alston, who played for Van Gundy in Miami.

"This is my second go-around with Coach and we never have any problems. He and I are on the same page."

When you get this close to a championship, your best shouldn't be coming off the bench. And make no mistake about it: Nelson is the best point guard on the Magic roster. Do you remember the phenomenal numbers he was putting up before he got hurt? He was averaging 16.7 points, 50.3 percent from the floor, 45.3 percent from 3-point range and 88.7 percent from the free-throw line.