-
Magic seek relief at home against Lakers
Brian Schmitz lays out the storyline for tonight's game.The Orlando Magic are back at the only place they finally might find order and comfort, playing the first NBA Finals at Amway Arena since 1995, roughly the time 16-year-old Kobe Bryant permanently applied his game face.
The Magic know this is surely a special occasion for revelers, but unfortunately, survival trumps sentiment tonight. -
Magic's offense is at the breaking point
George Diaz states that Orlando's offense will need to wake up ASAP, or else the team won't head back to Los Angeles again in the series.With no practice Monday after flying back to Orlando Sunday night, Van Gundy and the Magic will be scrambling to get back into this series.
If they can't find their rhythm, they won't have to worry about one thing:
Going back to Los Angeles. -
NBA Finals: NBA Finals to attract celebrities in Orlando
The Orlando Sentinel reveals that the city of Orlando is going to be poppin' with the NBA Finals rolling into town for the next few days. Actors, musicians, professional athletes, & others will be in the City Beautiful for the games. -
Kobe Bryant has a superb supporting cast with the Lakers
Kyle Hightower asserts that the Lakers' supporting cast has been one of the differences in the 'title bout' against the Magic.When a guy is as prolific at making shots as Bryant, opponents just have to concede as much.
But one thing the Magic were hoping to prevent heading into the championship round was Bryant's supporting cast showing offensive tendencies.
So far that effort, too, has proved futile. [...] "That's what great teams do," Bryant said. "You've got to have other guys step up and contribute and make big plays and we've been doing that the whole playoffs. Lamar just had a great, great game — particularly in the fourth quarter. The guys played well." -
Courtney Lee says he "beat" himself up for missed shot
Magic shooting guard Courtney Lee has been dealing with the shot he missed Sunday that could have given the team a win against L.A. and a 1-1 split in the NBA Finals.
Keep your head up, Courtney.
"I've watched (the replays) a few times, yeah," Lee said. "I've been beating myself up.
"The guys have said we still had five minutes (overtime) to win the game. So they've been supportive. My main focus is to get it out of my head and focus on tonight." -
Van Gundy says Jameer Nelson will not start during NBA Finals
Orlando Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said Tuesday afternoon that he will not start Jameer Nelson at any point during the NBA Finals.
Speaking to the media after the Magic completed their shootaround at RDV Sportsplex, Van Gundy was asked if Rafer Alston will start tonight at point guard in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Arena.
"Yeah, yeah," Van Gundy answered. "I'm not going to start Jameer in this series." [...]
When asked what his plan at point guard will be for tonight's game, Van Gundy said it would be "the same as it's been."
Make sure to check out this post every few hours for updates.