Orlando Magic News for May 21st: Vince Carter on the Attack, Suggestions for Improvement, Stan Van Gundy's Philosophy, and More

Bradford Doolittle of Basketball Prospectus looks at some things the Orlando Magic need to turn around in what is essentially a do-or-die Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He recommends playing Marcin Gortat more with Dwight Howard against the Celtics' starters, and also suggests that the Magic need to get more out of Jameer Nelson and their three-pointers. And of Vince Carter, he writes:

I hate to continue my caterwauling about Vince Carter, but I just am not a fan of his game. With Ray Allen due for a big game on Boston's home floor, Carter is going to have to be on the attack. I know these two don't go head-to-head that often, but I still see the fates of the teams definitely tied to the results of these two players. And, frankly, I think that's bad news for Orlando.

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel has his own list of 8 suggestions, which includes keeping Rajon Rondo out of the paint and siccing Matt Barnes on Paul Pierce.

Tania Ganguli of the Orlando Sentinel transcribes coach Stan Van Gundy's comments on the significance of Game 3:

I think you’ve gotta get rid of all the distractions, and one of them is, Oh my God, we’re down 0-2.’ That has no relevance right now. It’s the situation we’re in, I understand that, but what I mean is, we’ve gotta go in and play a great Game 3, that’s all that matters right now. There shouldn’t be anything else on our minds right now.

Nelson and Howard make Kelly Dwyer's list of the best players in this postseason to date.

Eddy takes a quick look at how poorly Rashard Lewis has played against Boston compared to last year, with the help of ESPN NBA Stats and Information.

Zach Lowe of Celtics Hub explains how Boston's ability to score at the rim, and eliminate its opponents' opportunities there at the other end, has it just two wins away from its second NBA Finals appearance in three years.