Orlando Magic 112, Atlanta Hawks 98: the Morning After

The Magic's second-half performance in their 112-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 reminded Sports Illustrated's Frank Hughes of an Orlando team of a different vintage.

But in the second half, the Magic looked like the mid-90s Magic, when Shaquille O'Neal dominated the middle and Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott and Penny Hardaway were launching from the perimeter.

He adds that, based on the Hawks' body language during Orlando's second-half surge, Atlanta is "going to need more than a change of venue" in order to get back into this series.

Tony Mejia of Pro Basketball News makes this bold declaration:

If [Dwight] Howard knocks down free throws at anywhere near the rate he drained them at on Thursday (13-for-18), they're going to open up Orlando's new Amway Center by hanging a championship banner come late October.

After yet another spectacular performance by Jameer Nelson, George Diaz of the Orlando Sentinel asks, "[H]as there been a point guard more important than Nelson in these playoffs?"

Tim Povtak's recap at AOL FanHouse includes several glowing appraisals of the Magic from Hawks coach Mike Woodson and several of his players. "You need to be almost perfect to beat that team,'' Woodson said.

Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel gives Vince Carter his due for his strong showing in the second half, and poses this intriguing question:

The real question that can’t be answered yet: Will Carter be there when the Magic trail in a series? Will he be there if they reach the conference finals and then the Finals?

ESPN's Daily Dime contains must-read pieces from Chris Sheridan on Carter and Eddy on Carter's use of the pick-and-roll.

The only drama left in this series, writes Eric Freeman of The Sporting News, is "how long the Hawks can postpone their demise."

Eddy recaps Game 2, which he describes as "a battle of stars" because "the best players for each team stepped up"

Here's an interesting bit from Alex Kennedy's game notes at HOOPSWORLD:

At one point in the second half, Atlanta lead by eight points, the most the Magic have trailed in this postseason.

Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal Constitution says this game demonstrates the Hawks are overmatched, considering they "gave it something approximating their best shot — or at least as a good a shot as they’re apt to muster in a playoff road game — and still couldn’t extend the Magic to the wire."

The Human Highlight Blog has a thorough, thoughtful recap over at Peachtree Hoops.

Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal Consitution wonders about the Hawks' attitude.

I understand the Hawks have to maintain that positive state of mind but it’s little solace if they are actually trying to win this series. Is this the really the best they can do at Orlando? Take a lead at halftime, spit the bit in the fourth quarter and lose by double digits?