If Games 4 and 5 of the Magic vs. Celtics 2nd round series were the two most sickening games in recent memory, then Game 6 must have been the medicine. It sure didn't go down easy, but it was effective, and in the playoffs, isn’t that what matters? It sure wasn’t a pretty game, but it had enough pretty moments to get the job done. The Magic could have easily just laid down in Game 6 and conceded the series to the Celtics. Frankly, that is exactly what they seemed to be doing for much of the game. The Magic would make these short sudden runs at the ends of the periods to draw within a point or two of Boston, only to let Boston build back some distance at the start of the next quarter. Sitting in the stands, it was hard to keep resignation from creeping in, especially when the Celtics finally built a larger lead in the fourth quarter. I listened as the O-rena erupted every time the Celtics scored or made a play. It was easy to imagine that we were in Boston. I looked around at the Celtics fans near me in their brand new Celtics jerseys and t-shirts and saw just how smug they looked.
But then the Magic finally put a run together and built a little lead of their own. My hope was back! But then, so was Paul Pierce! Those three straight jumpers to take the Celtics from being down five to being up one were infuriating because everyone in the building new what was coming – pull-up jumpers - and he was still able to do it! The Magic responded; they gathered themselves and kept doing what had worked. Two of the biggest shots of the night – the three pointers by Rafer Alston and Hedo Turkoglu, were the kind of shots that make you cringe – and I did – when they are going up. After all, our vaunted three point shooting has been well, not so vaunted? As the shots were going up I went from yelling “no no no” to “yes yes yes!” It was very satisfying to see the Magic continuing to attack even after they got the lead back. They didn’t settle for a one point win.
So, now it all comes down to Sunday, May 17th, 2009. Either this day will be remembered as the last day of the Magic’s 2009 season or it will simply be a mile marker on this team’s continuing trek through the 2009 playoffs. As a fan, I’m sure as hell not ready for this to all be over. I have had just way too much fun this season. Oh sure, it has been nerve-wracking at times, but in a good way, right?
In advance of the game, I have some things that I’d like for the Orlando Magic to keep in mind...you know, just some pointers from us fans.
We don’t need to launch 27 3 pointer to beat Boston. Ok, so we’ve set records the last two seasons. But what good are those records doing us in this series? If the shots aren’t falling from the outside, maybe try getting just a bit closer!
Don’t wait until your down to get aggressive. Don’t wait until the end of quarters to make your run! Building a big lead doesn’t mean your winning the game, it only means your leading the game.
Dwight needs to remember how much better he is than Kendrick Perkins. He sure seemed to remember in Game 6.
Rashard Lewis needs to remember that he can post up any guard Boston puts on him and drive around any big they put on him.
Turk needs to remember that a drive in the lane doesn’t have to end in throwing the ball up and hoping for a whistle.
Courtney Lee needs to remember that he is just as quick as anyone that steps on the court with him, including Eddie House.
Rafer Alston needs to remember that dribble penetration is an extremely potent move and is a much more effective move for him than a spot-up 3-pointer.
JJ Redick needs to remember that the courts in the NBA are the same size at the NCAAs and that the rim is still only 10 feet tall. He should still be able to shoot lights-out at this level.
Mickael Pietrus needs to remember that his defense and his strong drives to the basket are what makes him stand out on this team...not his outside shooting.
Marcin Gortat needs to remember his training...the smallest of all the bears was still bigger than Scalabrine, Big Baby, or Perkins.
Anthony Johnson needs to remember that he has more experience than Rajon Rondo and more savvy than Stephon Marbury.
Stan Van Gundy needs to remember...wait, hold on...Stan needs to forget, Tony Battie. At least for this one day.
Finally, the entire team needs to remember that they are a better team than the Celtics!
And hey, nobody panic!
This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
If this team would just play hard for the entire game and I mean with the effort you would expect in an elimination game this series would have been over long ago. In the games Boston has won it's been all about them wanting it more, to me that is unacceptable. I keep waiting for our team to learn this and I really hope today is the day.
One other item they need to learn, if you get good shots by moving the ball for 3 quarters, you should probably continue to do that in the 4th as well. We've played defense to the point where Boston has had scoring draughts of 3-5 mins but we haven't killed them because on offense we go to this "I got this one" mentality. Move the ball and fight for the whole game and we could play this game on the moon and win.
I often wonder, if my Grandmother had miraculously sprouted a pair of testicles whilst my Grandfather was alive, would I then have to also refer to her as Grandfather? -rtillaree
Posts: 10084 | Location: Trying to figure out why the Fan Voice Blog gets 10 views and JJ/Carlos/Jameer/SVG sucks threads get a million views | Registered: February 15, 2006
That is the perfect title for this thread. This is a golden oppurtunity for this franchise to make a step that they have not made since the Shaq and Penny days.
But am I the only one that thinks that Battie could be useful. I probably am LOL.
Anyway, this is a huge game and im ready.
No, I'm actually the other one (probably in all the forum), altough I was waiting for something more from him in this playoffs. In his defense, I have to say that's difficult to come out knowing that you're going to play only for a few mins...
Shard playing catch up: 25 3's to go.
Posts: 1453 | Location: Tambien conocido como Taino_FfS! | Registered: June 12, 2008
This moment, this moment right here, was worth the agony of Games 4 and 5.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
One thing SVG needs credit for is the move to double off of Rondo instead of Big Baby. Rondo struggled to take advantage and Big Baby was unable to do much without getting wide open jumpers.
Posts: 6536 | Location: Amway Arena Lot 3 waiting for the next game | Registered: February 23, 2006
Originally posted by Live or Die Magic: This moment, this moment right here, was worth the agony of Games 4 and 5.
+1000000000000000
Notice that your Fan Blog titles are being copied by everyone... Stan used the word Heartbraker a few times in the press conference, and MP is repeating over and over the "Seize moment" in this OS article...
Originally posted by Luke_FfS: Notice that your Fan Blog titles rae being copied by everyone... Stan used the word Heartbraker a few times in the press conference, and MP is repeating over and over the "Seize moment" in this OS article...
Well, it is possible that Pietrus read my blog, or at least the title. He is one of the few players that does a blog for the OM website, so he is more inclined to be on there looking at that section.
Still, pretty cool!
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
orlandomagiczone.com 
