On the day before Earth Day, defensive player of the year award was given to Orlando’s Dwight Howard while crowds lacking enthusiasm peppered cheers resembling spam pretending to be lunch meat.
Before tip-off tip: Compared to game one, the Magic appeared distracted while the Bobcats wore a posture too tight.
On a side note, Earth Day is tomorrow and I’m taking this opportunity to wish all the very best. For those not in the Earth Day loop, my loose interpretation means everyone needs to take care of OUR home. In other words, next time you have an urge to throw trash out (yes, including cigarette butts from your car window), DON’T. One person can make a difference. End of side note… for now.
Stuff parachuted from center stage seconds before tip. With ten men outlining a center circle, the Magic controlled the opening; first blood went like this…
Magic’s first touch = turnover
Bobcats first touch = turnover
Magic’s second touch = offensive foul on drive
Bobcats second touch = turnover
Magic’s third touch = lay-up, where’s Rambo now
Bobcats third touch = missed 15 footer
Bobcats performed tighter than kite string fearing feline claws. In the Bobcats favor, the Magic forgot to bring defense to the table… guess it really didn’t matter. After five minutes of play, the Magic led 11 to 3.
First Impression Blues: Game two does not “feel” like a playoff game… too sloppy and stiff. Perhaps both teams are thinking about tomorrow’s big birthday celebration for Earth?
Time-out and return, another Charlotte turnover begs the question: “How many turnovers does it take to change a light bulb?” After seven minutes of play, the Bobcats squeezed a total of three points (one coming from a made defensive technical foul shot).
After eight minutes the Bobcats still at three while the Magic at a non-impressive 13. After 12 minutes of watching paint dry, the Magic lead 18 to 14. While neither team played well, the Bobcats played BAD, and not in a good way.
Warning: As bad as Charlotte played over the first 12, they find themselves down by only four. Gee, at this pace, I should have painted the whole house and not just a single room.
First 12 minute lowlights:
* Total of 12 turnovers (six by each team)
* Two players for the Bobcats scored (Jackson with 10 and Mohammed with 4)
* Bobcats made 5 of 17 shots (29%)
Second quarter began with a Bobcats turnover and a Magic three pointer. Second Bobcats possession earned a second turnover (there is something to be said about being consistent).
Seven minutes until half: time out has the Magic leading 27 to 18.
Five minutes until half, Bobcats still standing at 18 (no, I did not stutter).
Four minutes until half, Jackson, after a missed free-throw, makes the second to lift the Bobcats to 19.
Zero minutes until half, Magic lead 41 to 30.
First 24-minute points of interest:
* Magic shooting 36%, Bobcats shooting 35%
* Magic’s high scorers are Carter and Barnes, each with 7
* Eight turnovers for the Bobcats
Third quarter began where the second stopped. For eight minutes neither team dominated the other with superior play. The Magic took an early lead (due to an opponents possum imitation—can you say Charlotte Possums?). After seven minutes into the third, the Magic held a 58-45 lead (again, don’t get too pumped as neither team played like playoff contenders).
Three minutes until the fourth, Magic up 65-49; at the end of the third, paints drying and the water’s boiling… about the game… a few more brush strokes and I’ll get back to you. Highlights for the quarter, don’t bother, none to be had. Will catch you on the rewind.
Twelve minutes until the final buzzer find the Bobcats down 75 to 55. Cats may have nine lives but that’s not going to help them tonight. Ever wonder what would happen if a college team played a professional team? Don’t wonder any longer.
Fourth quarter took way too long. Good news though, I got plenty of doodling done… and there’s nothing like three front and back pages of fresh doodle; think of the possibilities!
By the end of 48 minutes, the Magic found themselves on top. I’m not going to bore you with details (yes, I have a heart); suffice it to know the final score was 92 to 77.
In summary, if the Magic play this non-inspired against Atlanta or Cleveland, the Magic will lose four in a row… sorry, reality can be more than a tickle.
Sitting with pen in hand and paper longing for a story, I am…
dhuffman
Doodling? Oh my….even though it was a bore, one must say your hiliarious coverage makes it all worthwhile. I was home sick today, yet you made me laugh hysterically. Thank you.
Jane,
It feels as if I know you as I just responded to your Orlando Ballet comment. Not only are you a lover of the arts, you appreciate sports comedy! Hope you are feeling better and appreciate your allowing me and WON to generate laughter in your world. Seems like there’s not enough laughter and kindness these days. If my writing brings about a smile, a slightly quicker heart beat, or a moment of reflection, I feel my words are a success.
One more thing, you are welcome.