Magic Disappoint in Loss #16

From the looks of it, tonight’s game between the Pistons and the Magic should not be much of a match… but we’ve all come to learn (the hard way) that the “better” team does not always secure a victory. For example, the Pistons came into the arena with 16 wins compared to 29 for the Magic. But what does this mean for tonight’s game? Absolutely nothing as the Pistons bring Tayshaun Prince and Tracy McGrady as well as Rodney Stuckey for a night of dribbling. Okay, you got me there, the Magic showcase Howard and a supporting staff of heavy hitters.

On a side note, if the pregame music is any indication of what to expect on the court, I am worried. Seriously, who comes up with the mix? Unfortunately I did not bring any aspirins… have you ever tried finding aspirins at this arena? Is this a sign of things to come for the Magic?

No surprises on the starting five for the Magic. Good news, pregame music stopped. Hopefully the disk has been destroyed. Magic controlled the tip, missed their first shot, and found a rebound. In two seconds flat, a silver platter turnover was gifted to the Pistons as Prince and the Pistons drew first blood. Nelson tied with a layup. For the next few minutes, neither team made a conscious effort to play defense. Wonder if this is the new and improved branding statement Van Gundy has positioned the team for. Heck, if you like offense without intensity, this may be the game for you.

First time out was called at the 6:30 mark, finding the Magic up 14 to 8. Sorry, can’t write about the past few minutes as the Magic dancers were doing the twist in their bikinis… what can I say?

After a refreshing and entertaining break, the ladies returned to the alley and the players returned to the wood. McGrady spotted an easy layup to get the gap back down to two. Nelson rejected the threat with a two pointer of his own. The remainder of the quarter showcased layups, easy jumpers, and non-contested misses. Needless to say, the game did get a bit more interesting at the three minute spot with Dwight getting tacked for his second foul. By the time the quarter ended, the Magic found themselves on the wrong end of the stick, losing 27 to 26.

First quarter summary:
* McGrady and Prince accumulated for 23 of Detroit’s 27 points.
* The Magic look and play lost without Dwight on the court (what are we going to do when he leaves?)
* Both teams shot over 52% from within the arc, 50% beyond the arc

Dwight began the second quarter on the bench. Much like the previous 12 minutes, defense was not a factor. Lucky for the Magic, McGrady and Prince did not start the second quarter. After 2-1/2 minutes of play, the Magic found themselves up 33 to 30. Prince and McGrady returned at the 6:52 mark while Howard decided to join the fun a few minutes earlier. Lacking intensity, it was tested and proven that turnovers really can make a difference as the Magic handed the ball over 12 times (equating for 17 Piston points).

After 24 minutes of running back and forth for a chance to shoot or hand the ball over, the Magic found themselves down 56 to 46.

Personal perspective:
* The Magic are not playing like champions but like an average team… perhaps the Magic really are just an average team after all? On the bright side, the NBA is stacked with average teams so it’s not so bad to be the best of the average… is it? Or does one still call second place a loser? Just throwing it out there.

After scoring 20 points in the second quarter, the second half began not a minute to soon as the halftime music was drilling like a dentist with an attitude. Guess the music CD was not misplaced and I must endure throbbing pain a little longer.

Same ten started the second half as the first. Both teams missed two easy shots (at least easy from my angle). Before long, the Magic’s Nelson secured turnover #13 and the Magic found themselves down by 14. After six minutes of play, the Pistons remained up by 12, 67 to 55.  At this point, the only player for the Magic playing with noticeable intensity was Brandon Bass. His defense, though lacking a supporting staff, was worthy of a shout-out.

While we have a quick time away, maybe the time is now to ask why Howard has not been getting fed inside? Granted he has been getting nibbles now and then but with the Pistons lacking anyone who can even pretend to guard him, I think it’s a question many in attendance must be asking.

Back from timeout and Nelson was standing tall at the free-throw line. Hitting net for the first and second shot, Magic down by 11. Prince returned with a three-pointer of his own. Bass volleyed with a deuce and it now appeared the defense light was flipped on like a greasy burger (can you tell what’s on my mind?). A miss by Detroit found Howard pushing it in deep, hitting one free throw out of two. McGrady rolled in for a layup scoop, hitting the shot and supporting free throw. Howard came back with a miss from under the basket while Bass was served a quick drop and a foul. With time out called, the Magic picked up the scent and trolled for a bone.

At the two-minute spot, Detroit sniffed a scent of their own. Needless to say, there’s a whole lot of stink in the house tonight!

With 12 minutes to go, the Magic trailed 75 to 65.

On their first possession of the fourth, Richardson hit a three, Magic down by seven. The two teams traded back and forth, though the Pistons lost more ground than gained. Detroit called timeout with 8:59 to go, finding the smell to be a bit too acidic and the momentum shifting back to Orlando. Down by four, a sellout crowd of 19,098 conjured an Axel Rose impersonation. If this does not get the soup hot, nothing will.

Detroit came back, netted a three while the Magic hit all air (not in a good way). After a second miss by Detroit, Arenas got a favorable call, went to the line, missed his first and dropped his second… six point Piston lead. The next few minutes found the Magic getting dizzy and sloppy and, before a second stir and pinch of salt, fell behind 90 to 78 with 6:19 remaining.

Dropping a taste, the Magic spoiled the moment with a few three’s, a few defensive attacks, and a dose of energy. Before another shake, Detroit called time out at the 4:43 mark, up by a low-calorie five points. With Prince and McGrady back in the game, the final few minutes intensified. Nelson, called for his second foul, put Stuckey on the line, hitting both. Magic down by seven. Anderson, seeking tip, handed the ball over on a bad pass, giving Prince a chance to do what he does… and he did it. Hedo placed a smooth fade-away and both teams were doing the hustle, reminding me of a classic hit.

Nelson fouled Stuckey once again with 84 ticks remaining and the Magic down 97 to 90. Van Gundy called a timeout, no doubt conjuring the perfect play, proving once again why he was the coach and why I was not.

Hedo threw the ball to Nelson, who tossed it to Anderson. Anderson drove for a layup, got a call and journeyed to the line. A lucky bounce and a brick left the Magic down by 6 with 75 ticks left. Howard was called for a foul away from the play, giving Stuckey a free shot and the ball. Now down by seven, the Pistons took their time and called a timeout with seven seconds left on the shot clock, perhaps to discuss dessert.

Back in the game, Detroit threw an air ball. Magic called a 20-second timeout as 52 seconds remained. Needing three possessions, Nelson stroked the ball, drove, missed. Howard picked up the trash and threw it in the bucket. Down by five the Magic fouled instantly, putting Stuckey on the line. Stuckey hit the first, hit the second. With 42 ticks, the Magic went looking for a few four-point miracles. Lacking a miracle, Nelson fouled Daye after a Detroit rebound.

Daye hit the first, missed the second. Down 101 to 93, Van Gundy called another timeout. Would not be so bad but that darn music was back on… and where have the Magic dancers gone?

With 29 ticks and no dancers in sight, the Magic missed, fouling Daye once again. Perhaps now was the time to admit the loss and allow the game its place in history. Nelson brought the ball down, passed to Anderson who then lofted up a shot, missing but getting fouled. Anderson made all three shots but does it really matter? Nine seconds remained and the crowd has had enough.

Final score finds Orlando losing 103 to 96 and an odor I can’t seem to put my finger on. Perhaps I should ask Van Gundy?

Enjoy the course,

dhuffman