This morning I heard how the game this evening was of little consequence for the Magic. After all, they are sitting in a solid fourth and most likely will play Atlanta during the first round. What’s to sweat? Glad you asked as I recall (many years ago) while in college my coach’s philosophy and insistence that his players push the limit at every opportunity, including events lacking significance. In case you are wondering, my coach was NOT Stan.
My college coach was adamant by showcasing two scenarios:
* Games of little import, if played without passion, develops hard to break negative habits
* Games of little import, if played with passion, develops character, respect, and pride, not only for the players but for the supporting cast (us fans) as well
Though many may not want to accept it, but tonight is a game for the fans, for the city, and for each Orlando Magic member… with tip set in a few minutes, we will find out shortly if Van Gundy and company have the heart of a champion (recall Rudy T. and the Rockets?) or the soul of pea.
National anthem sang, players introduced… it’s time.
Orlando controlled the opening easily but was unable to draw first blood. After a quick miss by Charlotte, Howard shoved a 17-footer off the glass only to miss across the rim. Bobcats took a quick lead with a leaning curve over Howard. Two minutes into play, the game found itself tied at four. After five minutes of give and go, Howard controlled the box with two dunks (four points).
The remainder of the quarter was highlighted by little effort, defense, or pride. Good news is the Magic seem to begin most of their games this way… wonder if a bad habit has found a home?
First quarter impressions:
* The crowd was silent with the exception of an offensive interference call against Howard (could have gone either way)
* Bass had a good first quarter with six points while Howard held his own with eight
* Bobcats most unimpressive with five turnovers (Magic had two—all from Howard)
* Looking at the Bobcat roster, the Magic should be up by more than six (23 to 17)
With Howard sitting the second out, Hedo took the lead with a long-distanced all netter. Bobcats threw a brick and found a hole nine points deep. Looking for a shovel a few back, the quarter was counting down. Dwight returned with seven minutes remaining in the half and the Magic up by nine (35 to 26).
At the five minute mark Charlotte called time out after falling behind 42 to 30. Thus far Orlando has not been tested in any portion of the game and seemed content to play in their mediocre manner. Rather bluntly, Charlotte was not putting up a defensive effort (though neither were the Magic) while the Bobcats key players were more than rusty (come to think of it, who are their key players?). From my vantage point, we had nine average NBA players on the court at all times, with the only exception being MVP candidate Dwight Howard.
At the conclusion of 24 minutes, the Magic secured a deceiving 49 to 39 lead
* The game’s boring, no April fools here
* Howard and Nelson held 11 points each
* Magic shot 53%, Bobcats shot 47%
The third quarter began with the same level of intensity as the first half concluded… nonexistent. Good news was there were only 24 minutes remaining… oops, did I say that out loud? From the looks of the empty seats, a percentage of the fans decided to spend their Friday night elsewhere… cannot say that I blame them.
After one of the sloppiest quarters of the season, the end of third found the Magic up 70 to 60
* Thus far I have NOT felt the heart of any champion on the court
* Howard put up solid numbers, 10 rebounds and 22 points (63rd double-double for the season)
* Magic fortunate to be playing an average team bad habits of their own (excessive turnovers)
Less fans witnessed the fourth than the third. Still within reach, the Bobcats opened the final 12 minutes with a defensive rebound and two points for themselves. After another defensive rebound, the Bobcats secured their 14th turnover, their 15th on the next possession, followed by a foul (placing Howard on the line), and an increased gap to 11. With an official time out with 8:45 to go, fans were furnished with a brief display of energy. You guessed it, dancers on the court.
With five minutes to go and Magic up by 14, this exhibition was all but over. Unfortunately the game highlighted a complacent team settling for too many outside shots, too little defense, and too many bad habits. I know a while back I suggested the Magic would fall in the second round of playoffs… I may have been overly optimistic as they will be lucky to get through the first round without elimination.
Final: Orlando Magic 89, Charlotte Bobcats 77.
Wondering if a pea has a soul, I am out of here.
dhuffman
