Georgia Peaches? I think I will stick with Florida Oranges. After an easy Game 4, the Magic land in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time.
“Take a deep breath and just relax and play hard for 48 minutes. Let’s go out and prove we can win a game.”
These inspiring words came from Atlanta’s coach Mike Woodson just before opening quarter, but it just wasn’t enough Monday night. The Atlanta Hawk’s fight for the title ended at home where they lost to the Orlando Magic in Game 4, 98-84.
This is the second sweep this season by the Orlando Magic, giving them a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. This puts the Magic at a record streak of 14 straight wins. The last eight in the playoffs – and 28 of 31 games.
The four game sweep came as a total blowout in a match-up between the teams that finished second and third in the Eastern Conference.
Much like the other three games, Atlanta tried hard to breach the defensive wall of Dwight Howard and company who locked down the game, but the Magic almost didn’t break a sweat. Getting to the glass was the main factor this season for the Hawks. They were not anywhere near the paint in this game landing all their points through jump shots.
On defense, the Magic worked their best angle smothering Joe Johnson and not letting him get comfortable. On the offense, they took advantage of their group of top three shooters. What makes Orlando a really tough team is the fact that they have so many three shooters.
“Air France” Mickael Pietrus was off and flying most of the game, knocking down threes left and right. After landing two three -pointers in row, he was 3/4 collecting 12 points straight out of the bench while superman Dwight Howard had 11 of 18 altering shots showing once again why he was chosen NBA defensive player of the year.
Vince Carter shot 22 points this game and welcomed the feeling that he will play in his first Conference Finals next round. Jameer Nelson ended with 16 points and Rashard Lewis put down 17 points, four being three-pointers.
“We want to dominate. We want to take the life of everybody we play” Carter said.
—and so far they have.
Together the Magic collected a win of 101 points over Atlanta between all four games. It’s the most points a team has ever won by in a 4 games series. With that stat, Orlando became the third team in the past six years to sweep its first two best-of-seven series.
Now is sit back and wait to see who they are going to be facing in the Conference Finals, Boston or a rematch with Cleveland?
“Both of those teams are great” Magic’s Dwight Howard said. “It’s going to be tough but we are going to keep working and get there.”
Here are some stats of tonight’s game…
Magic Hawks
*27 assists 17 assists
*17 turnovers 6 turnovers
*6 steals 6 steals
*6 blocks 2 blocks
*Largest lead was 22 points Never lead
*Top shooter Lewis with 17 points Top shooter was Smith with 16 points
The Magic won’t know their opponent for at least another week. The Cavaliers and the Celtics stand 2-2 right now but will be fighting for the lead tonight.
Fernanda Barros reporting for West Orlando News Online
