If Nostradamus were to make a prediction about this evening’s nationally televised earth-shattering event between the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic, who would he favor?
Then again, even the great seers of yore can be wrong. After all, this is a new year and the Magic are coming off an exhibition style game against one of the many college-level professional teams out there; so they should be plenty rested and may prove the odds-makers wrong.
Fifteen minutes prior to tip, the Bulls warmed up to a soft-spoken crowd. Feeling a bit disappointed by the lack of booing, I am beginning to wonder if Joakim Noah’s following decided to show up. Nothing new on the stretching department but I do question the fact that during every stretching series, one of the players MUST lay on his back at half-court for the world to see his legs pulled apart like a wishbone from one of the trainers… am I right? Go figure.
Seconds before tip a sold out crowd oozed screaming thirst as I reached for ear buffers. None found… it is going to be a long night. The expected starting ten began the game (yes, even Rose for the Bulls—bad news for the Magic). Tip controlled by Dwight, first blood established by with a nice left hand hook by Howard. After a steal, J Richardson showed off a right-handed hook of his own. Looks like the Magic are out the gate running while the Bulls are slow to warm. Seconds later, Rose calmed the game with a slider for two.
First quarter highlighted smooth playing for the Magic, offensively and defensively as Dwight and team impressed one not easily impressed… me. Here’s the exclusive after 12 minutes of play as the Magic earned 27 points while the Bulls finished with 26 points:
First course:
- Neither team established themselves as a defensive threat
- Howard imitated Atlas, shouldering the world with 14 points.
- The entire Magic squad was unable to handle Derrick Rose (hitting 5 of 7 for a total of 12 points)
- Turkoglu played non-inspired (his stats proved it: zero points plus one turnover)
Eager for the next 12 minutes of back and forth, both teams began the quarter in a sprint. Before long the pace snailed to a crawl as turnovers, miscues, and delays forced me to reflect on prophesies. What were the Mayans thinking? End of the world coming in less than 12 months and I’m worried about being ten pounds overweight?
Five minutes into the second and sloppiness spilled like baby’s milk, covering both teams; apparently neither team were lactose tolerant. First time-out came at the 7:35 mark as Van Gundy found a few towels for drivel cleanup. Not wanting to downplay the final few minutes, let’s head to our second course summary:
- Howard, aka Atlas, Shrugged
- Magic were outplayed during the final seven minutes of the half, completely
- On a positive side, the Magic were only ten points behind (53 to 43)
View from the cheap seat: The Magic organization lacks a true leader. Granted, Howard is a great player but he is NOT a leader (don’t even suggest Nelson). Until a leader rises from the ashes, Atlas will forever shrug while second-handers will forever reach without concern of consequence (or an NBA title for that matter)… if you are confused, check out Ayn Rand at your local library.
Thinking Nostradamus got this one right and believing we are only going through the motions, the third quarter began with a thud. Sad part of this statement is its validity: I could actually hear the thump as the crowd was as quiet as a mouse. Looking tattered and torn, after three minutes of second half play, the Magic, suddenly trailing 62 to 45, called for a much needed reboot.
Rebooted and refreshed, the Magic hit three three-pointers without rebuttal. Ahead by eight, the Bulls call for their own bench time. Back for a rebound, the Bulls attempted to regain control by bouncing a turnaround for two. After several sparring minutes, the Magic appeared to gasp for another bench moment as murmurs of dissatisfaction were heard in the distance.
The quarter ended with Chicago feeling the effects of a cold spell but remained in control, 73 to 62
Third course synopsis:
- My great grand-pappy once told me: “If I ain’t got nuttin good to say, don’t say nuttin at all.” With his final words in mind, I will pass and say “nuttin” about how pathetic the Magic played over the past three quarters or how they looked like a team fresh off the streets. I believe grand-pappy would be proud by my showmanship of control.
The final twelve minutes began with a forced basket by Davis, followed by a return point by Lucas. Down by ten, Howard slammed one of his own… now down by eight. The Bulls missed badly while Turk hit from the sideline. Down by six, the Bulls are called for offensive interference. Magic appear resurrected while Baby Davis and a referee fell to the ground in each other’s arms. Baby to the line; hits the first, hits the second. Chicago breaks their cold streak with a three, finding themselves up by seven.
Official timeout with 7:33 remaining in the game as Orlando shortened the gap to seven once again. Howard scored off an offensive rebound, missed the extra point. After another minute of play, the Bulls called timeout as their lead dwindled to three (80 to 77).
What happened over the next five minutes, you just had to be here… sorry, but that’s the way it is.
At the 2:13 mark and trailing 92 to 80, the Magic were out of gas, out of sync, and (almost) out of time. Feeling sensitive to Orlando Magic fan feelings, I won’t play by play the pain. Instead, let’s just agree that the final score was Chicago 97, Orlando 83.
Moment of Zen: In the beginning, Nostradamus got it right… but so did most of the world. Still, I remain hoping the Mayan’s made a mistake in their 2012 prediction or the consequence of Dwight’s departure will roar to an empty arena. Nearing conclusion, it is time to share the wisdom of Nostradamus (from El Talisman de Los Sueos).
“Nothing in the world can one imagine beforehand, not the least thing; everything is made up of so many unique particulars that cannot be foreseen.”
Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, I am
Danny Huffman
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs
