The world lost a seraph today.
Before introducing the Orlando Magic/Los Angeles Lakers contest, I would like to take a moment and reflect on the music and contributions from one of the most gifted voices to ever grace the airwaves. Etta James passed today; the world will never be the same. For those unfamiliar with Ms. James, instantly feel her soul with her classic: At Last.
With two “contenders” scheduled to battle after a good-bruising from games previous, tonight promised to be more than a midnight romp. Then again, when it comes to promises and pillow talk, truths during courtship typically morph into don’t recalls the following morning. Enough of too many high school memories invading this basketball evening, time to tip.
One of the most vocal crowds of the season, the Lakers approached Dante’s inner ring first. Looking like a blushing Beatrice, five guys in white hugged one in blue and yellow. Matt Barnes tightened return, only to swallow one pomegranate seed.
Dwight controlled the toss, only to watch Redick hit the rim. Lakers drew first blood; little did I know that first blood would be the only blood-letting on tap. Magic came back with a turnover by Howard as the Lakers missed an easy one while payback double-downed; Dwight easily hit a three-foot left jumper.
Kobe swished his first at the nine minute mark, Dwight shuffled for his second basket in as many attempts immediately afterwards. With six minutes into the first, Bynum is tagged for his second foul. Dwight surprised all by hitting his first free throw, proving true to himself by missing his second.
First bench circle was called by the Magic at the 5:33 point and a lead of 12 to 8. Remainder of the quarter found nothing to write home about. So, with that in mind, let’s review a few details while I am wonder what’s going on at my hearth:
First quarter:
- Magic controlled, leading 22 to 10 (yes, 10 total points for the Lakers)
- Lakers offense needed help, even missed a few barn tosses less than three feet away
- Lakers aimed at the rim 21 times, hitting on 4 attempts (19% success rate)
Not sure if the Magic played a solid first or the Lakers were recovering from their Heat bashing, perhaps the second set of 12 will tell the tale. Indifferent to the cause, this game forced me to reminiscent about my high school days and so many missed opportunities lacking action.
First play of the second found Bynum on the line, missed the first, hit the second. Lead quietly cut to 11, Magic responded with an uncontested layup (plus one). Falling faithful to the first, the remainder of the half found little by way of competitive suspense. Before drifting to what I could be doing on this Friday evening (like watching Supernatural or Fringe), I best summarize the first 24 minutes of play.
First half:
- The Magic pimped the Lakers, totally
- Magic 48, Lakers 31
Third quarter held steady to the first 24 minutes. Though the Magic did display plenty sloppy moments, the Lakers refused to play second fiddle in this area. Ultimately, the game was no game at all and the promises mentioned in the beginning were just as unreal as the many promises I heard (and made) while in high school.
Third Quarter:
- Attendance lessened as many took advantage of an early exit
- Magic 67, Lakers 52; don’t be fooled, the game was not this close
Final quarter drifted beyond dental pain. Seeking relief from numbing sensations, many seats found themselves empty well before the final tick. For the Magic, I must recognize Glen Davis. Glen Davis displayed a great deal of hustle, passion, and energy each second he was on the court. Without doubt, his addition was smart on multiple levels.
At last, the Orlando Magic won the game with a final score of 92 to 80. Treated like an orphaned step-child, the Los Angeles Lakers departed Orlando beautiful with a new sense of identity, not a pleasant one.
With a final word, I am truly saddened about the fall of an American icon, Ms. Etta James.
Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, I am
Danny Huffman
Education Career Services
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs
Great article!
Did you hear that Shaq proclaimed Howard to be the 2nd best Center in the NBA, behind Bynum? The stats and display certainly didn’t back that assessment up.
Although it was still a good win, the Lakers are a far cry from the team they used to be. Kobe is too old and can’t keep up with younger guards. That was shown tonight when Von Wafer blew past him time-and-time again. The bench for the Lakers barely have the ability to score any points at all. Furthermore, Dwight Howard single handedly out played (in terms of stats) the inside combination of Gasol and Bynum. Sure, Bryant put up a lot of points for his team but he had to when no one else was scoring. This isn’t the same tam that was on the verge of a three-peat and tarnished our championship hopes. It’s almost saddening to watch…almost.