Magic Quiet the Thunder

Two evenings after embarrassment, the Magic attempted to regroup against a respectable Oklahoma City Thunder team sporting the same number of wins (36). Not knowing what to expect from either team, the evening could be a true test of character and passion.

Tip tossed amongst loudness. Come to think of it, I have not heard such clatter banging these rafters for quite a while. Who knows, maybe tonight Dwight would get a little support… just kidding, we both know that probably won’t happen. Wearing blue bordered by two red vertical stripes, Durant and Westbrook, looked to take control at jump.

Magic held first possession, went deep into Howard for a quick turnaround. Howard missed the shot but went to the line. First free-throw, all net. Second free-throw, all bounce. Magic took the early one to nothing lead. Thunder received their turn at the line during their initial possession. Unlike Dwight, Collison swished both shots. Three minutes later, too many turnovers (from both teams) scattered the scene; the score remained two to one.

Nelson regained the lead with a patented baseline fade away. Thunder responded with their drive and a resulting charity trip. Looked like this was going to be physical night as Dwight found himself on his back at the eight minute mark (his first but not last tushy tumble). Good news for the Magic, the Thunder missed all of their initial eight attempts from the field.

First time out was called at the 6:34 mark, finding the Magic up 13 to 7. In the early stage, Howard was gifted support as he accounted for only one of the Magic’s 13. Two minutes later and more than several turnovers from Oklahoma City, the lead bloated to 12.

At the end of the first, the Magic felt comfortable, leading 28 to 22:
*   Thunder shot poorly, hitting 8 out of 22… and while on the subject, the Magic benefited from five turnovers
*   Magic support was at its best, accounting for 18 points, Howard played well and owned 10 points

Minor concern: With the Thunder playing sub-par, the Magic should be beginning the second quarter up by more than six.

Dwight began the quarter on the bench as the Thunder responded with a drive (and a basket). Second Oklahoma City possession resulted in a turnover. The Magic took advantage by pushing the ball and quietly taking a nine point lead. For the next few minutes, the Magic refused to push the lead beyond a baker’s dozen, leaving a flicker of hope in the Thunder skyline.

Dwight returned to the game with 7:58 remaining in the half and a lead resting at 38 to 33. Within seconds, Dwight wrestled to the basket and hit an easy one. Durant retorted with a dunk of his own. Second Howard possession, foul and trip to the line. Standing tall, he swished the first and the second freebie. Durant reacted with his own perfection.

By the time the half came to a scorching halt, the Magic tightened the grip, leading 59 to 48.
*   For those wondering, Turko”who” did suit up, ran up and down the court (16+ wasted minutes worth) and ended with an impressive two points, one rebound, and three fouls (remind me why the trade?)
*   Howard landed on the floor three times, elbowed a defender once, received one technical foul, and hit eight out of nine free throw, ending up with 20 total points
*   Durant proved to be a scoring threat, totaling 18 points for his own
*   Thunder shot 36% while the Magic conquered 54%

Minor concern repeat: with the Thunder owning seven turnovers AND shooting 36%, how can this game even be close?

Third quarter began amongst a hush and an air ball by Westbrook. Dwight found his 22^nd point within seconds. For the remainder of the quarter, the Magic struck at will, with Howard leading the way. At the six minute mark, the Thunder found themselves down by 12 and was forced to take a bench breather. Within a few minutes after that time out, the Magic calmed the chance of stormy weather and bucketed an 18 point lead. Oddly enough, there still remained an itching fear that the Thunder would find their groove and take control at the last possible moment. Okay, maybe I’m just saying that to keep the interest in the game up… or am I?

Third quarter ticker, Magic 80, Thunder 70
*   Howard controlled (are you surprised), leading all scorers with 30
*   Thunder remained grounded, shooting a damp 35% (Magic 50% from inside the arc)

Spellbound at the closeness of the game, the final 12 minutes should find Howard completely unstoppable.

Final quarter began with Orlando taking possession and making a perfect pass to “no-one”… “no one” missed the toss… Thunder ball. After a quick off the mark, the Magic paced the court and found Dwight for an uncontested slam. Down by 12, the Thunder dropped a three. Clark took a trip to the line, hitting one out of two. Thunder returned with a slam, countered by another by Howard.

Back and forth a volley strolled with the Magic doing everything they could to keep this close.

Until the final six minutes, the game was close. At the five minute mark, the Thunder allowed their second string to take over while the Magic left their first team in. Shortly thereafter, the game was no longer a game.

The lack of domination was a resounding testament as to why the Magic will not go far in the playoffs. Don’t let the final score fool you, this team lacks passion.

Final score: Orlando Magic 111 (Howard accounting for 40), Oklahoma City Thunder 88

Enough excitement for one night. It’s way beyond nap time.

dhuffman