After getting spurred a few nights ago, the Magic mixed recipes, called Paula Dean to do some old-fashioned cooking, and prepared for a now national feast. Just hope the kitchen will not be too hot for Chef Howard and the rest of the team. On this note, here’s the latest rumor I heard from an extremely unreliable source (who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons). Did you know that Dwight once considered a career in the culinary arts industry until he found a different sort of calling: Dunking balls, not donuts.
While basting around the subject, happy Thanksgiving.
hitting the court, Lebron received a host of boo’s though Dwayne Wade was the established winner while the Magic were greeted with a reception reserved for playoff time. Needless to say, this did not feel like a typical Wednesday night early in the season game… there were scents of fresh herbs and spices dangling atop the rafters.
Jump was controlled by the Heat, Bosh cleaned the net with a 17-footer. Nelson returned with a missed 3-pointer and, after several misses by both teams, Nelson snuck in for a non-contested layup. Game tied at two after two. Looking at the menu, the first three buckets made by Orlando were made at the rim. As far as outside shooting… none for a bunch… but the game was early and we were snacking at the appetizer stage.
First impression: This was going to be a physical game.
After six minutes of play, score was tied at 14. Second timeout called at the 2:57 mark, Magic were up 18 to 16.
End of the first found the Magic keeping the Heat in check with a score of 26 to 18. With appetizers digested, the next dish promised to be a flavorsome one.
First course recap:
- Without Carter in the game, Redick stood to the stove and stirred his own formula.
- Lebron did not play like he was comfortable with his new team (hitting only one of five attempts.
- Lewis played like a turkey leg was on the line and, if not for his air ball, proved to be an all-around asset.
- Howard led scores with seven (shooting three of five and one of two free throws).
Second quarter began with both teams finding their mark and, after two minutes into the quarter, the Magic’s lead dwindled to three. Needless to say, James became more comfortable with the menu and threw in his own spice throw-down. Fortunately for the Magic, Lebron needed his rest at the nine minute mark and was tagged by Dwayne. After a few hits by the Magic and a few more misses by the Heat, the lead gapped to seven at the seven minute spot.
With no ingredients hiding in the cupboard, Orlando performed their Burger King impersonation and was having it their way. Forget the lettuce and mayo for the moment and remember the score, Magic 51, Heat 43.
Second course summary:
- Brandon Bass kept the broiler going, rolling in 16 points (and this coming off the bench).
- Magic played like a team, hustled like a team, and lead the half like a team.
- James and Bosh combined for a total of 23 points.
Third quarter, and I’m thinking apple pie.
Same ten began the second as the first. Magic bounced to begin, missed a three-pointer and gave two points to the Heat. Howard kissed the glass from ten feet away, Orlando back by eight. Another quick three from Wade, lead now five. For the next few minutes, both teams battled for the rights to snap the wishbone and extra gravy. Neither team received the honor.
Odd note: The Heat were called for fouling beyond the three point line three times. In other words: Three fouls, NINE free throw shots—when was the last time that happened?
Five minutes to go in the third and Redick pushed the lead back to eight with his own three pointer (giving him a total of 13 points). Miami called a quick time out as the stuffing was getting stale… and I don’t like stale stuffing. Back from the timeout, Bosh was fouled by Nelson; hit both and the lead sat at six.
Nelson received his fourth at the 3:44 (plus a technical); lead quietly carved to five. After a few quick turnovers, the Heat kept it close and found themselves down by three.
Third course synopsis:
- Howard, showing a smooth motion, shot an impressive 60% (six of ten) from the free throw line.
- Jason Williams ejected from the game 1:13 to go in the quarter.
- Lebron mastered some cooking of his own, steaming off 20 points in 32 minutes.
It’s the beginning of the final quarter, and I’m wondering how hot this kitchen is going to get.
Heat began the final 12 minutes with a dunk… down by one. Lewis canned a side shot… up by three. Several turnovers by the Heat and a few more ingredients by the Magic found the lead settling at eight with ten minutes remaining. Two minutes passed and the kitchen was getting crowded. You guessed it, the Heat got a rush and suddenly the game was a one-pointer (Magic up 84 to 83).
Nelson brought the ball across court, stepped up for a three and slammed it home. Wade responded with a driving layup and true slam. After another miss by the Magic, Wade hit a driving layup, got fouled; lead back to one (only this time by the Heat). A few back to back misses by Miami and Orlando found themselves back up by six with three minutes remaining.
Looking like a plucked turkey, the Heat panicked down the stretch while Howard and company readied for that after dinner relaxation. On this beautiful Thanksgiving eve, the Magic tied the series at one game each.
Final score: Orlando 104, Miami 95.
In the end, two teams dreamed while visions of cranberries swirled in their heads. As for me, nobody does cranberries like my wife. Which reminds me, I’m out of here as we are out of pumpkin spice, and I’ve got the call.
On a final note, I wonder if Dwight will be doing the cooking or just doing the eating.
dhuffman
