How many ways can one remark on how spectacular the Magic’s new playground is? No doubt there will come a time when the new is no longer new… and the dream no longer calm. No doubt that moment will seem sooner than later (don’t they always?).
Okay, let me get it out of my system, BIG place but I would take a competitive game on an asphalt court over a non-inspired pretend beneath a metallic dome of extra-iron(ic) proportion. Which brings us to the game at hand.
At first glance, New Jersey doesn’t look intimidating on paper. On second glance, they didn’t play intimidating on the court.
Though they did keep it close recently against the Bobcats (actually up by ten late in the fourth quarter but invariably lost by two points), their team is an average team with average expectations. Orlando, on the other hand, diametrically opposes New Jersey (at least on paper). So this should be a blow-out by any stretch of the imagination.
Outside the air was chilly. Inside the atmosphere was filled with a great deal of chaos; perhaps due to the fact of me getting lost and wandering around aimlessly (I was not the only wandering soul). Needless to say, I secured a seat just as Ozzy streamed the airwaves with noise of his own.
Orlando opened with same old same old… a turnover.
New Jersey responded with an easy turnaround jumper 6 feet from the basket. From the looks of it, this may be the only time the Nets would be in the lead.
Quickly the game tied at 2. This number equaling the amount of turnovers by the Magic (not bad if sloppy play was king—all under two minutes of play). Not too worry, this exhibition will prove to the world Orlando can beat the mediocre… naturally the four New Jersey fans in the arena would disagree.
Orlando called timeout at the 8:12 mark trailing 7 to 4.
Anyone out there concerned about the outcome? I thought not. Come to think of it, I’m looking for asphalt, a game with meaning, and players eager to vindicate their bad reputation.
Back from a meaningless timeout and neither team thinking defense. I’m thinking halftime is still 19 minutes away.
Magic take back the lead 11 – 10 with 5 minutes left in the first. Hey, I’m trying to keep it interesting but that’s not an easy task. I’m still not sure if we’re going to have a real game or another pretend… actually I am pretty sure we what we will have… and from the level of competitive intensity on the court, the players are content with an exhibition style performance.
End of the first, Magic up by 2, 20 to 18.
Second quarter found the Magic’s bench migrating onto the court… maybe this really is an exhibition game? After one minute of second quarter play, the Nets take a 22 to 20 lead. After 2 -1/2 minutes, the Magic trail by 4 and summons a quick timeout. A good call no doubt as the Magic Dancers took the court, begging me to ask: What took so long?
Starters, looking for practice, begin to trek back into the game at the 7 minute mark, trailing by 7. Make that trailing by 6 as Dwight hit a free throw (at this point Dwight’s missed 2 in 4 attempts—good to know some things just don’t change). At the conclusion of 24, the Magic trail by 3, but who’s counting?
First Half Freeze Out:
? The Nets are a scrappy team and that Travis Outlaw delivers a smooth shot
? The Magic played with little inspiration, courage, or desire (sound like last year’s playoffs?)
? Magic allowed the Nets to make 8 out of 12 three-point shots (not an impressive stat)
Half-time stepping out: BIG place but after the sensory overload calms, it’s just BIG and BIG without passion will never win championships.
Third quarter began without a jolt. Neither team made an effort to take control as the sounds of silence smothered too many empty seats (has anyone seen Simon or is he still crossing that bridge over troubled water?). After two minutes into the third the Magic take a single point lead.
After five minutes of third quarter play Howard reaches the 20 point mark with an alley-oop slam (assist by Nelson). After six minutes of play R. Lewis hits a three and the Magic extend the lead 64 to 59. After eight minutes of play the Magic find themselves feeling comfortable and in the lead 68 to 61 and I begin to reach for an interesting angle (failing miserably).
By the end of the third, Orlando found themselves driving with an 80 to 67 lead.
Third quarter temperature:
? It’s cold outside
? I hear New Jersey’s even colder
? Impressed with Outlaw, too bad he plays for the Nets and not the Magic
? Howard grabbed his 11th rebound and 22nd point
In the beginning of the final quarter, neither team questioned what was to be… it was obvious. The only thing left to the imagination is: at what point will the fans begin rolling out. Looks like Van Gundy wants to keep the game close and decides to keep his starters on the bench. Actually Vince Carter began the fourth but only for a quick spell. Could this be the angle I was looking for?
With 10:37 left in the game and no starters (for Orlando) on the court, the crowd witnessed the first 20 point lead and I spied the first group heading toward the door. Hope they can find their way out more efficiently than I found myself in.
Keeping it real for a moment: all play and no passion makes for a dull game… no shining here as Jack left hours ago.
In the end, the Magic won the game with little effort and I never found an angle.
Bummer, with game over I must try to find a way out of this maze, try to recall where I parked, and wonder why I didn’t bring a jacket.
Overall, a forgettable Friday night. On this note, if you missed the game, you didn’t miss much. Speaking of which, final score: Magic 105 and Nets 90.
dhuffman
