By now the city Beautiful has heard this year’s Magic slogan to the point of nausea. Just in case you’ve been sinking in the swamps, “We will” is the catch marketing phrase created to fill the chasm left by Dwight Howard. Naturally, the obvious retort from any sensible person would be… “We will what?”
Is the claim that the Magic have the personnel to win more than they will lose? Or is the “we will” strategy a fool-proof design for a competitive lottery placement and an acceptance of mediocrity? Perhaps before the year ends, Orlando will accept the reality that the Magic are a mid-level team with mid-level talent.
Proving to be a true test of character and slogan, the San Antonio Spurs are angling to make a statement of their own. Unfortunately for the visiting team, Kawhi Leonard is on the inactive list. Then again, even without this second-year star, the Magic should be in recovery mode, breaking out the Advil, in about 150 minutes.
Enough of the “we will” selling scheme to get people to believe the unbelievable, it’s time for the dream to meet the pinch.
To a half empty arena, tip was controlled by the Spurs. After a solid defense by Davis, the Spurs stepped on the line and were blessed with the first turnover of the game. Magic, handing the ball back, felt it only right to equal turnovers within the first seconds of play.
Parker hit his first shot, a five foot softy; Davis returned the favor with a five footer of his own.
Going with the first of the evening drama, Nelson committed the first foul of the game at the 9:49 mark. With two teams feeling each other out, neither was able to connect consistently. Redick entered the game at the 7:07 point as the Magic appeared a bit lost; Nelson caressed the calm and drilled one from 15 feet away.
San Antonio called timeout with 6:23 in the first, trailing 10 to 8.
Two teams traded baskets over the next few minutes. The Magic looked to play with a bit more passion while the Spurs demonstrated the beneficial results of teamwork… evident by the number of baskets in the paint (to be disclosed shortly).
After a suave three-pointer by San Antonio, Orlando called for a bench meeting with 3:43 left in the first, down 18 to 14.
Coming back from the break, the Magic’s passion slumbered atop bench cushiness, falling behind quickly after gulping too much complacency.
Concluding the first 12 minutes, Orlando’s will could not keep up with San Antonio’s solid play, digging a 29 to 18 hole:
- Manu Ginobili directed all with 12 points, hitting four three-point attempts
- Magic missed all three point stabs (zero for three)
- Regarding points in the paint, Spurs with 16 while the Magic seized 10
- Second chance points, advantage San Antonio: 11 to 6
Returning to the second, Orlando’s Redick netted a quick three to cut the lead to 8. Another turnover by the Spurs allowed Nelson a free lane… down by 6. Too many visitor misses later, the Magic willed themselves back in the game, cutting the lead to 7 after three minutes of play and with the ball.
The remainder of the half was a bit on the ugly side for Orlando. The Magic’s lack of team play, defense, and true leadership splotched the arena resembling a turd in a punchbowl.
Lucky to be within striking distance, the second quarter ended with a willing thud and a 14-point Orlando deficit (55 to 41).
Halftime, here’s what you missed:
- Magic connected on one of eight three point attempts
- ZERO free throw attempts for Orlando
- Duncan led all with 13 points (thanks to a clock ending three point answered prayer)
With too many empty seats looking lonely, the third quarter began about the time I should be tuning into the X-Factor. Good news, the show is being recorded so I’ll stick around for another quarter or two and let you know how your team handled the pressure.
The Magic’s Afflalo dropped a layup to begin the quarter and, 30 seconds later, hit a ten-footer. Lead dropped to ten in less than a minute. Hitting their first four shots of the quarter, Orlando found themselves once again down by 8.
Two minutes after a perfect third quarter start, it was time for the Spurs to break the trowel out… with a lead back to 15, the Magic called for a timeout chat.
The remainder of the third left little room for imagination (or doubt) as Orlando gained little ground, falling behind 81 to 64.
- Magic’s Davis held 12 points after hitting 6 out of 15
- San Antonio’s Gary Neal came alive, concluding the quarter with 14 to call his own
- After 12 minutes of play, Orlando’s Harkless went zero for two
Betrayed by a promise and a brand, the fourth quarter resembled a poorly scripted and acted “Glee” rerun… sloppy, cheesy, and predictable.
Ultimately, the better team schooled the Magic in every aspect of the game, coaching included.
Final outcome: Orlando Magic 89, San Antonio Spurs 110 (the game was not even as close as the score implied… get used to it).
No doubt, the Magic’s propagandized “we will” was not nearly enough and the pinch will always awaken the sleepiest. Therefore, I ask once again, we will… what?
As for me, I will leave the punch alone just in case a Magic believer needs to ease a parched throat… just beware of what may be buoyant.
Danny Huffman
West Orlando News Online Event and Career Columnist
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs
Great article Danny! You took me there. There is just one problem…I can’t get Queen out of my head.
Queen? Was it the floater reference? Glad you enjoyed the article.