I’m sure when Glen Davis was traded to the Orlando Magic earlier this year from the Boston Celtics he didn’t think he would be the man leading them into the playoffs.
With All-Star center Dwight Howard sidelined for the remainder of the year Davis has proclaimed the phrase “we all we got” as the team’s motto throughout the 2012 NBA playoffs.
Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson’s 17 points a piece lead the Magic to an 81-77 win over the Indiana Pacers in game one of their seven game series.
Davis finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
“Y’all looked real stunned,” Davis yelled to the Pacers fans as he walked off the court.
The Magic took a 51-44 lead into halftime.
Neither team shot the ball particularly well, Orlando 39% from the field compared to the Pacers 34%.
After Danny Granger missed two free throws with 1:14 left in the fourth Richardson connected on a three giving the Magic a 78-77 lead with 1:04 to play.
“We’re not trying to impress the doubters or make them believe. Only if we believe. When we believe, there’s unlimited things that we can do. We’ve been through a lot mentally, physically. We’ve overcame and did a great job out there today.”
Nelson sunk two clutch free throws giving the Magic an 80-77 lead.
Darren Collison missed a jump shot from the free throw line with 12 seconds left down three. A shot that didn’t make any sense.
Earl Clark snagged the rebound but missed both of his free throws that would have iced the game for the Magic. Instead it gave the Pacers another shot at tying the game.
However on the Pacers last possession Granger was called for traveling allowing JJ Redick to seal the win with two free throws.
“This team is full of talented players who can play hard,” Orlando forward Ryan Anderson said. “That’s a great mix and we have each other’s backs.”
David West led the Pacers with 19 points and 9 rebounds followed by Riy Hibbert’s 8 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocks.
“We definitely let this one get away,” George of the Pacers said. “We went through a stretch of a lot of in and out shots.”
Game 2 is in Indianapolis Monday, tip off set for 7pm. The Magic will look to take a 2-0 lead heading back to Orlando.
