FiveThings That Magic (and Superman) Must Do To Compete

So I watched the highly anticipated Game One of the NBA finals and I was pretty disappointed by the outcome. Now I am a die hard Lakers fan, but even I wanted to see a better fight from the Magic. I have five things that would help the Magic tremendously in this series.

One. Establish the post.
Going into the game everybody (including my 80 year old grandmother) thought that Dwight "Superman" Howard would dominate the post like he did against everyone else in the Eastern Conference. WRONG.

A combination of good coaching and good play by Lakers interior defense (maybe a sprinkle of kryptonite) stopped the big man from saving the Magic from defeat. There were no good looks at the rim all day for the Orlando Magics big man and that cost them, leaving him with an atrocious 12 points on one-of-six shooting.

With those numbers it will be impossible for the Magic to even test the Lakers in this series. Howard must establish position, make quick strong moves to the cup, get Bynum and the rest of the bigs in foul trouble (which is not that hard the way kung fu Bynum is playing), and dish to one of many three point shooters that you have on the team. SHouldn't be too hard for someone who has an "S" on their chest.

2. Knock down THREES.
The Magic are not what you would call a typical Champion contender but they made it this far shooting jump shots, and a lot of them. At this point they cant change their identity so they need hit the shots that their taking. They probably have some of the best shooters in the league they just have to hit the three, plain and simple.

3. Don't mess up Chemistry.
And the Worst Coaching Move in a Finals Game One goes to Coach Van Gundy. I understand that Nelson scorched the Lakeshow like a burnt hot dog on Memorial day during the regular season, but you cant reinsert him into the lineup after three and a half months of sitting.

Chemistry plays a big role in today's NBA game and once he did that, all eyes were on the once street ball king. You could see that Alston was losing his confidence seeing JJ Reddick to his left and Adonal Foyle to his right (excuse me if i misspelled his name), and it was apparent that he lacked the confidence once he reentered the game.

Coach Van Gundy, aka Mr. Loudmouth, definitely needs to either stop Nelson from playing all together for the Finals or limit his minutes substantially. You got there with Alston and you should stick with Alston, bottom line.

Four. Find a way to stop (or at least attempt to Contain) Kobe Bryant.
I know its easier said than done but they at least should have given Kobe a courtesy goodbye waive before he blew by Magic defenders. I really wasn't surprised when Kobe was taking the Rookie Lee to the cup but there wasn't much of a drop off when they put Michael "run and gun" Peitrus on him.

I mean Peitrus came from Nellies world rebound defensive juggernaut in Golden State, so he should have slowed him down right? They definitely need to try to stay in front of Kobe to limit his dribble penetration causing Howard to help and possibly getting into early foul trouble.

Again easier said than done but if they don't focus on number 24 he will give them that black mamba stare all the way to the Trophy ceremony.

Five. Just get after it.
No matter how much advice coaches and former players (yes even Patrick CHewing) gives the team bottom line they need to play. Fight for 48 minutes and play every game like its your last. All that being said cant wait for game Two.