Six Reasons the Orlando Magic Will Remain Eastern Conference Champions
Real basketball fans have to love the fact that the Orlando Magic will face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals series.
The series encompasses all the essential elements for a rivalry. From the Magic's series clinching win in Game Seven in Boston last year—to Paul Pierce's declaring the Eastern Conference Champions the “JV” team, this series carries with it true dislike between teams.
Both teams have committed to winning a championship. The Magic refer to their present title run as a “mission”. Based upon their first two series against the Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks, the Magic certainly appear to be focused.
Pierce related in his last post-game press conference that beating the Cavs provided no sense of accomplishment. Pierce informed his listeners about how Boston works. Celtic faithful only recognize championship banners.
We all just witnessed the Celtics playing at a championship level. The Magic may have snuck past you. So as a Magic fan who has followed the team for years, I'll give you some of the inside dope on what really makes this team a real threat.
That said, take a look at these key factors. They provide some insight into why I believe the Magic will beat the Celtics in six games.
Neither the Hawks or Cavaliers Are as Bad or as Good as They Appeared
Many question the validity of the Magic's 8-0 playoff record.
Yes, the Hawks suffered a melt-down of epic proportions. One so big it cost Mike Woodson his job, and most likely Joe Johnson a great deal of money on the free agent market.
But don't forget to take note that the Magic dominated the Hawks in Atlanta, one of the best home teams in the NBA.
The Bobcats only made the playoffs due to sheer effort, and inspiration from a team owner, who once owned the sport. Yet the Magic overcame many challenges, as a result of Howard's difficulty with fouls.
Even without the Defensive MVP in this series, the Bobcats could not find a way to out duel the Magic.
Those analyzing the Magic as a team from their first two series, might want to look back to look forward. Only last season the Magic dropped a series opener to the 76ers, their first round opponent.
This season, the Magic know how to close out teams.
Magic Rely Less on the 3-Point Shot Than Most People Realize
Chicks dig the long ball. That's true in baseball for the home run, and it's true for three-point shooting in basketball.
You will hear a great deal about Orlando's deadly 3-point potential. It would be a mistake to assume this team can only win with the three.
As another writer put it, the three-point game “benefits” from the Magic's commitment to an inside-out approach.
Read this previous post about the Magic for full details .
The Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers Are Different Teams
King James never reigned over the best team in the NBA this season. Yes, they won the most games, but can't be considered the best team.
After watching the Celtics control all but one game in the series, we have to question how good the Cavaliers really were. Not many people predicted Antawn Jamison's sub par play.
Does anyone believe any player in a Magic jersey will play that poorly?
Mo Williams got so cold, every time he touched the ball it almost froze.
Orlando puts more points on the floor at any time, than any other team in the league.
Stan Van Gundy's team will always play tough team defense. You won't see any "Twan" type performances on the defensive side of the ball.
Orlando claims two of the best shut-down one-on-one defenders in Matt Barnes and Mikeal Pietrus. The Celtics will be forced to work much harder, especially late in games.
Not the Same Team as Last Season
This ain't your daddy's Magic. Last year's team relied mostly on defense and great 3-point shooting. An already dangerous offense has rediscovered the value of playing from the post.
Outside of Howard's improvement in the paint, Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter add another dimension with their ability to post-up. Jameer Nelson presses defenses with the dribble drive, which not only leads to points in the paint, but more easy dunks for Howard down low.
Hedo never saw a defense he didn't hate. Carter improves the team in that area, plus gives them the added benefit of being a shot creator.
One of the biggest improvements over last season, the Magic have matured. They now know what it takes to make a deep run into the playoffs.
The Magic Are the Best Defensive Team in the East
Fans will notice the an upgrade in defense with the Orlando Magic—a team already recognized as one of the league's best in that category.
Orlando allowed 100.2 points per 100 possessions this past season—the Cavs come in at 104 points on the same scale.
We already mentioned Orlando's defensive specialists, Barnes and Pietrus.
So let's address the obvious, Dwight Howard has won two consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. He anchors the Magic defense.
Rondo will miss the open highways paved by the Cavaliers defenders. With Howard in the middle, the lane looks more like Boston's Logan Airport at 5pm on Friday—heavily congested.
For further proof, remember that the Magic have yet to concede 100 or more points in any of their eight playoff games.
Dwight Howard Has Improved Offensively
Up until the mid-point of the season, Howard didn't show fans much of anything new about his offensive game.
After the All-Star break, Howard began to put his game together. He dominated the Hawks Al Horford in the paint. Even in the Bobcats series, Van Gundy went to the big man in tough situations.
Howard now knows how to find his shot. No longer a liability, the Orlando center now plays the finish of close games—another sign of Howard's improvement not just as a player, but also as a team leader.
Listen to our podcast Upon Further Review, where we cover sports from the cheap seats.
