Orlando Magic Show Their Toughness in Game One Loss

If last night's game taught us anything, it's that the Magic are not quitters.

The sea of critics who are quick to put down the No. 2-seeded Magic, the highest remaining seed in the East, have all been working up a storm over the Magic's first playoff loss, a game that at times had them down by 15 points. How Dwight is nothing when teams suffocate him down low, or how the team is nothing without their outside shooting.

The thing is, last night's game was also reason for praise.

Finally playing a team that will give them a fight, Orlando stepped onto the floor last night knowing it was going to be a tough battle against the Celtics. Poor shooting, 0-9 from beyond the arc, and a pestering defense by Boston on Dwight Howard set up a big lead for the guys in green at the half.

Where many teams would have continued their bad play and inflated their negative attitudes, the Magic persisted. Straightaway to start the second half, point guard Jameer Nelson hit two threes and a jumper to pull within two. Bad teams falter where solid teams stay strong.

Throughout the rest of the game, Orlando persisted until they were within two within only seconds left on the clock. Clutch foul-shooting by Ray Allen may have sealed their fate, but what the Magic proved in last night's matchup was more than what was reflected in the box score.

Orlando proved to all its critics in the NBA world that it won't just wilt and die when faced with a tough opponent. They know how to deal with the Celtics. The Magic went 3-1 against Boston this season, including some close games. Just because they lost game one doesn't mean this team can't reach the Finals once again.

The bottom line is that game one proved a few things. First, the Celtics have come to play, and are serious about making it back to the Finals. Second, the Magic can handle a team like Boston, and can also deal with a double-digit deficit and pull off a comeback. Also, and most importantly, this series is not going to be easy for either team.

The winner of the East will be the team that plays shut down defense and has a solid offense. Boston showed they have both last night, and Orlando showed they can do both when necessity calls for it. Should be a good, long series.