The Orlando Magic "Detroit Pistons" Curse

So I was talking to my friend the other day (the biggest die-hard Orlando Magic fan that I have ever encountered) about who would be the best option for the Magic to face in the first round of the playoffs this season. 

I immediately assumed that it would be a great series to see them face off against the Detroit Pistons.

He quickly responded back saying, "Are you crazy...the Pistons OWN us."

Now, before he made that statement, I had never heard him doubt or criticize his Magic team before.

I asked him now why would you say such a thing that is when it finally hit me: The Orlando Magic have a curse against the Detroit Pistons.

I like to call it the Orlando Magic “Detroit Pistons” Curse.

Let’s take it back all the way to when Dwight Howard was first selected onto the Magic’s roster, the '04-'05 NBA season.

That '04-'05 season, the Magic went 1-3 against the Detroit Pistons, winning by only a two-point deficit—103-101 on Jan. 18, 2005.

Moving onto the '05-'06 season.

The Magic faced the Pistons three times that season going 1-2 against Detroit, winning by only a two-point deficit once again—89-87 on Mar. 7, 2006.

During the '06-'07 season, Orlando went win-less against the almighty Pistons, losing all four games. The Magic faced none other than Detroit in the first round of the playoffs, only to lose in four straight games.

In the '07-'08 season, the Magic combined for a record of 2-2 against the Pistons, winning by a two-point deficit on Jan. 21, 2008 and an 18-point blowout on Feb. 19, 2008.

Luckily for the Magic, point-guard Chauncey Billups and shooting-guard Richard Hamilton logged a mere 24 minutes—each combining for a total 21 points.

Dwight Howard ended the game with a lousy eight points and eight rebounds, while Keith Bogans lead the team behind Rashard Lewis with a rare 19 points.

During the second round of the '07-'08 NBA Playoffs, the Magic faced their arch enemy—the Detroit Pistons! They lost in five games, ending their second straight season to the Pistons.

This season the Magic were scheduled to play the Pistons three times in which they lost all three.(Even without their all-star point-guard Billups). The last game they faced each other was probably the most embarrassing game that I have EVER witnessed before on the Magic’s part. After previously been labeled as a “soft” team, the Magic surely lived up to expectations.

They totally avoided dishing the ball into Howard during the entire fourth quarter.

They kept reserves J.J. Reddick and Marcin Gortat (who was totally beat up down low in the paint to Pistons power forward Antonio McDyess who ended the game with 18 rebounds) in throughout the last 12 minutes, instead of replacing both with Courtney Lee (for defense) and Mickael Pietrus (for offense).

Orlando’s record against Detroit’s since the '04-'05 season has been a horrific 4-14, with a record of 1-9 in the playoffs.

Basically, like my friend said, the Pistons surely do OWN the Magic. As an Orlando resident, I believe it is extremely hard to give up hope in your hometown team, especially come playoff time.

If for whatever reasons the Magic end up facing the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs this season, you can guarantee that all Magic fans' fingers will be crossed for the entire series.

The Pistons have punished the Magic with an outstanding record of 14-4 since the '04-'05 season and absolutely annihilate them in the playoffs, with a fabulous record of 9-1.  

Unless the Magic can beat the Pistons more than none during a regular season series, I truly cannot see them beating Detroit in a seven-game playoff series…until then, the Orlando Magic “Detroit Pistons” Curse lives on…