Rematch: Lakers and Magic Will Be NBA Finals Match-Up

I’m convinced; the Magic will have their opportunity for revenge against the Los Angeles Lakers. The case for the Lakers, makes itself. The Magic's cause however, requires a closer examination.

I recently wrote about LeBron James’ test of becoming a better team leader. Magic center Dwight Howard seems to be besting James in those lessons.

Orlando’s team performance in last night’s game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks demonstrated why the Magic should be recognized as this year’s "Alpha Dog" in the NBA Eastern Conference— maybe the entire league.

Starting from the bottom up, the Orlando Magic demonstrated their dominance as a team.

Rashard Lewis, just as he did in the Magic’s first round series with the Charlotte Bobcats, quietly made baskets when they counted most. In the current post season, Lewis finds one or two tough field goals from the post, or at the rim.

Jameer Nelson continued to break down defenses, driving and scoring, while still keeping everyone involved. For the second straight series, Nelson put himself in position to hit a buzzer-beating shot, and drained it.

Vince Carter’s defensive efforts went mostly unnoticed against the Bobcats. Even in that series, Carter found tough shots down the stretch, either making a jumper or drawing free throws. In game 2, Carter displayed veteran presence, in helping to close out a tough game.

Head coach Stan Van Gundy will get little credit, for making some great decisions. At the start of the fourth quarter, Van Gundy substituted Jason Williams for Nelson at point guard. Jamaal Crawford missed four straight shots after that change.

Irrespective of all the talent and ability, Howard provides the glue that puts it all together.

Howard came out strong, dominating the paint with 18 points in the first quarter. Hands down, "Superman" played his best game of the season. He showed poise when posting up, and great decisiveness on the defensive end. Howard for the most part stayed away from foul trouble.

He scored less in the second half, but intimidated more. Howard played like a veteran, shooting 13–18 from the free throw line. Howard maintained his demeanor, even after getting his nose bloodied on a hard foul by Al Horford.

When Howard had to leave to get medical treatment for the nose injury, his leadership began to demonstrate itself. The same back-ups who resembled the Key Stone Cops in earlier relief minutes, suddenly played with a much greater focus.

Leaders make those around them better. We saw that from Gortat during those crucial minutes, when the extent of Howard’s injury was unsure.

Another unnoticed difference was Howard’s scorer’s mentality last night. For the first time in the playoffs, Howard appeared hungry to score. After the All-Star break, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year starting showing signs of a post game.

After a brief break, Howard came back much stronger on the post. He actually wanted to get that 30th point.

If Howard can continue this type of play, he should no longer be considered Superman, he should now be known as the "Big Ninja". Howard brought a different game to Amway Arena last night. He only blocked one shot. Yet still, in the fourth, Howard asserted his intimidation without creating fouls. He rebounded, he led.

Much of today’s discussion will surround Vince Carter’s superstar performance. His performance warrants the attention.

But the Magic repeatedly remind everyone that success this season depends on an NBA championship. If that’s the case, all signs from the "Big Ninja" indicate he may be ready to lead the charge.

The Magic have played to a 38-8 second half. They’ve beaten every team in the NBA at least once. They have enough weapons to always find points. Now it seems their leader has arrived. The "Big Ninja" has decided to lead his warriors to victory. In order to that, he’ll have to continue to lead against tougher competition.

I believe he will.

So I’m calling it now. No other team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference can beat the Orlando Magic in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. People will argue that statement, yet in the end you heard it here first.