2010 NBA Playoffs: Magic-Celtics Game Two, Orlando Looks to Even Series
The experts claimed they needed to see the Orlando Magic respond to a loss and adversity—in order to judge their legitimacy as a title Contender.
ABC's commentators, and many Boston Celtic fans seemed to have decided the response will have no bearing.
Jeff Van Gundy began analyzing matchups during the third quarter on Sunday.
Boston Celtic fans across the blogosphere, and the talk radio world hold the impression that their team shut down the Magic.
Jeff Van Gundy gets more things wrong than right. Magic fans might actually relish his comments.
As for Boston's defense, the Magic believe they can win the series—yes, in spite of that shut down “D”.
The Magic indicated that they didn't intend to change their game plan for Tuesday's Game Two against the Celtics.
Matt Barnes lacked the ability to stop Ray Allen in the first and third quarters. Barnes plans to be back Tuesday, still guarding Allen.
Vince Carter believes the Magic can beat the Celtics without much adjustments for now. He will be covering Paul Pierce again in Game Two.
Dwight Howard says, “The turnovers were the the big reason we lost the game."
In Carter's eyes, the team simply needs to play the way they know how.
“Get back to our Brand of basketball," he said.
“We know that's good enough.”
Celtics Nation will have to earn this one. The Magic feel plenty able to defend their Eastern Conference title. Now, in the words of Howard they just have to “put it in play”.
After Monday's shoot around, the players gave Boston credit for playing a better defensive game. They stopped short of saying the Celtics caused their inability to score.
Orlando's three-point specialist Rashard Lewis, noted the open three-pointers he missed.
Van Gundy highlighted the fact that the Celtics did play against the three, but gave the Magic many opportunities under the basket.
He feels taking advantage of what the defense gives, will provide more good looks at the basket
“As good as they were defensively...we made it worse”.
Earlier in the interview, Van Gundy described the Boston defensive effort as “tremendous". Watching him speak, Van Gundy showed no intimidation or worry about being able to win.
Most of the players focused on the 18 turnovers as the bigger problem.
Orlando struggled with high turnover games during the regular season. During their 27-3 late season stretch, the team minimized wasted possessions.
Another area that dominated discussion—ball movement. After watching film, the Magic felt they stopped moving the ball, and made themselves easier to defend.
Dwight Howard seemed confident that he could play better offensively. He still thinks he can force the Celtics into sending extra help on his post ups.
Counting out Orlando after only one game would be a big mistake.
This team, with most of the major players in place, came back from a three to two deficit last season against the Celtics.
They won two straight games, including a Game Seven in Boston.
They would go on to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, before succumbing to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.
One thing both sides will agree on—a two game deficit benefits the Celtics.
The Orlando Magic play tonight in an almost must-win game. Now Dwight Howard must play like the All-Star he wants to be, to prevent that from happening.
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