Orlando's Dreams Become Boston's Reality in Game 6
The Orlando Magic learned a very fundamental, yet simple principle—you have to make shots to win big games.
In Game 6, that and many other lessons showed the difference between a veteran championship team, and a young upstart looking to break into that elite group.
The Boston Celtics avenged last season's Game 7 loss, sending Dwight Howard and the Magic fishing for the summer.
Boston defeated the defending Eastern Conference Champions 96-84, to play in their second NBA Finals in three years.
After Game 5, Magic faithful started letting the seeds of hope distort reality. Just “keep believing” we were told, and history could be made one game at a time. That might be how it works in the land of Disney, but this was the NBA playoffs.
Savvy veteran Paul Pierce separated fact from fiction, proving good play wins the Conference Finals.
Pierce ran a clinic—shooting 60 percent from the field, including four for five from three-point range, to lead all scorers with 31 points. He also had 13 rebounds.
Orlando's own floor commander, Dwight Howard, showed super star quality as well. With 22 points along with 12 rebounds, he clawed and fought, sometimes literally.
Unfortunately to beat the Celtics, Superman needed super friends. Instead, the remainder of the Magic team returned to their poor form of the first three games.
Nelson, who had fared well in his match-up with Rajon Rondo for two games, failed to deliver when it counted most. He followed up his 24 point game on Wednesday, with five turn overs on only 11 points in Game 6.
The entire Magic team, though putting forth a strong effort, still needed more seasoning. The Magic found converting for points, gets a great deal harder this time of year.
Especially in big games involving the Celtics.
Both teams shot 43 percent from the floor. But looks can be deceiving. Orlando shot nowhere near as well as Boston.
Thank Howard for evening the numbers, he made 65 percent of his shots from the field. The remainder of the Magic team shot a dismal 20 of 55.
Like last seasons' NBA Finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando's shooters went cold from the field. Instead of using penetration and passing, Orlando pressed to make points from three-point range. The team ended up 6 for 22 from the three-point stripe.
During the regular season, Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter, used their individual abilities to find points in the post or on drives.
In TD Boston Garden on Friday night, only Dwight Howard stayed true to winning form.
Orlando brought Carter into the fold for one reason, to find tough points in playoff games. That fantasy, like the historic comeback, never materialized.
Up until Game 6, Nate Robinson saw no meaningful minutes in the playoffs. Many observers believed the Celtics acquired Robinson at the trade deadline, specifically to help in a series against the Magic.
In what became another example of the Magic's inability to step up to the moment, Robinson outplayed Nelson on both ends of the court.
Robinson hit two three-pointers, and scored all 13 of his points in the second quarter.
Now, Dwight Howard must begin his quest for an NBA Championship from the beginning.
But before embarking, there will most likely be some changes during the summer.
Both Carter and Lewis fall within a pay range that demands a higher level of play in the post-season. Neither player lived up to expectations.
With poor shooting and bad passing, Carter may have guaranteed himself a least another year in a Magic uniform—by making himself undesirable to any other team.
On the flip side, Carter only has one more season under contract. That may make him attractive to a team looking to dump salary.
Lewis presents a more complicated situation. Without the toughness normally found in a power forward, finding a role for Lewis becomes difficult.
It will be hard for general manager Otis Smith to find a team willing to trade for an aging four-man perceived as soft.
Howard showed why the Magic should and will continue to make him the foundation of the franchise. The series demonstrated Howard's ability, and his potential as well.
One thing we know for sure, the Magic will have to find better parts to go with Howard.
For now, it's time reflect on another 50-win season.
Another season of coming up short.
Another lesson learned.
Another step closer?
