| 30 April 2009
Orlando Magic 114, Philadelphia 76ers 89
Normally these recaps are just a way to give my input and opinion on the game and break it down for those that weren't able to watch it. The only problem is that I'm in the same boat as every other basketball fan in America. I was just as glued to the Bulls-Celtics triple overtime classic. But I'll bite the bullet and give whatever insight I can.
This is the reason why games aren't played on paper. This game appeared to be an absolute lock for Philadelphia. Dwight Howard was serving his one-game suspension. Courtney Lee would be missing the rest of the series because of a fractured sinus cavity. The Sixers were playing at home and were about to force a game seven back in Orlando.
The Magic weren't having any of that. Marcin Gortat filled in beautifully for Howard scoring 11 points and adding 15 rebounds, and the rest of the scorers on this team made up for the rest of his production. Rashard Lewis had his best scoring game of the series pouring in 29 points (without a three?). J.J. Redick scored 15 points on 5 made three-pointers. Mickael Pietrus added 14 points.
The real star of tonight's game was Rafer Alston Skip to my Lou. This is the type of dominating performance Alston would have at the Rucker. He had 21 points, 10 assists and 3 steals. He also played Skip to my Lou defense allowing Andre Miller to score 24 points, but at no point in the game did it seem like Alston wasn't in complete control of the game.
Why the Magic Won This Game
The Magic took this deciding game because their defense stepped up without the defensive player of the year. The Magic forced Andre Iguodala into tough shots early which kept him from getting into a rhythm. They also made Thaddeus Young a non-factor. Young only score 8 points in 41 minutes with no free throw attempts. Their defense was also opportunistic causing 17 turnovers and creating easy offense as a result with 26 points off of turnovers.
Why the 76ers Lost This Game
Philadelphia seemed to buy into their paper match-up against Orlando. They seemed to figure that the Magic had gotten the same memo to meet back up in Orlando on Saturday. They fell behind playing a disjointed first quarter with a hideous defensive effort. They allowed 31 points on 11-17 shooting and 3-4 from three. The effort that they've had early in games wasn't there and lost them the series.
Looking Ahead
Orlando is just hoping that Boston and Chicago beat each other senselessly and have nothing left in the tank coming into round two. They got an early scare from Philly in this series, but they have a few days to rest up and prepare for the Bulls/Celtics.
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