In Game 4 of the NBA Finals the Orlando Magic displayed a complete mockery of a team attempting to become NBA Champions. I can't remember the last time I seen a team in the Finals refuse to put one foot in front of the other. Absolutely refuse to acknowledge that 1 + 1 = 2. It's almost like it's something about the purple and yellow that has the Magic scared and under the covers. Much like Rick Adelman, Stan Van Gundy can't seem to function with Phil Jackson on the other teams bench. The Zen-Master is like the Boogie Man who snatches away their late-game poise and ability to coach.
Stan Van Gundy did a disservice to the leader of this team that might have a lasting affect. What he did to Jameer Nelson and his team lastnight could be a fireable offense. Anyone with plain eyes knows that Jameer Nelson is not right and if he was the Magic would probably be winning the series but that's a different story. No way Stan should have Jameer playing the entire 4th quarter in a must win game coming off that long layoff. He's not able to help them on offense and Alston had played well the previous game. Totally inexcuseable but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The biggest sin commited against the City of Orlando,Walt Disney and everyone watching these Finals was the decision not to foul with L.A. down by 3. No need to get into why you foul real late up by 3 It's been well documented by our own Kali McIver is his "Ridiculous Late Game Strategy" article. I guess when you're a genius in sarcasm it doesn't do much for your common sense. The Lakers figured, hey if they don't want it we'll take it.
The Magic have actually lost this Series more than L.A. won it. The Lakers have just won games by not disrespecting the basketball gods. This L.A. team could of been had by this Magic team when you look at the matchups. But between Stans inability to get Howard the ball more and to take advantage of their 3 point shooting or threat of, either or... it just hasn't happened. Understand the Magic have been leaving plays on the floor all Series long. Whether it be not being able to get Dwight the ball when he has his man sealed off, Dwight missing layups and free throws and Lee missing that layup in game 2. Even lastnight with under 5 seconds left in a tie game not passing the ball to Dwight with Kobe guarding him at the rim. From coaching staff down to the players they are clearly just not ready to be Champions. Scary coaching leads to scary play on the court. All missed opportunities.
Somewhere Andre Iguodala is waiting for my article on Rashard Lewis and how he's the real theif of the NBA. I apologize 'Dre. Lewis is The Magician, The Illusionist and The Prestige.
There is still another game Kobes Lakers have to win before the Howards Magic say "Uncle" but unfortunately for Magic fans S. Van Gundy already said that to Phil lastnight. Needless to say I don't think we'll see Stan Van Gundy in DisneyWorld this off season.
It almost sounds as if you were expecting a different outcome. But the Lakers beating the Magic, and to later on win the finals is the most predictable outcome based upon 2 factors:
1. Lakers have "The Closer" whereas its hard to look at the Magic and be like "that guy is their game closer".
2. The Magic are extremely inexperienced in postseason basketball in comparison to the Lakers. The Lakers have some battle-tested and hardened combat veterans of post-season ball in Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Fisher, and the best general in Phil Jackson.
The only upside for the Magic is that Super- Dwight and Skip will learn and grow so much from this Finals defeat they are about to recieve. I rememeber a very young Shaquille Oneal playing center for the Magic and seeing the look in his eyes while experiencing defeat in the playoffs; he needed it, made him such a better player.
The Lakers having The Closer has nothing to do with Courtney Lee missing a layup and Stan Van Gundy choking away game 4.
As I said they obviously are just not ready to win. THe moment is too big for them. But it was there...
The Magic are happy that they are in the finals, nothing else. They don't want to win.
I was thinking the samething on the last play. Hedo could of passed it to Howard with little ass Kobe on him under 5 seconds left. This seems to be a team without a brain. Maybe you're right with "The Phil Jackson Factor"
Let us not forget the Lakers are some missed free throws in game three from having a sweep. Bottom line you don't lose games you get beat. If a team makes mistakes it's incumbent upon you to take advantage. I mean Rafer was in when Orlando gave back all twelve points. Jameer was in when the retook the lead. Hold up now, the Magic were up 12 at the half and lost by 8 in OT. That's a 20 point turnaround. Sorry but simple arithmetic tells me the Magic got that ass whipped in the second half. Besides talking and thinking about what could've been rather than focusing on what is is why the Magic are making vacation plans while the Lakers are making parade plans. Stop giving these clowns excuses they all cash a check and they all are pros. The Magic simply aren't up to snuff.
"Stans inability to get Howard the ball more".
I didn't realize Stan had a jersey on. Come on, the guy has clearly set up an effective game plan, but he can not step on the court and play. The deciding factor of Game 4 was the decision to play Jameer too long. Alston finally broke out of his slump in game 3 and was playing well in game 4. The fact of the matter is that Jameer is playing too tentatively, almost as if he is just out there trying to not make mistakes. Nelson could very well beat people off the dribble and get some easy lay-ups, but he is playing scared. Alston has been playing fearlessly and on a team without a dominant and aggressive personality, he is the closest thing the Magic have to a catalyst. PLAY SKIP, live with the turnovers.
-dizzle
I'm with Dizzle on the S.Van Gundy thing. People keep trying to give him more blame (for losing) then he is liable for. He is not the one who left Derrik Fisher wide open behind the arch with seconds left--Jameer did that.
He is also not to blame for that foolish pass to to some other guy instead of Dwight who was posted up on Kobe while Kobe had zero help.
And agree with me or not an NBA coach is not responsible for his players missing freethrows. People need to stop making excuses for the Magic players and just admit they they are outclassed by the Lakers.--This sunday its all over.
Dizzle if you don't think Stan Van Gundy cost the Magic that last game you're delusional.