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.
Continue reading The Orlando Magic Deserve Their Fate.
