The Orlando Magic coming off a disappointing loss in game 5 have another attempt to finish off the the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight in game 6 at home in Orlando. This is yet another pivotal game in the playoffs for the Magic. If the Dwight Howard led Magic cant finish the series tonight I will guarantee that when game 7 rolls around on Monday night it will be an ugly intense game way above the intensity of tonight. Since the Magic can finish tonight lets not skip into the future.
On Thursday night in another foul plagued game with yet again 3 players fouling out late in the 4th quarter, the Magic couldn't seem to find their rhythm that they have been playing with through out the series. They couldn't hit the long 3's Rafer Alston who came up huge with 26 points in game 4 went 1 for ten for the game. The usually potent 3 was neutralized to say the least and the Magic struggle without it as seen in the hard loss. The calls made by the officials were blatantly for the Cavs as they were at home and the NBA and all the corporate sponsors want to see what they all believe will be the match up of all time Kobe and Lebron in the finals. When in all actuality the teams match up terribly in favor of the Lakers being as Lebron is the only one that has potential to put up big points and the Lakers have numerous players that can score into the high teens and lower 20's to accompany Kobe Bryant's 40 something point performances.
Anyway back to the Magic to capture a big game 6 win they need to essentially not shy away from what they have been doing through out the whole season and post season. It seemed after the 3 stopped dropping and they couldn't stop the Cavs offense they started to play with their heads down sort off and lost a little bit of their bite something Ive never seen before from the Magic.
Tonight to finish off the Cavs the Magic need to feed off the home fans and not let the Cavs get into a rhythm early like they have and jump out quick where they have to fight back from behind. If the Magic can pound the ball down low early and get easy points in the paint with Dwight Howard they have a good chance to jump on the Cavs early. While they are beating them up down low they need to force Lebron to take rushed jump shots or make him have to give up the rock. Mikeal Pietrus struggled against Leborn in game 5 respecting his take the ball to the tin attitude a little too much allowing James to hit easy step back jumpers that Lebron should have a hand in his face on or the ball swatted out as he goes up. He needs to trust Dwight Howard will provide help in the lane. Howard needs to play careful to not get into foul trouble early as he has fouled out twice this series. If the three isn't falling they need to get the ball to Howard down low Turkoglu to drive or Lewis to hit those mid-range jumpers that he makes look so easy. Ball movement will be key to get their open 3 point looks and to get the Cavs out of position so they can score consistently. They need to crash the boards for extra possessions on offense and to cut the Cavs second chance points to a minimum. On defense they need to not give the Cavs Gibson, Williams, or West easy open look jumpers that they can easily score on. Orlando needs to let Lebron be Lebron he will try to take over the game and when he does he will get tired and then the Magic can capitalize on that and force turnovers. The bench for the Magic need to play like they are starters like they have all year long. Two key bench players that need to step up are the "Polish Hammer" Marcin Gortat, and Mikeal Peitrus who comes off the bench but gets the minutes of a starter. Gortat can give Howard much needed rests if he is tired or in foul trouble and Pietrus has to get hot from downtown. Rafer Alston the starter for the injured Jameer Nelson needs to control the tempo get hot and have a big scoring effort like he had earlier in the series. All in all the Magic need to play their game and not let Cleveland control the tempo of the game. Dwight Howard needs to hit his free throws because he will get fouled and when he does he needs to finish the 3 point play or make both of his free throws. Last but not least DON'T FOUL LEBRON when he's driving for an easy lay up give him the 2 it will prevent him for going to the line for the 3 point play.
Orlando please follow my keys to success and finish of Cleveland, send Lebron packing yet again without an Eastern Conference championship an bid to the finals. We need a championship Magic please bring us 1! We have been waiting for 12 years, we are due.
Go Magic!
