Friday, May 15, 2009

Orlando Magic: It's Back to Business



After two days of hearing the city of Orlando criticize the Magic and their ability to close out games, the team challenged the Boston Celtics and rallied for a win in the fourth quarter, the final score 83-75.

Wisely, the Magic are not in celebration mode—in the locker room after the game, the air was palpable with a sense of urgency.

"It's just back to business," guard-forward Mikael Pietrus told reporters. "Tonight we came out under pressure and played extremely well defensively. I think that’s the way we’ll have to play on Sunday.”

An all-business, no play attitude is crucial at this time for the Orlando Magic. Someone is going home Sunday night, and it's either them or the 2008 NBA World Champions. Guard Courtney Lee feels that if game seven is played like game six, a win is in the works. "We have to go in there and do the same things we did today,” he said. “We have to rely on our defense instead of our offense and try to get stops down the stretch.”

The Magic also need Dwight Howard to play in the Superman fashion he played Thursday night in game six. Howard ignited for 23 points, 22 rebounds and three blocks, giving Orlando a surefire physical presence.

How does Howard feel about game seven? "It's going be a dogfight," he said.

In Boston, the Magic need to keep their cool, hit their shots from beyond the arc, and provide solid, commanding defense. If so, there is a good chance they'll be headed to Cleveland.

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