DownSwinging.com

We all saw what Orlando are capable of. The Magic proved, in Game 2, that this can become a hotly-contested series. Have they found their niche in this series a little too late? Perhaps. But a win for the Magic in Game 3 will revitalize a series that has, so far, fulfilled most predictions. The Lakers’ Game 1 win left many in doubt as to whether or not the Magic could actually make a series of it. But Game 2 has left me with the impression that the Magic could do more than that.  Clearly, the Magic’s offensive strategy took L.A. by surprise in the 2nd Quarter of Game 2.

For the first time, Orlando played with a ‘twin tower’ approach, reminicent of Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the late 90s. Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat created an answer to the Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum question. Gortat and Howard are actually better post players than both Gasol and Bynum; something the Lakers are not used too. Effectively, the Magic have turned the Lakers’ strength into a weakness. When Gortat was being rested, however, the Magic found a way around the carelessness of Rafer Alston and Jameer Nelson, both of whom seemed keen on letting the other be the productive point guard. Getting the ball into Howard with 10-14 seconds still on the shot clock, allows the Magic to run a backwards offense that worked wonders in the 3rd and 4th Quarters. When Howard got the ball in the low post, a double-team would appear. Howard would then move to the basket, then dish the ball out to Turkoglu, Lewis, Reddick, or whoever else found themselves open. If the Magic hit their shots, this will lead to a very successful home stand in Games 3 and 4. Letting Turkoglu basically run the point, then quickly finding Howard, was something that even ‘zen-master’ Phil Jackson couldn’t cope with.

These are big ‘ifs’, but if Turkoglu, Lewis and Courtney Lee shoot effectively from the field in Game 3, the Magic will win. From the start of the game tonight, Orlando will be running the floor and putting constant pressure on L.A.’s bigs.  Rafer Alston will recover from his subpar Game 2 and will lead this Orlando team to a much needed and much deserved Game 3 victory. If Orlando doesn’t hit it’s shots, however, Superman won’t be hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy just yet.