Magic Meltdown
Thursday, 26. November 2009
Last night was a classic example of a good team letting their inferior opponent stick around too long and having the rug pulled out from underneath them. The Orlando Magic appeared to have their 13th consecutive win against the Miami Heat all but sealed up midway through the 4th quarter, until you guessed it, Mr. Dwayne Wade himself took matters into his own hand. As much as I’d love to put the onus on Vince “Cupcake” Carter, I have to give the “Goat” award to Dwight Howard and the rest of the Magic frontline. They were clearly out hustled and showed zero heart or intensity down the stretch.
It looks as if the recurrent theme of the Magic’s season is going to be their lack of killer instinct. Until Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis realize referee’s are not going to blow the whistle on weak finger roll drives to the basket, or Dwight Howard starts to make critical free throws, the Magic will continue to falter in close meaningful games. Dwayne Wade’s humiliating block of Vince “Cupcake” Carters 4th quarter fade away drive to the basket, was reminiscent of last years finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers, when Kobe Bryant snatched both a ferocious rebound and Dwight Howard’s heart all in one play. Wade stole the momentum of the game and Michael Beasley picked up the scraps, putting the final nail in the coffin of the Magic.
Unfortunately, lost in what has to be a debilitating loss for the Magic, was another solid effort from Jason Williams. He scored 25 points, dished out 8 dimes and had only 1 turnover. However, his 2 missed free throws down the stretch proved critical for the Magic’s chances to seal the deal. Vince Carter showed some resilience hitting a huge 3 point field goal to put the magic up 3 with 14 seconds left, only to be foiled by Wade and company. Ultimately, it was Dwight Howard’s failure to block out Jermaine O’neal or anyone else on the Heats frontline that proved to be the most damaging. It’s unfathomable a player of his stature doesn’t have more pride or determination, and further solidifies my point that he is a “Super Liability” when it counts the most. Let’s hope Stan Van Gundy reverts back to his negative, berating self. Maybe, that can somehow inspire a bit of toughness out of Dwight Howard. If not, can we see Marcin Gortat get at least a cameo role in the Magic’s 4th quarter production?
The beauty of the NBA season is the Magic have a chance for redemption against a soaring Atlanta Hawks club tonight and can quickly put last nights bad memory out of their minds. Another test of their intestinal fortitude will be on display and I’m hoping they don’t wind up resembling America’s traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. TURKEY!
