As I eluded to in a previous post, as a fan of the Orlando Magic we became quite accustomed to lots of mediocre to downright awful games and seasons since Dwight Howard left in 2011.
To be exact
- 243 wins
- 603 losses
As bad as that is, it becomes worse when you think one can assume some of those 243 wins came only because the other team looked at the Magic as their chance to exercise "load management."
While finishing 34 - 48 last season wasn't exactly anything to boast about, their (very) young players showed moments of brilliance and gave all the fans hope for the future.
Before this season started, most fans would probably say they would have been happy with a .500 record and a game in the play-in. But as the season wore on they exceeded these expectations and positioned themselves squarely in the playoff race. They ended the season with a 47 - 35 record, the best winning percentage (.573) since 2010-2011, 1st place in the Southeast Conference, and 5th place in the Eastern Conference. This was good enough for the playoffs and first round match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It was highly suspected that Cleveland tanked toward the end of the regular season so that they could play the Magic and avoid having to play a "better" team. Orlando almost made them regret this decision, gave them everything they could handle, and took the series to 7 games.
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| Image from Google - Fadeaway World |
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| Image from Google - ClutchPoints |
But I want to talk about game 3 ------- because --------I WAS THERE!!!! It was on Thursday April 25.
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| The Amway Center is now the Kia Center Image from Google - Spectrum 13 News |
This was my first ever NBA playoff game. I was so excited when my son told me he got tickets and let's just say, the atmosphere did not disappoint.
The team were coming home down 0-2 after struggling on offense in both games played in Cleveland and, early on, it looked as if we'd have little to cheer about as the offensive woes continued. But then, as quick as switching on a light, the shots started falling, the Magic pulled ahead, and never looked back. The 3rd period clearly put some distance between them as they outscored Cleveland 35 - 16.
The final score was 121 - 83. It was the worst playoff loss in Cleveland Cavalier history and it sent a message that Orlando was not going to be as easy to overcome as they had thought. It was the best evening I have had in a long time!!!!!!
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| Image from Google - Orlando Pinstriped Post |
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| Image from Google - Fear the Sword |
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| Image from Google - Goal.com |
The future looks bright. And just in time as it appears as if the Lightning are going downhill.
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