Not surprised to see the Orlando Magic, after three stinging setbacks to start the Eastern Conference Finals series, finally chalk up their first win (96-92 in overtime) against the Boston Celtics, preventing what could have been an embarrassing 0-4 shutout at the TD Banknorth Garden.
Dwight Howard finally flexed his muscles on offense, finishing with 32 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in a dominant all-around game that gave the Magic a new lease on life as far as their season and NBA Finals hopes alive are concerned.
However, with a still-imposing 1-3 series deficit staring at them, the Magic have no luxury of committing any mistake in Game 5 because another endgame lapse, a poor start or lackadaisical defense would mean the end of their 2010 campaign in the NBA, while allowing the Celtics to barge back into the Finals.
Looking at the Celtics, everything’s going their way. No team in NBA history, has ever bounced back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series. Though for Boston and the rest of the green-and-white, they have to realize that Orlando won’t take things sitting down.
Game 5 shifts back to the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, where the Magic have a chance to redeem themselves after allowing their homecourt advantage to slip away from them during Games 1 and 2.
Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and perhaps, Mikael Pietrus, must be able to find ways to contribute big in their this Florida homecoming if they hope to prolong this one-sided series and prevent them from losing and spending a long summer in the beach.
Magic supporters are hoping for another Game 5 win, though I strongly feel the Celtics are set to douse cold water to Orlando’s anticipated series rally in the next game.
Howard and C. are probably saying, “Got to believe in Magic!”
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