Paging Nick Anderson

I just got off the phone with the entire Orlando Magic fan base. They said that you are officially off the hook, also tell Courtney Lee they forgive him too. They only have two words after last nights loss: DAAAA WIGHT!!!!


Somewhere, in a parallel universe with a slightly alternate reality, the Orlando Magic are up three games to one. We don't even need a butterfly effect, it has been that close for three of the four games, just wish the series was just as close.

For the Orlando Magic fans, I don't know what I would be more upset about; The missed free throws by D12 and Turkey Glue or the missed defense to end the game. Whether you believe in fouling at the end or not (you really should believe in it, more on this later) there is no excuse for giving Fisher such an open look at a three. I wonder what it feels like to know that they are one layup and one free throw away from being up 3-1 in the NBA Finals. Disheartening is all I can think of.

SVG, can we hang out? You say some pretty incredible things. I used to think JVG was the cooler brother, but nah, I have seen the light.

Stan made two huge points in his post game interview that stood out. Both points go way beyond this game, this series, even this season. One was on the question of experience and the other on fouling to prevent the 3-point shot.

Experience:
I tend to agree with SVG. These guys have played basketball for most all of their young lives. For some, it is all they know. They have mastered the game, that is why they are here. Sure, they are not all Kobe or Jordan, but we are still talking about the 24 guys who have what it takes to beat out the other 300 guys who are head and shoulders above the rest of the world in terms of basketball skills.

Players at this level of the game have gotten here by winning their whole lives, they know what it takes. Last year the Boston Celtics crushed the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals. Boston had 2 guys with championship experience and 10 guys who had never played in June. That didn't stop them. Jordan and the Bulls won the first time they got there, rinse and repeat 5 more times. Magic won as a ROOKIE and was the best player on the court. Experience is overrated, it is on the players themselves to gather their nerves, wipe their brows, and just execute.

Fouling to prevent the three:
I'd make the point but Charles, Kenny, and Ernie did it for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTXgRu7u4MQ

I can't find the other clip, but Charles and Kenny mention how if you allow for the three, the other team just has to make one great shot. If you foul, they have to make three or four incredible plays to tie or win the game. i.e. Make one free throw, miss one free throw, tip the ball, catch the ball, and hit a shot.

SVG has done an incredible job all year, but in the last minute of the game, DFish shot their hearts out. Everyone knew going into OT, Orlando had already lost. Im not even sure they can win game 5 anymore. Oh and Rafer's face is being put up on light posts and telephone polls all over Orlando. Have you seen that man?

LA, be safe at the parade...