Special K

I think the Magic would be better off with Turk, but his contract demands were too much--he wanted a 6 year contract at 10 million per that would last until he was 36. A 36 year old Turkoglu will not be a 10 million per year player IMO. Keep in mind that Turk didn't do crap in Toronto this year--he chose money over winning--I don't blame the Magic on this one. As for Carter, especially in this series, he makes all of these little mistakes on the defensive end that just add up in the end, and he is too soft to drive to the basket with any consistency(which has been an issue all year). He can't guard Pierce, he can't guard Allen, and he doesn't have a killer instinct--and that shows up the most in the playoffs. At 6' 10", at least Turk had the size to bother Pierce, and Turk is a much better facilitator than Carter. The Magic's plan A was Turk, but they offered him a 3 year contract at $10 million per(rightfully so IMO), and he wanted a longer-term deal which equals more money in his pocket, so the Magic made the move for Carter. At least Carter has an expiring contract next year, so they are only stuck with him one more year, or they can move him for someone who actually cares about being a competitor. I never liked the move for Carter, but Turk made the descision to leave based on $, the Magic did not get rid of him.

Straight up embarassing is all I have to say.....

Don't you just love having about 75 days off in between Game 2 and Game 3 of these series???

Congrats to the Celtics for dismantling my Magic in these two games Even if the Magic somehow found a way to win that game, I would not have been confident in their chances for the series. The Celts D is just clicking on all cylinders right now. Those old coots are playing like they are 25 again. The only enjoyable moment for me was watching that "actress" Paul Pierce laying on the ground after Howard's playoff-caliber foul. Rashard Lewis is a ghost--props to the Celts for making stopping Lewis the number 1 priority. If it does end up being Lakers/Celtics, I won't plan on watching very much of that series--it would be like watching a Patriots/Cowboys Super Bowl

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think JJ Redick needs more minutes guarding Ray Allen. He was great against Allen in the series last year...I was suprised Stan Van didn't go to him earlier. I don't get having Barnes guard Allen instead of Pierce, especially due to the fact that Barnes looked limited because of his sore back--it's really a shame his back is giving him trouble since he is the Magic's best on the ball defender. Why have him running all over the place chasing Allen around?? I do like the Gortat/Howard lineup when Rashard Lewis is on the bench---on the defensive side of the floor, but it does limit them offensively. If the Celts are going to gaurd Howard like that, I think the Magic have to use the drive and kick out ability of Nelson and Carter to get into their 3-point shooting game, instead of the dump it in to Howard and pass out of the double team approach(since there will be no double team.) As you said, game 1 was the most likely game the Magic could lose.....so I think game 2 will be more indicative of the direction of this series...can't wait to see what happens!!!

What really hurt was the 5-6 times he was fouled and couldn't complete the layup for the "and 1" 3 point play. A lot of open shots and easy shots just were not falling for the Magic in that game--I just don't see that trend carrying on to game 2.

Go back into your attic, put your tin-foil hat back on, and cook up some new conspiracy theories---this one has played out.

Fixed it for ya! Good luck.....I think we are in for a great series!!!

I think he's gone, but not to the Knicks. Chicago is the most likely destination, followed by the Nets(ties to Jay-Z, Russian Billionaire owner, move to Brooklyn), followed by the Heat(pair him with D-Wade and Pat Riley comes down to coach), and staying with Cleveland are all options ahead of the Knicks, IMO.

So, does anyone else think Lebron is going to have a monster game, the Cavs will still lose, and his Cavs career ends tonight?

I agreed with you then, and Thursday that prediction will come true! All you can say about that game is wow....what a head-scratcher that Lebron would have such a horrid game in a game that meant so much---and we all know that that group of misfits has no chance against anyone if Lebron plays like that. I wanted Orlando to be the one to take those losers(Especially Shaq) out, but at least a Boston victory would give Orlando home-court advantage in the Conference Finals. Good Luck on Thursday!!

Another series, another sweep! A minimum of 5 days rest before the conference finals....I love it! The only downside: I had tickets to Game 5. You can't ask for more than having your team play at its absolute best in the playoffs. Everyone wants to talk about the Magic's offense, but its been that way for 2-3 years. Its the defense that has turned up several notches and was particularily evident in the Hawks series. If this team can keep playing defense with this much intensity, it will be hard for anyone to beat this team. By the way, for all the crap that Stan Van Gundy gets from the national media, this guy can coach, and is one of the main reasons this team has been deep in the playoffs the past few years---Thank You, Stan Van! I can't wait for the next round so Orlando can continue its "Magical" run!!!

You know this is my sentiment toward the Cavs as well.....go get 'em! After the Magic dispatch the Hawks tomorrow night, we will be well rested, and waiting for ya in the Conference Finals!!

Well, at least the Hawks actually showed up for the game tonight. The 4th quarter is the money quarter, and the Magic took charge when it counts most--great defense in the 4th. Up 2-0! Could I have to get the broom out for the second straight series??

http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/201...ff_schultz_blog

What isn't there to be overconfident and cocky about??? I hope game 1 changes your opinion......obviously they can't all be 40 point blowouts, but expect more of the same in this series......Magic in 4 or 5.

Congrats, Buftex!! I knew your boys would make that a tough series. As much as Cleveland is hyped, they are a one man team with a buch of over-the-hillers and softee's. If Boston can't do the deed, I'm confident Orlando will take 'em out again!!

Dang it.....I was really hoping Milwaukee would close it out tonight, oh well. I'm really not that concerned with either ATL or MIL in the next round for the Magic, but the Bucks would have match-up problems all over the court vs Orlando.

2-0 on a QB sack/safety!!

Congrats to the Magic.....only team to sweep round 1!! Despite some of the most horrific officiating on Dwight Howard I've ever seen, the Magic kept their composure and closed 'em out. He played less than 30 minutes per game and fouled out twice, but they still swept. I've never seen a superstar player be charged with such ticky-tack fouls...if Lebron or Kobe were treated that way, people would be up in arms. Luckily, the Magic have arguably the best backup center in the league in Marcin "the Polish Hammer" Gortat, and they needed him in this series. Get some rest boys, and on to round 2!!!!!!

The guy has got 2-3 good years left...I don't think he going to waste them here. Love to have him, but he won't want any part of the Bills.

The Bills didn't take a QB in this draft because its such a weak class. Why should they pick one of these guys.....because analysts said they should, or just to make you happy??? No matter how much you polish a turd, in the end it is still a turd.....and Clausen, Tebow, and McCoy are turds as NFL QB prospects.

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You got it right....and both were quite funny