Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons (Game 2)

Last Saturday was awful. After being almost tied up at the half (43-42 Pistons), the Magic found themselves playing some of their worst basketball of the season. The Pistons have proven that they deserve to be where they are time and time again. They play well-balanced, and more importantly, consistent basketball.

Tonight we have to get a win. As much as I'd like the believe our players are able to put last year's horror story aside, I can't imagine it's not taking it's toll on their confidence. Yes, the Pistons were still hot from their win against the Sixers last week. Yes, the Magic were well-rested. There's no use trying to explain away the situation as it stands. If we don't win tonight, it's highly unlikely we'll be able to get up from under the boot. If we can get a win in Detroit now, we'll have the home court advantage we need to win this series.

Stan Van Gundy has undoubtedly been working these guys real hard over the past two days, retooling defensive match-ups and assessing Detroit's post-season shape. More importantly, though, our five starters need to shake the intimidation factor and get angry. There's been more than a little trash talk flying around recently, and it's getting to the point where something really needs to be done to counter it. A statement has to be made against this old-guard of the East. If we come out strong and turn up the energy on this aging team, we can very well win this.

Stats from Game 1 (from Orlando Magic Blog):

Orlando:

Hedo Turkoglu 18 pts (8 of 16 FGs), 7 rebounds; Rashard Lewis 18 pts (9 of 20 FGs), 7 rebounds; Dwight Howard 12 pts (5 of 11 FGs), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. Bench: Keyon Dooling 7 pts (1 of 5 FGs)

Detroit:
Chauncey Billups 19 pts, 7 assists; Richard "Rip" Hamilton 17 pts, 6 rebounds; Jason Maxiell 12 pts, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks; Tayshaun Prince 12 pts, 8 rebounds, 5 assists. Bench: Antonio McDyess 10 pts, 5 rebounds.

Very few people take the Magic seriously. We've yet to prove ourselves as a winning franchise and it'll take a championship to silence the critics. Here's hoping they'll play their hearts out tonight and make an example of these jokers.