Down but not OUT

For a team that was embarrassed in Game 3, the Orlando Magic seem to have put the pressure back on the Boston Celtics. Boston may be leading the series 3-2, but they haven’t shown any signs of how they played at the beginning of the series since Orlando started winning. Their transition offense hasn’t been as successful, their half-court offense sloppy at times, Rondo has been quiet, and Dwight Howard has been dismantling their defense in the post and on the boards. Game 3’s 23 point loss seems to have been the wake up call for the Magic, who are playing like the team we say earlier in the playoffs.
A big part of Boston’s team especially on the defense side is Kendrick Perkins. His stats may not be eye-popping in the box score, but his value is as important as every starter Boston has. Perkins value is particularly important in this series because of Dwight Howard a.k.a “Superman”. Howard may not have the most polished post game, but he’s a freak of nature and pure athlete. He can jump out the gym, literally and needs to be boxed out on every possession. Howard’s resume of how he can hurt a team can go forever which is why Perkins is such a key component for Boston to advance to the NBA finals. Perkins was called for two technical fouls (both questionable is my eyes) in Game 5, which gave him is 7th of the postseason. Once a player has reached this mark, they must serve a mandatory suspension. Unless Perkins suspension is overturned, Boston will have to fear Dwight from having another big game in Game 6.
Jameer Nelson and Orlando believe that they can rewrite history and become the first NBA team to come back from 0-3, but they just have to take it one game at a time. Such comebacks are something Boston fans know all too well.
I’m amazed at this series myself as I doubted it would surpass 5 games if Orlando kept playing soft, but obviously they showed they’re far from that the past two games. Orlando will give it their all on Friday in Game 6 with it being win or go home and I’m sure that Boston will accept the challenge.

Boston Notes: Glen Davis received a concussion when he was hit unintentionally by Howard’s elbow and had to leave in the 3rd quarter. The Celtics will need him to help guard Howard.

Orlando Notes: Orlando show over 52% from the 3-point line which is the most success they’re had this whole series. Vince Carter scored only eight points and still hasn’t played up to his potential. Even though the Magic have won the past two, it would be nice for him to play like vintage Carter “Vinsanity”. Rashard Lewis also added 14 points and played much more aggressive in comparison to previous games.