Just like Hedo looks in this pic, the Magic must have been thinking: "What the heck happened out there?"
The Magic held of a surging Heat squad - but just barely. It was neck-and-neck all the way until the end. Jason Williams scored the 2nd most points in his career - 34. He looked like an All-Star, and kept his team in the game, without much outside help. Not only did Williams have 34 points, but also 6 rebounds and 7 assists. His biggest help was Daequan Cook, who scored 15 points before fouling out. Those two players carrying the load and keeping them in the game? Now that's a scary thought. It's worse when you find out that is exactly what happened tonight. All this was done... without Shawn Marion! Wow, that just makes this win feel even worse.
Either way, we got the win, and have swept the Heat two years in a row. This game was very scary and a lot closer than we all imagined and hoped for. But I think it's just because of the rivalry intensity; just like the Lakers and Clippers games. No matter their record, every game between those two teams is like a playoff game. I'm assuming that is how it is for these in-state rivals.
A big portion of the close game can be contributed to Dwight. He was on the foul line numerous times. He shot 16 free throws, making only a measly 6. Thats 38%, ouch! Dwight did have 18 points, and 16 rebounds, but he had 4 turnovers also. He had just gone through a stretch of 4 games where he shot 75%. What happened out there?
The team game ball must be given to Jameer Nelson who played a very efficient and effective game tonight. 21 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds don't tell the whole story. Jameer shot 6-7 field goals, 3-4 three pointers, and 6-6 from the free throw line. Best of all? He had NO turnovers! N-I-C-E!
As usual, here is the game boxscore, recap, and photos.
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