Magic finish off Sixers

Despite no Dwight Howard nor Courtney Lee the Orlando Magic ended the Philadelphia 76ers season with the 114-89 win. The Sixers didn't shot the ball very well (40%) and received "boos" during the game from hometown fans. Rashard Lewis picked up the slack offensively in Howard's absence scoring 29 points. Marcin Gortat did is part snatching 15 rebounds and 11 points replacing Howard in the starting lineup. Guard J.J Redick took advantage of his opportunity starting in place of Courtney Lee. Redick scored 15 points including five 3 point baskets. The Magic shot 53%. Philly's Andre's, Iguodala and Miller, scored 20 and 24 respectively. To make matters worse with a little under 7 minutes left, Samuel Dalembert and Hedo Turkoglu, exchanged what looked to be elbows at two different times during a possession. After a break in play the two walked up to one another nearly nose to nose. Here rather awkwardly it looked as though Dalembert kissed Turkoglu, much to his chagrin. The two were broken up as Turkoglu reacted in disgust. Turkoglu and the Magic must put the brotherly love of Philadelphia behind them and focus on the next round. The Magic await the winner of an epic game 7 of one of the most highly competitive 1st round series in NBA history between the Celtics and Bulls.

Magic go up 3-2

The Orlando Magic took game 5 in Orlando 91-78 over the Philadelpha 76ers. Despite controversy Dwight Howard posted his 4th career playoff 20-20 game, posting 24 points and 24 rebounds. Magic forward Rashard Lewis added 24 points of his own. Sixer Andre Iguodala led all scorers with 26 points. Andre Miller, 17 points, and Willie Green, 16 points, contributed to the effort by the Sixers.
Howard was awarded a technical foul for elbowing Sixer center Samuel Dalembert in the back of the head after jocking for rebound position. The League would review this play and decide a suspension was necessary. Howard is suspended for game 6 in Philadelphia much to the shagrin of Magic fans. Later in the game Howard went for a blocked shot and while coming down he accidentaly elbowed his own teammate Courtney Lee across the face. Lee would leave the game. Hospital tests proved Lee to have a broken sinus. Lee will miss Game 6 as well.
Game 6 will be Thusrday April 30

Hedo does it again for Orlando

Hedo Turkoglu nailed a game-winning 3 point basket with .08 secs left on the clock. Orlando Magic beat the Philadelphia 76ers 84-81. Turkoglu finished with 17 points for the Magic. Magic starters had a balanced attack, 18 points and 18 rebounds for Dwight Howard. 17 points for Rashard Lewis and 16 for Courtney Lee. Despite only shooting 38% the 76ers rallied back late to tie the ball game as they have done all series. Although after late game heroics by Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young in previous games, it was Orlando's turn. In this contest Young finished with 15 points and Iguodala 13. The series is tied at two. Pivotal game 5 is Tuesday April 28.

Lee sparks Magic to tie Series 1-1

Dwight Howard suffered from foul trouble eventually fouling out of the game, but it was rookie Courtney Lee who would play magician and lead the Magic to victory. Lee's 24 points lead Orlando to a 96-87 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. All 5 starters for the Magic scored in double figures, however like in game 1 could not hold a double digit lead. Andre Miller and the 76ers fought back from a 18 point deficit. Millers game-high 30 points was key in the comeback. Forward Rashard Lewis hit clutch jumpers late to seal the deal for the Magic. The series heads to Philadelphia for game 3 and 4.