Magic 112, Hawks 98 (Magic lead 2-0)

Two questions: 1) Did you really think the Magic would win by 43 again? and 2) Did you really think the Hawks would lose by 43 again?

Bonus question: Do the Hawks have any shot in this series, at all? Answer is no, but read on…

The Orlando Magic remain undefeated in the playoffs as they defeat the Hawks again, this time by a measly 14 points. It wasn’t a walk in the park despite the double-digit win though, as the Hawks overcame a quick start by Orlando to hold an 8-point halftime lead. Dwight Howard had three fouls in the first half, and the Magic resorted to shoot threes in the second quarter.

The second half was a different story though. The Magic came back out and attacked the basket while the Hawks went cold. The Magic outscored the Hawks by nine in the third and 13 in the fourth. It was the starters that maintained a high level of play on Thursday night, in which four of them scored at least 20 points:

Dwight Howard: 29 points
Jameer Nelson: 20 points
Rashard Lewis: 20 points
Vince Carter: 24 points

Oh, to add, Mr. Howard was ‘super’ at the foul line, as he knocked down 13 of 18 free throws. That might not sound super, but it certainly is for him! And yawn, he had 17 rebounds to boot.

What to take from this game:

The Magic will be tough to beat. They have yet to lose a game this postseason and they seem to be flowing on offense with ease. When one guy is down, four others are up. When the starters are down, the bench is up. Not sure how long it can last, but I don’t see a reason it would end.

The Hawks are not quite as bad as we think they are. Yes, the Bucks took them to 7 games. Yes, they lost by 43 points in Game 1. But yes, they could definitely win each of the next two in Atlanta if they try. I’m not predicting it, just don’t be shocked.

Another thing you need to know about this game, which sums it up as well: the Magic shot 56% and the Hawks shot 41% from the floor. Oh yeah, and Jason Collins played one minute and had three fouls, hahahahah.

-Shooter