Magic 98, Hawks 84 (Magic win series 4-0)

The Magic pulled out to a 25-15 during the first quarter and never looked back.  The Magic assaulted the Hawks with sixteen three pointers and were led by Vince Carter’s 22 points.  The Hawks were able to keep Superman, Dwight Howard, under control (13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 turnovers) but were killed by the rest of the Magic.  Atlanta had no one, including Mike Bibby (11 minutes and 4 points) that could cover Jameer Nelson who finished with 16 points and 9 assists.

The Hawks just looked baffled in their own arena and Joe Johnson’s comments after game three’s debacle at home did not help.  He told the media that he did not care if the fans came to the game or not and they let him have by booing him at the start of the game.  He was also booed when he was taken out with a minute to play.  More on Joe Johnson in a minute.  Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 18 points and Josh Smith had 16 points and 8 rebounds.  The rest of the team played pretty awful.

Orlando moves on to the next round and will play the winner of the Cavaliers vs. Celtics series.  The Magic are hungry and look focused to get another shot at the title.  The longer the Cavs vs. Celtics series goes and the more banged up each team gets will only make it easier for the Magic to continue their run.

After this laugher of a series here is what you need to know:

1.  Bye-Bye Joe Johnson. The quiet leader will no longer be a part of the Atlanta Hawks after this season.  From his comments to getting booed to his awful playoff performance, it is time for Johnson to move on.  The only question is: Will he get as much money as he thinks he deserves?  My answer: No.

2.  The Magic are deadly. This team can be scary because they have it all.  Dwight can go off and score 20 points and grab 20 rebounds on any night (not to mention block 10 shots).  If Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, and/or Rashard Lewis get hot from behind the arc it will be a long night for their opponents.

3.  The Hawks are doomed. Johnson will be gone.  Coach Woodson will be gone.  Mike Bibby is getting old.  Josh Smith struggles in the playoffs.  Smith only blocked two shots this series when he averages almost three blocks a game.  Who knows if Marvin Williams will ever be good.  The Hawks have some pieces with potential, but until they amount to anything they will never get out of the second round.  It also does not help with Jamal Crawford is your only firepower off of the bench.

-JB