(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic avoided elimination with an exciting 96-92 OT win over the Boston Celtics.in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. After three forgettable games, the Magic won by controlling the tempo & forcing the Celtics to defend more than just Dwight Howard posting up.
What changed?
The obvious adjustment the Magic made was running the pick-and-roll instead of posting Howard on the low block. The Magic predominantly ran double screen-roll with a small (like Rashard Lewis) and Howard screening for Nelson above the 3-point line. From this pick-and-roll Nelson penetrated and either found teammates on the perimeter or found Howard under the hoop with a mismatch.
Why was this so important?
By forcing the Celtics to switch or trap the screen-roll, the Magic give Nelson the opportunity to pass to a cutting Howard (trap) or drive/shoot on a bigger defender like (Perkins, Davis, or Garnett). On the drive Nelson also has the option of passing to an open shooter (Lewis, Barnes or Redick), finishing mid-range jumper or lay-up, or throwing a lob to Howard.
This tactic exposes the Celtics age, slowness, and lack of athleticism. By making the Celtics work harder on defense, the Magic also prevent the Celtics from getting fastbreak points and using all of their energy on offense. This also plays to the Magic's strength of moving the ball, attacking the rim, and shooting 3-pointers. In Game 4 Howard and Nelson were the only two Magic players to have breakthrough games but this could change very easily at home in Game 5.
What the analysts, pundits, and experts missed
This was not about heart, effort, pride, or intensity. Orlando had the same strategy for three games and it only briefly worked in Game 2. If you continue with a failed strategy of course you’re going to keep losing! I was surprised that it took them three games to figure this out. What’s more surprising and impressive is that in one only one game they were able to quickly adjust and win in Game 4. Normally, a major strategy change takes longer to effectively implement.
Who’s got control of the series now?
I actually think that Orlando has control of the series now that they’ve figured what works against the Celtics, have some confidence, and have a favorable schedule. While my earlier prediction of the Magic winning in six was obviously wrong, they do have a pretty good chance at winning in 7.
Even though they won Game 4, the Magic didn’t play well outside of Nelson, Redick, & Howard. They didn’t get any contributions from Pietrus, Carter, Williams, and Gortat/Bass. Luckily Lewis finally had a decent game, but he can do much better than 13 points on 4-10 shooting.
Before Game 4 and excluding the two missed free throws in Game 2, Vince Carter was the Magic’s best option (18 pts/game) in the first three games. Unfortunately, those missed free throws and disappearing in Game 4 will be what Carter will be known for if he doesn’t find away to deliver for the Magic. No more fading jumpers and scowling at the officials when they don’t call a foul. Go in and try to dunk every attempt. The Celtics don’t have shot blockers for dribble penetration and they don’t want to leave 3-point shooters or Howard open.
Through the rest of the series, there will only be one day off in between games. The longer the series goes, the more the schedule favors the Magic. If the series goes to Game 7 then the two teams will have to play five games in nine days with two of the last three games played in Orlando.
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