Let’s see, up two points, 01.0 on the clock, other team is the Cleveland Cavaliers, and we’ve got 2-3 minutes to talk about what we’re going to do.
Isn’t Topic A (and there is no B or C) … “for crissakes, no matter what else happens … if we have to leave three other guys alone at the three-point line … and Ilgauskas standing under the basket … do not … I repeat do not … let LeBron James catch the inbounds pass.”
That would be the extent of my remarks, if I were Stan Van Gundy, coach of the Orlando Magic. Except that I would repeat it about four times and maybe drop some F-bombs, too, you know, to get the attention of my guys who are, after all, just NBA players.
No, it is not likely anyone can catch and shoot — and make a three — with 1.0 on the clock. But if there is anyone who can do it, it is LeBron James. Moreso than any other player in the league — and that includes you, Kobe Bryant.
LeBron has made some half-court shots, in essence, at the buzzer in these playoffs already. At least two. Maybe more. I saw two. I know there was no pressure, when he took those shots, but it’s not as if he hasn’t bombed one in ahead of the buzzer before. And recently.
You just do not let LeBron run out to the other side of the arc, alone. You double-team him, for absolute sure. And if he gets a crack of daylight, one of your guys tackles him and takes the chance that he will make two free throws and send it to OT.
But, as anyone with a television now knows, that is exactly what happens. Orlando played LeBron straight up, with Hedo Turkoglu. LeBron ran out beyond the arc, caught the inbounds without interference, made a half turn, went up before Mikael Pietrus could come over to help … and banged in the three.
Game over.
Series over?
For just about any other team, it would be. For this Magic team … well, probably but not necessarily. Orlando blew two games against the Celtics and came back to win the series. I’m not saying that will happen again, but being up 2-0 after two games on the road … that is light years better than 1-1.
And you’re there, at 2-0, if you do one thing: Keep the ball away, for one second, from the one guy who can beat you. And Orlando didn’t do it.
Man. Good thing I’m a Magic fan only since Wednesday.
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