Cody's Blog

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and point guard Jameer Nelson knew that had to come up big in game 4 if they wanted any chance to extend their season and avoid a sweep from the Boston Celtics. Their 55 total points spoke for themselves. The Magic’s rejuvenated pick and roll offense allowed Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson to prosper all night, as they wreaked havoc on the usually solid Celtic defense, as they gave up more than 95 points for the first time in their last seven postseason games. In the first quarter, the Magic showed life in their game they hadn’t previously revealed in the past three games, as their up-tempo, run-and-gun style scored them 31 points, which gave them a 31-26 lead over the Celtics. The magic took a slight step back in the second, only scoring 20 points, but did take a four point lead into the half. In the third period, sixth man J.J Redick scored 10 straight Magic points including going 3 for 4 from three point line, bolstering the Magic lead. With two minutes to go, Orlando held a 7 point lead, but saw that dissolve as Paul Pierce and Ray Allen took over down the stretch. Paul Pierce got an and one on a locking foul and after the free throw, a botched last play led the two teams into overtime at 86-86. In overtime, the Celtics laid a huge egg, shooting 2-10 (both of those Ray Allen threes), while Jameeer Nelson scored the first six OT points on two bomb three pointers, and the magic held on to get a gut check, 96-92 win to avoid the sweep. Howard finished with 32 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Nelson contributed 23 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Perhaps the biggest contributor, however, was J.J. Redick, who scored 12 huge points on 60% shooting from beyond the arc. Trying to become the first team in history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit, the Magic will lay it all on the line again on Wednesday as they look to try and froce a game six. (Photos courtesy of Winslow Townson AP)