Cody's Blog

After their 43 point drubbing of the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Orlando was looking to continue their extremely good fortune in game 2. The Hawks did not lay down for the Magic, at least until the final quarter, and at the half the Hawks led by 8 points. Howard scored 18 points in the first quarter, and the magic shot over 60%, but slowed down in the second and third quarters, opening the door for the Hawks to keep it close. However, the Magic reverted back to their run and gun transition game and shot 4 for 5 from three as they took what was a 2 point game and went up by 14 down the stretch. Dwight Howard finished the game with 29 points and 17 rebounds, while forward Vince Carter dropped 24 points and 7 rebounds. Four Magic players, Carter, Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis, each dropped over 20 points, and Orlando set the record for the fourth highest points differential in the first two games with a +57 mark, while Howard became the fourth player in 40 years to post at least 25 points, 17 rebounds, and have over an 85% field goal percentage in a playoff game. The Magic have looked superb during these playoffs, winning their first 6 games, and will look to continue their good fortune in game 3. (Photo courtest of John Raoux, AP)