Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks Game 4: The story thus far (Preview/Comic)

Ever since these teams locked their playoff match ups this year, people were planting signposts towards the first round exit for the Hawks. That, coupled with the memory of last year’s beat down burning in the Hawks all year must have been ample motivation for them to power their way to a 2-1 lead.

The Orlando Magic blew out the Atlanta Hawks in spectacular fashion in the playoffs last year. Here’s what the score lines read in the most lopsided 4 game sweep in playoff history:

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In this series, Dwight Howard has been playing out of his mind. He’s had over 20 points and 15 rebounds in all three games. In spite of Superman being Superman, the Magic are now looking to avoid being down 3-1. What brought that about?

The Hawks have been fouling Howard a lot. Good for the Magic that he’s improved his free throw shooting these days. Regardless, it has slowed the game down for the Magic. They’ve scored 93, 82 and 84 in this series. Their outside shooters, pretty much everyone except Howard, have struggled to complement their superstar. Jameer Nelson has contributed but it hasn’t been enough. Nelson and Howard have combined for 56.5% of Magic’s field goals in this series. Gilbert Arenas poor play in the first two games landed him on the bench for Game 3. He only played 6 minutes in Game 2. He’s got to step up for this one, as the SG spot has been vacated by the suspension of Jason Richardson. Arenas could also run the point and share minutes with Nelson. Agent Zero used to be one of the more electrifying players in the league. His trade to Orlando was greeted with head shaking and wistful gazing in the horizon for the day he’d reclaim his former form. If that day is to come, it has to be tonight with the Magic facing a 3-1 hole.

So Howard played all 48 minutes in Game 2. Gilbert Arenas sat out the entire Game 3. Seems it’s time to ponder some of Orlando’s coaching tactics.

Will it?

The Hawks are right where they want to be. Jamal Crawford has scored 71 points in this series. Three of those were banked in the final seconds of Game 3 to elevate the Hawks to a victory. With Joe Johnson’s exorbitant contract being the stuff of jokes for a overpaid shot chucker, the time is ripe for him to shoulder the burden of the offense from his teammates. Zaza Pachulia won’t be missed. Not as much as the guy he butted heads with.

This series has looked more like a WWE match at times. More so then you think.

It's not a staredown if your eyes are shut. C'mon guys, take a cue from your right

Despite the Magic being on top, the Hawks refuse to give up

The Hawks aren’t superstitious. No sir. That would lead to suspensions.

Who’s Zaza? He’s the wannabe Hawks wrestler from the above pic, and he’s been suspended.

Hypnotism’s about planting a strong belief in the subject. Zaza mind seems to be quite fertile.

And receptive to suggestions. Or he loves to make-believe.

We won’t know for sure tonight, as he’s been suspended for mixing NBA with MMA/WWE. He and Richardson were suspended for head butts, one game each. A poor move on part of Richardson. Zaza is dispensable. J Rich plays a more central role in his team’s offense. He really should have controlled himself. Dwight Howard has many fans in India, thanks to his visit here. Many of them will be rooting for him, never mind that the match is scheduled at 4:30 AM Monday morning. That’s sometime after witching hour, hope that the Magic lingers on in the match.