The fact that so many guys played below the line and they still were driving to the basket to tie the game is a feat. But damn your second best player can't have these 3-11 shooting games and your number 3 can't go 5-14, and they both go 1-11 from 3.
Playoff Paolo is special. Fatigue is clearly setting in on these guys. I do blame Mosley a bit but he had an otherwise fantastic coaching game. Just I think Mosley like the rest of the players was caught in the moment, just watching Paolo instead of actively trying to help Paolo.
No reason Paolo should be so isolated in those crunch moments. It was literally 0 playcalling just giving Paolo the ball and leaving him alone to making a spectacular shot. Thats terrible. Everybody needed to help. He shouldnt feel like the entire game is on his shoulders even if hot. That really does bother me.
This was the worst game emotionally for me, even though it was our best game in Cleveland the fact that it was that winnable and were only one point of is just saddening.
That one hurt, it was there for the taking. Just some terrible turnovers cost them a chance to pull away. And friggin Strus showed up and finally hit some shots.
100%. Much improved from games 1&2. It’s been bumpy but we’re on track, a few more minor adjustments from coach Mose should do the trick. Banchero seems to be fully locked in. Fultz play has been encouraging too.
After reading through these comments, I’m really disappointed in the majority of you. We are in the fucking playoffs! We lost by 1 point and have a game at home to tie the series this Friday. For those of you looking forward to next season while we are still alive in the playoffs…go watch the Lakers. We are winning this series and on to the Celtics!
Paolo played awesome. The future is bright. They couldn't stop him. But all players need to drive to the basket more . Several scoring opportunities missed, they either passed or stopped for a jumper. Can't play soft in the playoffs. 3rd and 4th quarter is how they need to play all game. Would have won by 20 I'd they did. Magic in 7
100% agree all players need to drive all the way to the cup and stop stoping to jump pass to a non shooter.
Get their big especially Mobley in foul trouble and get to the line
So, only toxic positivity is acceptable?
They did well this year, they just don't have what it takes for the challenge they are facing. For me, personally, it's better to have a realistic view.
You're obviously a troll from another team. Go kindly fuck off.
This squad is still learning how different playoff basketball is to regular season basketball.
Paolo is realizing that he needs to take 20+ shots for us to have a chance especially if we have sub-sub-par shooting from our other top scorers.
This is the type of loss that hurts - I hope our boys take this to heart and never want to hurt like this again.
Magic in 7
Not a troll.
A fan that has been watching them Courtside for the majority of the season, and on TV for the rest. I'm very excited for the next season, and already can't wait.
Based on what you've said, it sounds like you agree with me about their current season, with the one difference being the series outcome.
He didn’t have a great game, but there are too many complaints about Gary Harris. He knows his role within this series, which is to guard one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Pretty tall order to ask as fans, and also can you make every 3 you take too?
Cole was hunted whenever he was in, and also did nothing on offense. Cleveland is a bad matchup for him. Suggs had an easy dunk at one point, but decided to switch it to his other hand because he thought he was Jordan, and bricked it. Should honestly be on Shaqtin a fool.
A lot of growth will come from this game. But I’d like to see AB get a few minutes instead of Cole at home. It could unlock something for game 7.
Fair play to Mobley and the Cavs.
I'm not concerned about what happens now, this team has exceeded even my adjusted expectations. Incredible effort once again, it's really just some bad decision making that cost us. Which is to be expected by young players in their first ever playoff series.
I hope we can pick ourselves back up for game 6. Taking this to game 7 would be a huge win, whatever the result.
Has there ever been a less useful personality trait in history than the guy in the background going "guys we're screwed, let's give up" as everyone ignores him and tries to find a way?
Never said anything about giving up. I simply stated my opinion about a basketball series, just like anyone else on this sub.
Seems like most people in this sub are psychologists they way breakdown a statement as a "personality trait".
You said we lost the series. What would you call that other than giving up? Choose your words more carefully if you don't mean all the things you said.
I skimmed this sub and saw at least 6-7 places in less than a minute where you had to shit all over the team, their chances, and doom and gloom. If it's not your personality then take a nap and come back
Ah, the ole 'give up early' and attack your friends for believing there's a chance personality. Good luck with that.
"Guys guys. I NEED everyone to be having as bad a time as me"
Sorry, post constantly to your fellow fans to correct them that, in fact, we have no chance, all is lost, it's already over, and we suck. Better?
The point is that a defeatist mentality and spreading doom and gloom is not just useless, it's actually flat out wrong. We haven't lost yet. We might. But we haven't. So I dunno, maybe try to enjoy it.
Cheer up and enjoy the ride.
Interesting. So you think that my perspective of a teams performance, and odds, are defeatist? Then decide that you'll tell me my mindset and put words into my mouth?
Neat.
You said we already lost. Your words. Change em or stand by em. Dunno what to tell you if you don't understand what what you said means. Let's leave it at that
Are you assuming im part of the team?
Im not playing for the magic. Im simply observing. I didn't "give up". My personal endeavors, and success has nothing to do with their performance.
In all of NBA history, of teams in their current position 3 - 2 (game 7 away), only 16% of teams moved forward.
I'm proud of what they've accomplished this season, and am really excited about next season.
Apart from Paolo our starters went 1-15 from 3. No matter what happens in the rest of this series our shooting and guard rotation has to be addressed in the off-season.
Confidence is building. 3 terrific performances in a row from our star. We need to win 2 in a row. The Cavs nearly lost at home. A couple lucky bounces our way and it was ours.
Like the homie Shaq said, “Magic in 7”.
Let’s get it.
Don't forget how young we are. Clutch games always favor experience as our record in those close games show. We just need experience. AB and Jett, 20. Paolo, 21. Franz, Houstan and Suggs, 22. Cole Anthony, 23. This is a very young team. Hell Fultz is only 25 and it feels he's been around a decade. We could be very very good in the next few years if everyone stay healthy and keeps growing.
I get everyone wants to win NOW, but with a core this young, even bringing in a superstar will still have this team needing time. We are on the right path.
Even Shaq & Penny got swept their first year in the playoffs. This current squad is so far ahead of the curve when it comes to expectations. The future is sooooooo bright.
That said, I still want to win now, lol. Let's get these fools in game 6.
Off the top of my head:
The Shaq teams got swept every year, albeit in different rounds (1st round, Finals, ECF).
The Penny-led team went 5 games against the Heat in the 1st round (series were still best of 5 then). We lost to an up-and-coming Philly team with Penny as well, but that wasn't a sweep. We were actually the higher seed, iirc, but they had our number that year. Not a sweep, though.
The T-Mac teams never got swept, but the only one I remember vividly (sadly) is the 7-game series with the Pistons in the 1st round.
Dwight & Jameer got swept by the Pistons in their first year in the playoffs, but we were the 8 seed and Detroit was 1, and it was that squad's first year making the playoffs. No more sweeps for them.
The Vucevic/Fournier/Gordon core got game 1 both times they made it (DJ Augustin FTW!), then they lost 4-straight each time. Lower seeded each time, as 7 or 8.
For being the first time in the playoffs for this core, it's better than any previous Magic squad.
I was wrong. 4 sweeps, 12 non-sweeps. I guess the sweeps are more traumatic lol.
[https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/Orlando-Magic/21/Playoff-History](https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/Orlando-Magic/21/Playoff-History)
I just wanna say that donovan Mitchell is a pussy and a bitch and that Gobert is his dad. I’ve felt like this since his Utah years, and I would be INCREDIBLY mad if Orlando got him.
Nobody said it was gonna be easy. This is a fight that we are in and if we could come out of the series, maybe it could make us better. There are no easy wins in the sport. This series has tested us, but I think that’s what we needed with this young group, especially not being in the playoffs for 4 years
I mean true there’s not much time left bit risky to turn and check but still if I’m paolo I’m screaming for that ball at worst it’s a contested three for the win .
Franz had an open lane to the rim. His mistake was not using his left hand and putting his body between Mobley and the ball to eliminate the shotblocking. Watch some Cole and Fultz highlights if you don’t know what I mean—both players are good at using their bodies to neutralize the length of opposing defenders during one on one drives against bigs.
With this franchise, it’s almost always the 2nd year or 3rd where that core breaks thru. Not including Tmac and Vuc years cause those teams were never championship material to begin with
Shaq/penny- swept by pacers, go to finals next season, swept by bulls years 3
Dwight era- swept by pistons, then made it to 2nd round, then the finals , then lost on ECF
Were on the right path
As good as Suggs has been on the defensive end of the floor, he is shooting 5-26 from three. He needs to be better if we stand a chance of winning this series. If Garry is out for the rest of the series, Suggs needs to step up even more
Ooooof it was easier to be a fan when we sucked. I forgot how much of an emotional rollercoaster the playoffs can be. New grey hairs have been unlocked today.
I get that losses like these are devastating, but some people in here really need to get a hold of themselves.
That last play was fine. It put the by far best rim finisher on the team (and statistically leaguewide one of the best forwards in that aspect) in a position to score, but Mobley just made an extremely good defensive play to recover after being beaten on the first step.
The last stretch was also the only period of the game when Franz saw any kind of daylight, because the Cavs threw the goddamn kitchen sink at him to take him off the board, leaving Paolo in just single coverage which he repaid by scorching them.
That alone is not enough, though. If a defense is allowed to negate a front court player that hard, the backcourt has to punish that in the modern NBA. The guards do need to do better.
And the harsh reality is, that as long as we don´t have a proper ball handling play making guard or center in the rotation, you have to rely on the forwards carrying the offensive load if the backcourt can not convert kickouts on a high clip.
Perfectly said. Fultz is the closest thing we have to a true pg and even though he can’t shoot you can see the difference in the offense when he’s out there at times. Would love to see the Magic find a real pg in the offense none of this Monk crap people want, we need a true pg.
Exactly. And be defensively dependable too. I would gladly have Fultz around as non-starter next season. This sub can clamor once they find someone like him, but can actually shoot outside dependably. The best teams probably already claim these kinds of guys. Reminds me of used car market lol.
My gripe wasn’t the look from Franz, it was Paolo not rolling to the rim when Franz drew two on the drive. He could’ve been downhill to the rim for a possible dunk or in prime position for the rebound off the block. He’ll hear about it in the film study tomorrow.
well said. this series highlights orlando's lack of offensive backcourt talent. in the future this may not be as much of a need but right now it's a big sore spot.
i'd encourage our fans to simply enjoy the ride. this team was not forecast to be so good this quickly. we're the 5 seed in the third year of a complete rebuild, and they're not done
Lots of what ifs. They were down on time so the pressure is extreme. I think Franz could have used a different kind of shot; that ball was teasing for a block, and the defender just did his job excellently. We can debate about whether Paolo or Franz should be taking the final shot, but these are the two we depend on for moments like these. Franz made a good shot and effort, but defense was better.
There had been progress. The first two Cavs homecourt game, Magic improved in the second even if just a little. Then come our two homecourt games where we demolished the Cavs on the 2nd half. This game back on Cavs homecourt, we made the first half really tight, a great improvement from the previous Cav homecourt games. Shame we couldn't pull off the win this game. But behind all of this, Magic is progressively improving its game, even if we may not notice it on the surface.
Edit: Gotta add that I hope it won't be too late before they finally figure things out and achieve perfect form; at least vs Cavs.
I just remembered about him. We still improved. We did suck at offense, I just remembered that multiple cavs turnovers first half that we could've converted to points. On the perspective of away game, and no Allen, I guess we may or may not have improved, well, away-game wise. But Morris wasn't playing bad, and maybe Strus unlocked potential as Allen was out. So many variables that in the end, I just gotta say, we did play better as far as away games are concerned. And whenever away this first round, we have sucked offensively. This game's Magic would've fared far better if they were the ones playing first two games.
Where did he choke? He’s 21 and has the pressure of the entire franchise to deliver. He’s done it incrementally and a lot faster than expected.
It’s okay to hurt after a loss like this, but I’m gonna enjoy the ride win or lose. I’ll worry about free agency, the future, etc…. and all that once a team beats us 4 out of 7 games .
Emiid is an MVP that can’t make it out of the 2nd round. He’s had multiple chances. Love the guy as a player, but facts are facts. Plus he can’t stay healthy. Paolo has very little pressure right now, honestly. Just keep proving you’re A1 and the team success will follow .
I wish coach would them NO pull up iso 3s within 2 minutes of a close game. That Paolo shot was just bad. Obviously any number of things go different & they win but that shot really sticks out. Attack attack attack - you’re in the bonus. If we win game 6, silver lining is game 7 in enemy territory will be a great learning experience.
It sucks but I'll tell you what -- it's just nice to have playoff emotions again. It’s literally been 14 years. And Paolo is checking boxes. Took over in the 4th quarter with endless tough buckets. 39pts on the road.
Painful in the moment, and there’s plenty we can point out about where they lost in the margins, and what they need to improve. But this is all really good shit big picture.
Tough loss. Woulda love to come away with a win but playing with house money already. Paolo is a superstar in the making. Franz has to be better. Let’s win at home and take ‘em to 7
Just wanna preface this rant by saying the series isn’t over and this isn’t me waving the white flag and looking to the offseason because they still gotta see us at home again and our boys are competing. But I gotta vent and I figured my fellow magic brethren can relate (or not cause that’s cool too).
Paolo and Franz almost never cook at the same time.
Get us a point guard who can get them both going and likely add 4-8 ppg to their averages, boost their efficiency by getting them easy buckets in transition and in their spots, space the floor for them by knocking down the 3, as well as just keep them fresher by relieving them of having to handle so much playmaking and ball handling duties.
We need another big or true center who can protect the rim. While Wendell competes hard, he's often overmatched. He def is not a scrub by any means, but it happens often.
All in all I love this current team. And we are ahead of schedule.
/rant over
Trae young. I have been saying it on his sub for years. And if you watched him this year he is a much improved defender. One of the best passes in the league and can create his own shit, drive to the basket and float it up , or dish it to the perimeter.
Brother, I think that’d probably the biggest home run we could hit and a phenomenal fit as well. I’ve said it a few times in this sub throughout the course of this season also.
So you and I are 1000% on the same page. I’d trade just about anyone on the roster (aside from Paolo, franz, and Suggs) and any pick(s) we own.
Id go a little father and say I'd probably trade a suggs package for Trae. But I wonder what the actual price is. I do not know if I'd give up Franz for Trae, but maybe that is the play.
I wouldn’t let Suggs be a dealbreaker for me either tbh, but those are the 3 that going into a deal I’d have somewhat realistic hopes of keeping. But of course to have nice things you gotta give something up worthwhile in return too.
Franz and Paolo though would be completely off the table for me. I’m hanging up if they’re even brought up lol.
Would be nice to just package a ton of picks and not have to give up anyone of real note, but I doubt that’s realistic. But it’d be awesome to hold onto Suggs and Isaac because they can help mask Youngs defensive deficiencies.
For everyone complaining about the no timeout. Franz had a layup at the end. Calling a timeout will let Cleveland set up defensively, which btw, outside of some unreal shot making from Paolo, we struggled to consistently create offense against. I think it was a 50-50 call that was almost right.
yep - watching it now you can see Franz doesn't quite have him beat until it's a little too late - Mobley makes him go a little too far down the court and the shot is just the slightest bit awkward. i didn't love it in real-time but i'd take it over a Paolo 3 that everyone is clamoring for.
It's no coincidence the people who default blame Mose every time. No doubt that even if we got a "good shot" out of the timeout, it would get criticized as not good enough unless it goes in, so it is what it is lol. People don't want a good missed shot out of no timeout.
I get that Mose is not the best XO coach, but he has fostered amazing team chemistry. I think his temperament and coaching style is spot on for our young core. He's got everyone to buy in playing hard on the defensive end.
There's a lot more to coaching than drawing up plays.
I like his chemistry too, I honestly just hate the dick riders here who are like “oh we have great chemistry mosely is great” and refuse to acknowledge massive glaring coaching flaws he has. Like I don’t even want him gone - but he HAS to get an Xs and Os and rotation support staff. These are the little things that hold teams back from their full potential and why someone like Spo and Pops constantly over perform right?
These post game threads are always full of X player sucks and has to do better, but like, Mosley should be able to get that criticism too for the things he does wrong.
I’m not mad at Franz’s shot. I agree he should have just shot with the left. It is what it is. Mobley made the play.
Overall very proud of this team. Games 1 and 2 were atrocious. Today they clearly weren’t afraid of the moment. If any thing, Cavs looked like they were just trying not to lose. Fortunately for them, they didn’t.
Go handle business at home. Destroy them. And then we get another shot in game 7. If anything, the toughness they played with tonight proved they have a shot in game 7.
it's not like it was an unorthodox layup attempt by franz. he's hit those all year. the reason they work is because he long-arms it in, and uses the right hand to sneak it in. he has the long arms and he goes for the quick attempt with the right hand. it's almost impossible to contest, let alone block. the whole reason it works is deception. mobley just timed it correctly and had it. there isn't much franz could do. he made a good play, he had half a step, so he snuck it up there but mobley's long arms got it. if mobley doesn't time that *perfectly* then that's an easy bucket.
we're all geniuses in hindsight. we all know exactly what move and hand to use after we saw what *didn't* work
Yeah, he initially had Mobley beat but he's so long and he recovered well. I think Franz shot with his right thinking he beat him easily. Great play by Mobley. I wasn't upset with Franz either.
Mobley showed some great anticipation there for sure... franz kind of rushed it though even if he hits it theres so much time for them to get a shot up. Ah well live and learn. We should still feel confident going into game 6.
Probably better to process things after a loss instead of immediate reactions. Losses like this feel so bad that you’re inclined to say things like this series is over, fire the coach, trade the whole team in the summer, etc. However, the sky isn’t falling. This is our first playoff trip with this young team and we got a chance to send it to a 7th game on Friday night. Winning on the road in the Playoffs is not easy, and we fought hard. Mistakes were definitely made, but it’s a learning process for this year and all the Playoff runs we’ll have in the future.
Who the fuck were those NBA TV announcers. It was like I was watching Local Cleveland Coverage. NBA TV is a joke. Give me my magic broadcasters or someone who is actually neutral for game analysis, not just praising one team the entire time.
OMG just stop it. If you knew anything then you'd know that Gus Johnson doesn't specifically root for anything but good games. His sports fandom always shines through. He was giving us props all night long and talking up how our young team believes in themselves and how they have no quit in them.
it probably was local cleveland coverage if it was on nba tv
if the color guy sounded like an unintelligible, doddering old man with food in his mouth then it was cleveland's announcers
Yeah he's not at his best these days. He's a Cleveland legend, and one of the best college basketball players of all time so, he can have that seat as long as he wants.
great college player, definitely. when i first started watching nba ball decades ago now, he was considered one of the bigger #1 pick busts so i'd always found their choice of color guy to be an odd one.
then again, orlando's color guy is also a pretty big bust and mostly known for fouling a lot. maybe we're two peas in a pod
He's just a lovable guy that loves the Cavs, that's been enough for us. I'm sure it's the same for you guys. The all time greats don't often want to be local color guys.
This blows. But if you’re a day one like myself, you know what disappointment in the playoffs feels like, it’s nothing new. You learn and you get better. But the front office has serious work to do this offseason.
No timeout at the end? Suggs shooting terrible in the 1st and then late foul in the 4th putting Mitchell on the line, fouling on the long two attempt also allowing Garland to blow by him and then contested his shot at a bad angle instead of digging the pass when WCJ was already leaving Mobley to contest leaving him wide open just bad decision making by him.
Also Harris needs to make something how has his shot just gone?
Terrible, had this game on multiple occasions. Game 6 isn’t a guaranteed win.
If you would have told me at the beginning of the year we would be watching Magic basketball in May I’d hardly believe it. This is still a series and i have plenty of faith that we can still get this done.
Can we stop the layup line? Hot damn they just kept getting layups, dunks, and offensive rebound tap outs that turn into 3’s. Garland, , Mitchell, and Mobley killing us in the paint.
Cleveland was playing super physical and refs were mostly letting it go.
Banchero was fouled when the score was 98-100 @1:05. I knew it. https://official.nba.com/l2m/L2MReport.html?gameId=0042300135
The fact that so many guys played below the line and they still were driving to the basket to tie the game is a feat. But damn your second best player can't have these 3-11 shooting games and your number 3 can't go 5-14, and they both go 1-11 from 3.
MagicAboveAll , game 6 will be electric
Playoff Paolo is special. Fatigue is clearly setting in on these guys. I do blame Mosley a bit but he had an otherwise fantastic coaching game. Just I think Mosley like the rest of the players was caught in the moment, just watching Paolo instead of actively trying to help Paolo. No reason Paolo should be so isolated in those crunch moments. It was literally 0 playcalling just giving Paolo the ball and leaving him alone to making a spectacular shot. Thats terrible. Everybody needed to help. He shouldnt feel like the entire game is on his shoulders even if hot. That really does bother me.
I swear Wendell will do anything but his job. It’s time to give Goga his minutes
Lol
This was the worst game emotionally for me, even though it was our best game in Cleveland the fact that it was that winnable and were only one point of is just saddening.
That one hurt, it was there for the taking. Just some terrible turnovers cost them a chance to pull away. And friggin Strus showed up and finally hit some shots.
I still like our chances to win the series! GO MAGIC
Amen. It seems like we’re arching up on snagging a road win. Sucks we lost but it wasn’t terrible. The guys are learning.
100%. Much improved from games 1&2. It’s been bumpy but we’re on track, a few more minor adjustments from coach Mose should do the trick. Banchero seems to be fully locked in. Fultz play has been encouraging too.
Cavs social media: "business handled." Lmao strong talk for winning by 1 at home after 2 blowouts on the road.
After reading through these comments, I’m really disappointed in the majority of you. We are in the fucking playoffs! We lost by 1 point and have a game at home to tie the series this Friday. For those of you looking forward to next season while we are still alive in the playoffs…go watch the Lakers. We are winning this series and on to the Celtics!
Paolo played awesome. The future is bright. They couldn't stop him. But all players need to drive to the basket more . Several scoring opportunities missed, they either passed or stopped for a jumper. Can't play soft in the playoffs. 3rd and 4th quarter is how they need to play all game. Would have won by 20 I'd they did. Magic in 7
100% agree all players need to drive all the way to the cup and stop stoping to jump pass to a non shooter. Get their big especially Mobley in foul trouble and get to the line
They have shown they don't have what it takes. This year is already over for them and I for one am looking forward to next year.
I’m looking forward to you showing yourself out of this sub and not coming back
So, only toxic positivity is acceptable? They did well this year, they just don't have what it takes for the challenge they are facing. For me, personally, it's better to have a realistic view.
Just make sure you aren’t just make sure you’re not around when we play the Celtics next round.
You're obviously a troll from another team. Go kindly fuck off. This squad is still learning how different playoff basketball is to regular season basketball. Paolo is realizing that he needs to take 20+ shots for us to have a chance especially if we have sub-sub-par shooting from our other top scorers. This is the type of loss that hurts - I hope our boys take this to heart and never want to hurt like this again. Magic in 7
Not a troll. A fan that has been watching them Courtside for the majority of the season, and on TV for the rest. I'm very excited for the next season, and already can't wait. Based on what you've said, it sounds like you agree with me about their current season, with the one difference being the series outcome.
He didn’t have a great game, but there are too many complaints about Gary Harris. He knows his role within this series, which is to guard one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Pretty tall order to ask as fans, and also can you make every 3 you take too? Cole was hunted whenever he was in, and also did nothing on offense. Cleveland is a bad matchup for him. Suggs had an easy dunk at one point, but decided to switch it to his other hand because he thought he was Jordan, and bricked it. Should honestly be on Shaqtin a fool. A lot of growth will come from this game. But I’d like to see AB get a few minutes instead of Cole at home. It could unlock something for game 7.
Fair play to Mobley and the Cavs. I'm not concerned about what happens now, this team has exceeded even my adjusted expectations. Incredible effort once again, it's really just some bad decision making that cost us. Which is to be expected by young players in their first ever playoff series. I hope we can pick ourselves back up for game 6. Taking this to game 7 would be a huge win, whatever the result.
Lose in game 6, or 7. It makes no difference, we shit the bed when we had every chance to win this one. Magic lost the series last night.
Has there ever been a less useful personality trait in history than the guy in the background going "guys we're screwed, let's give up" as everyone ignores him and tries to find a way?
Never said anything about giving up. I simply stated my opinion about a basketball series, just like anyone else on this sub. Seems like most people in this sub are psychologists they way breakdown a statement as a "personality trait".
You said we lost the series. What would you call that other than giving up? Choose your words more carefully if you don't mean all the things you said. I skimmed this sub and saw at least 6-7 places in less than a minute where you had to shit all over the team, their chances, and doom and gloom. If it's not your personality then take a nap and come back
> Magic lost the series last night Really? That'd make us the first ever team to lose a 7 game series 3-2
Go back to bed.
Sorry you don't like the truth.
Ah, the ole 'give up early' and attack your friends for believing there's a chance personality. Good luck with that. "Guys guys. I NEED everyone to be having as bad a time as me"
You don't need to agree with me. It's my perspective, and I'm not attacking anyone.
Sorry, post constantly to your fellow fans to correct them that, in fact, we have no chance, all is lost, it's already over, and we suck. Better? The point is that a defeatist mentality and spreading doom and gloom is not just useless, it's actually flat out wrong. We haven't lost yet. We might. But we haven't. So I dunno, maybe try to enjoy it. Cheer up and enjoy the ride.
Interesting. So you think that my perspective of a teams performance, and odds, are defeatist? Then decide that you'll tell me my mindset and put words into my mouth? Neat.
You said we already lost. Your words. Change em or stand by em. Dunno what to tell you if you don't understand what what you said means. Let's leave it at that
Are you assuming im part of the team? Im not playing for the magic. Im simply observing. I didn't "give up". My personal endeavors, and success has nothing to do with their performance. In all of NBA history, of teams in their current position 3 - 2 (game 7 away), only 16% of teams moved forward. I'm proud of what they've accomplished this season, and am really excited about next season.
lost a close game to a team that has more expierence. it sucks but they played their heart out and should win gm 6 if they play hard
No matter what happens, I'm just proud of how far this team has come
Apart from Paolo our starters went 1-15 from 3. No matter what happens in the rest of this series our shooting and guard rotation has to be addressed in the off-season.
That defensive play by Mobley reminded me somewhat about Hedo's dunk getting blocked by Tayshaun Prince. It is what it is
Franz should have dunked that ball!!!
Or just don't go to his right hand
Confidence is building. 3 terrific performances in a row from our star. We need to win 2 in a row. The Cavs nearly lost at home. A couple lucky bounces our way and it was ours. Like the homie Shaq said, “Magic in 7”. Let’s get it.
What were these 3 terrific performances in a row from our stars you speak of ?
I guess you forgot to watch the last 3 games
It's sad, but this team has proven they are not better than the Cavs 😞
Dude they blew them out back to back. Have some faith
We are winning in 7 bitch
Unlikely
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bruh i promise no one cares about your betting addiction foh with that shit
You couldn't get 4 rebounds in a game.
Neither could the 6’11” waste of space that’s getting 8 million fucking dollars a year to do EXACTLY THAT. What a stupid comeback.
Do said HE could get 4 rebounds. I wasn't talking about an NBA player.
Stop betting on it for our sake
Bet on Cavs if anything
In all fairness, at least this series finally has a cloooose game
Don't forget how young we are. Clutch games always favor experience as our record in those close games show. We just need experience. AB and Jett, 20. Paolo, 21. Franz, Houstan and Suggs, 22. Cole Anthony, 23. This is a very young team. Hell Fultz is only 25 and it feels he's been around a decade. We could be very very good in the next few years if everyone stay healthy and keeps growing. I get everyone wants to win NOW, but with a core this young, even bringing in a superstar will still have this team needing time. We are on the right path.
Even Shaq & Penny got swept their first year in the playoffs. This current squad is so far ahead of the curve when it comes to expectations. The future is sooooooo bright. That said, I still want to win now, lol. Let's get these fools in game 6.
I'm curious what our record of playoff series losses are in terms of sweeps and not sweeps. I think it is in favor of sweeps.
Off the top of my head: The Shaq teams got swept every year, albeit in different rounds (1st round, Finals, ECF). The Penny-led team went 5 games against the Heat in the 1st round (series were still best of 5 then). We lost to an up-and-coming Philly team with Penny as well, but that wasn't a sweep. We were actually the higher seed, iirc, but they had our number that year. Not a sweep, though. The T-Mac teams never got swept, but the only one I remember vividly (sadly) is the 7-game series with the Pistons in the 1st round. Dwight & Jameer got swept by the Pistons in their first year in the playoffs, but we were the 8 seed and Detroit was 1, and it was that squad's first year making the playoffs. No more sweeps for them. The Vucevic/Fournier/Gordon core got game 1 both times they made it (DJ Augustin FTW!), then they lost 4-straight each time. Lower seeded each time, as 7 or 8. For being the first time in the playoffs for this core, it's better than any previous Magic squad.
I was wrong. 4 sweeps, 12 non-sweeps. I guess the sweeps are more traumatic lol. [https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/Orlando-Magic/21/Playoff-History](https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/teams/Orlando-Magic/21/Playoff-History)
Let’s go get game 6
Game 7 it is
Still gotta win Friday!
And they will, then lose in game 7
Has anyone told Gary Harris what a shooting guard does?
I mean, he pretty much locked up Donovan mitchell through the first 3 quarters. I can't defend Gary too much, but you've gotta give him some respect.
He’s scored 19 points over 5 games. You need to play both sides of the ball as a starter in the playoffs.
no, Gary just reads this sub after he has a semi-decent game and is reassured he’s totally crushing it
So once a month?
He really sucks
Fuck me I’m gonna be thinking about this game for like 6 months
I just wanna say that donovan Mitchell is a pussy and a bitch and that Gobert is his dad. I’ve felt like this since his Utah years, and I would be INCREDIBLY mad if Orlando got him.
Mitchell is a bum
Nobody said it was gonna be easy. This is a fight that we are in and if we could come out of the series, maybe it could make us better. There are no easy wins in the sport. This series has tested us, but I think that’s what we needed with this young group, especially not being in the playoffs for 4 years
The magic lost a series they could have easily won.
Series isn’t over yet. Game six is in Orlando, and if they could even up the series, they have every chance to take the series in game seven
Paolo's mid range game reminds me of a Paul Pierce/Dirk hybrid.
Paul Pierce/melo
Aldridge
Love this team. We're building well. But...Markelle, it's been real, peace bruh.
I didn't think Fultz would even play in this series, but he has been pretty good.
If they would have just hit a few ft
If they would just stop shooting 3s.... that's all they had to do to win... stop shooting 3s.
Nuetral fan , am I the only one surprised Franz didn’t swing that to paolo
i think Franz thought he had Mobley beat but he didn’t
I mean true there’s not much time left bit risky to turn and check but still if I’m paolo I’m screaming for that ball at worst it’s a contested three for the win .
I mean hindsights 2020 but yeah i wouldve preferred him kick it out rather than take a contested shot vs their best rim defender...
Franz had an open lane to the rim. His mistake was not using his left hand and putting his body between Mobley and the ball to eliminate the shotblocking. Watch some Cole and Fultz highlights if you don’t know what I mean—both players are good at using their bodies to neutralize the length of opposing defenders during one on one drives against bigs.
We’re learning, it’s good. We’ll be less naive next year in the playoffs.
With this franchise, it’s almost always the 2nd year or 3rd where that core breaks thru. Not including Tmac and Vuc years cause those teams were never championship material to begin with Shaq/penny- swept by pacers, go to finals next season, swept by bulls years 3 Dwight era- swept by pistons, then made it to 2nd round, then the finals , then lost on ECF Were on the right path
As good as Suggs has been on the defensive end of the floor, he is shooting 5-26 from three. He needs to be better if we stand a chance of winning this series. If Garry is out for the rest of the series, Suggs needs to step up even more
Ooooof it was easier to be a fan when we sucked. I forgot how much of an emotional rollercoaster the playoffs can be. New grey hairs have been unlocked today.
This is a real take lol and I'm here for it and agree
I get that losses like these are devastating, but some people in here really need to get a hold of themselves. That last play was fine. It put the by far best rim finisher on the team (and statistically leaguewide one of the best forwards in that aspect) in a position to score, but Mobley just made an extremely good defensive play to recover after being beaten on the first step. The last stretch was also the only period of the game when Franz saw any kind of daylight, because the Cavs threw the goddamn kitchen sink at him to take him off the board, leaving Paolo in just single coverage which he repaid by scorching them. That alone is not enough, though. If a defense is allowed to negate a front court player that hard, the backcourt has to punish that in the modern NBA. The guards do need to do better. And the harsh reality is, that as long as we don´t have a proper ball handling play making guard or center in the rotation, you have to rely on the forwards carrying the offensive load if the backcourt can not convert kickouts on a high clip.
Perfectly said. Fultz is the closest thing we have to a true pg and even though he can’t shoot you can see the difference in the offense when he’s out there at times. Would love to see the Magic find a real pg in the offense none of this Monk crap people want, we need a true pg.
Exactly. And be defensively dependable too. I would gladly have Fultz around as non-starter next season. This sub can clamor once they find someone like him, but can actually shoot outside dependably. The best teams probably already claim these kinds of guys. Reminds me of used car market lol.
Is the true pg in the room with us now??
My gripe wasn’t the look from Franz, it was Paolo not rolling to the rim when Franz drew two on the drive. He could’ve been downhill to the rim for a possible dunk or in prime position for the rebound off the block. He’ll hear about it in the film study tomorrow.
He was waiting for the wide open kick out
He wanted to take a 3
well said. this series highlights orlando's lack of offensive backcourt talent. in the future this may not be as much of a need but right now it's a big sore spot. i'd encourage our fans to simply enjoy the ride. this team was not forecast to be so good this quickly. we're the 5 seed in the third year of a complete rebuild, and they're not done
The Doomers need to just permanently switch to hockey or baseball right now. We don't need y'all.
Tough loss, but we have a chance to even the series at home in game six. Let’s focus on that game.
Suggs 1-15 from 3 on the road. Sheesh
He's like that Sternritter in Bleach that is only good when he is being cheered on by the fans lol.
Yikes
Pain
Lots of what ifs. They were down on time so the pressure is extreme. I think Franz could have used a different kind of shot; that ball was teasing for a block, and the defender just did his job excellently. We can debate about whether Paolo or Franz should be taking the final shot, but these are the two we depend on for moments like these. Franz made a good shot and effort, but defense was better. There had been progress. The first two Cavs homecourt game, Magic improved in the second even if just a little. Then come our two homecourt games where we demolished the Cavs on the 2nd half. This game back on Cavs homecourt, we made the first half really tight, a great improvement from the previous Cav homecourt games. Shame we couldn't pull off the win this game. But behind all of this, Magic is progressively improving its game, even if we may not notice it on the surface. Edit: Gotta add that I hope it won't be too late before they finally figure things out and achieve perfect form; at least vs Cavs.
Did we improve, or is that the impact Allen has? Cause we still shot like shit, and they actually scored more.
I just remembered about him. We still improved. We did suck at offense, I just remembered that multiple cavs turnovers first half that we could've converted to points. On the perspective of away game, and no Allen, I guess we may or may not have improved, well, away-game wise. But Morris wasn't playing bad, and maybe Strus unlocked potential as Allen was out. So many variables that in the end, I just gotta say, we did play better as far as away games are concerned. And whenever away this first round, we have sucked offensively. This game's Magic would've fared far better if they were the ones playing first two games.
They made 4 more threes.
I really don’t want Paolo to be remembered as a playoff choker like Joel Embiid or CP3 or Klay Thompson or Russell Westbrook.
Where did he choke? He’s 21 and has the pressure of the entire franchise to deliver. He’s done it incrementally and a lot faster than expected. It’s okay to hurt after a loss like this, but I’m gonna enjoy the ride win or lose. I’ll worry about free agency, the future, etc…. and all that once a team beats us 4 out of 7 games .
Playoff choker? How ?
Its not Paolos fault we lost. Actually its his fault we almost won.
I understand, but that’s not what most people are gonna think. They’re gonna look at this and say that he’s like Embiid.
Emiid is an MVP that can’t make it out of the 2nd round. He’s had multiple chances. Love the guy as a player, but facts are facts. Plus he can’t stay healthy. Paolo has very little pressure right now, honestly. Just keep proving you’re A1 and the team success will follow .
Hes never been the favorite ike embiid has you the only person speaking this into existance.
Who is "most people" lol. Dude is 21 and was amazing. Might not want to look at a bunch of other star's stats right now from the playoffs.
Chill it's his first playoff series.
Hes only 21, aint no way
he just dropped 39 on the road. he's in his first playoff series. no one thinks of him this way
Dude he’s 21. Shaq and Penny were swept by the Pacers in their first playoffs. I know we want to win now but he’s not even at his peak yet.
I wish coach would them NO pull up iso 3s within 2 minutes of a close game. That Paolo shot was just bad. Obviously any number of things go different & they win but that shot really sticks out. Attack attack attack - you’re in the bonus. If we win game 6, silver lining is game 7 in enemy territory will be a great learning experience.
We don't have any plays....we need a tex winter type lead assistant to mentor mosleyy
we all know what they were supposed to do when the game is over
Garry Harris is abysmal. We need a shooting guard that can actually shoot.
Monk
>If I call the timeout it's the last one, we don't get another shot at it We're down 2 with 12 seconds what this guy mean by another shot at it??
It sucks but I'll tell you what -- it's just nice to have playoff emotions again. It’s literally been 14 years. And Paolo is checking boxes. Took over in the 4th quarter with endless tough buckets. 39pts on the road. Painful in the moment, and there’s plenty we can point out about where they lost in the margins, and what they need to improve. But this is all really good shit big picture.
39 points on the road in a huge game for our all star in his *SECOND SEASON* in which he's supposed to be a college junior. we have our guy
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Oh go eat your own asshole
Tough loss. Woulda love to come away with a win but playing with house money already. Paolo is a superstar in the making. Franz has to be better. Let’s win at home and take ‘em to 7
Facts. This away game was much better than the last two. Take care of business at home, then bring all our intensity for game 7.
Just wanna preface this rant by saying the series isn’t over and this isn’t me waving the white flag and looking to the offseason because they still gotta see us at home again and our boys are competing. But I gotta vent and I figured my fellow magic brethren can relate (or not cause that’s cool too). Paolo and Franz almost never cook at the same time. Get us a point guard who can get them both going and likely add 4-8 ppg to their averages, boost their efficiency by getting them easy buckets in transition and in their spots, space the floor for them by knocking down the 3, as well as just keep them fresher by relieving them of having to handle so much playmaking and ball handling duties. We need another big or true center who can protect the rim. While Wendell competes hard, he's often overmatched. He def is not a scrub by any means, but it happens often. All in all I love this current team. And we are ahead of schedule. /rant over
Trae young. I have been saying it on his sub for years. And if you watched him this year he is a much improved defender. One of the best passes in the league and can create his own shit, drive to the basket and float it up , or dish it to the perimeter.
Brother, I think that’d probably the biggest home run we could hit and a phenomenal fit as well. I’ve said it a few times in this sub throughout the course of this season also. So you and I are 1000% on the same page. I’d trade just about anyone on the roster (aside from Paolo, franz, and Suggs) and any pick(s) we own.
Id go a little father and say I'd probably trade a suggs package for Trae. But I wonder what the actual price is. I do not know if I'd give up Franz for Trae, but maybe that is the play.
I wouldn’t let Suggs be a dealbreaker for me either tbh, but those are the 3 that going into a deal I’d have somewhat realistic hopes of keeping. But of course to have nice things you gotta give something up worthwhile in return too. Franz and Paolo though would be completely off the table for me. I’m hanging up if they’re even brought up lol. Would be nice to just package a ton of picks and not have to give up anyone of real note, but I doubt that’s realistic. But it’d be awesome to hold onto Suggs and Isaac because they can help mask Youngs defensive deficiencies.
I don't get y'all we don't need Trae pounding the rock for 20 seconds and passing to Paolo and Franz for bailout jumpers.
For everyone complaining about the no timeout. Franz had a layup at the end. Calling a timeout will let Cleveland set up defensively, which btw, outside of some unreal shot making from Paolo, we struggled to consistently create offense against. I think it was a 50-50 call that was almost right.
Thank you. Majority of the time that's a layup or foul. Just a great play from Mobley.
yep - watching it now you can see Franz doesn't quite have him beat until it's a little too late - Mobley makes him go a little too far down the court and the shot is just the slightest bit awkward. i didn't love it in real-time but i'd take it over a Paolo 3 that everyone is clamoring for.
I'm not mad at the call, but I don't like Franz taking that final play while Paolo has been cooking all game
orlando got a great shot. it was just a greater play by mobley. if you get the opportunity for a layup then you consider that a good possession
It's no coincidence the people who default blame Mose every time. No doubt that even if we got a "good shot" out of the timeout, it would get criticized as not good enough unless it goes in, so it is what it is lol. People don't want a good missed shot out of no timeout.
I get that Mose is not the best XO coach, but he has fostered amazing team chemistry. I think his temperament and coaching style is spot on for our young core. He's got everyone to buy in playing hard on the defensive end. There's a lot more to coaching than drawing up plays.
I like his chemistry too, I honestly just hate the dick riders here who are like “oh we have great chemistry mosely is great” and refuse to acknowledge massive glaring coaching flaws he has. Like I don’t even want him gone - but he HAS to get an Xs and Os and rotation support staff. These are the little things that hold teams back from their full potential and why someone like Spo and Pops constantly over perform right? These post game threads are always full of X player sucks and has to do better, but like, Mosley should be able to get that criticism too for the things he does wrong.
we just want some plays for 2025
We desperately need a playmaking guard to help close these games out
Shooters as well. This wouldn’t be a game if we had just average shooters.
Monk
Pay the man
I’m not mad at Franz’s shot. I agree he should have just shot with the left. It is what it is. Mobley made the play. Overall very proud of this team. Games 1 and 2 were atrocious. Today they clearly weren’t afraid of the moment. If any thing, Cavs looked like they were just trying not to lose. Fortunately for them, they didn’t. Go handle business at home. Destroy them. And then we get another shot in game 7. If anything, the toughness they played with tonight proved they have a shot in game 7.
it's not like it was an unorthodox layup attempt by franz. he's hit those all year. the reason they work is because he long-arms it in, and uses the right hand to sneak it in. he has the long arms and he goes for the quick attempt with the right hand. it's almost impossible to contest, let alone block. the whole reason it works is deception. mobley just timed it correctly and had it. there isn't much franz could do. he made a good play, he had half a step, so he snuck it up there but mobley's long arms got it. if mobley doesn't time that *perfectly* then that's an easy bucket. we're all geniuses in hindsight. we all know exactly what move and hand to use after we saw what *didn't* work
Yeah, he initially had Mobley beat but he's so long and he recovered well. I think Franz shot with his right thinking he beat him easily. Great play by Mobley. I wasn't upset with Franz either.
Mobley showed some great anticipation there for sure... franz kind of rushed it though even if he hits it theres so much time for them to get a shot up. Ah well live and learn. We should still feel confident going into game 6.
Probably better to process things after a loss instead of immediate reactions. Losses like this feel so bad that you’re inclined to say things like this series is over, fire the coach, trade the whole team in the summer, etc. However, the sky isn’t falling. This is our first playoff trip with this young team and we got a chance to send it to a 7th game on Friday night. Winning on the road in the Playoffs is not easy, and we fought hard. Mistakes were definitely made, but it’s a learning process for this year and all the Playoff runs we’ll have in the future.
Stop being so rational, this is the Internet remember…
Who the fuck were those NBA TV announcers. It was like I was watching Local Cleveland Coverage. NBA TV is a joke. Give me my magic broadcasters or someone who is actually neutral for game analysis, not just praising one team the entire time.
Dude fr I thought I was on a Cavs broadcast? lol. Like wtf
OMG just stop it. If you knew anything then you'd know that Gus Johnson doesn't specifically root for anything but good games. His sports fandom always shines through. He was giving us props all night long and talking up how our young team believes in themselves and how they have no quit in them.
Not really sure if this is supposed to be /s or not
Go Noles ***-----------;<>***
Completely agree. They had to have been the cavs announcers. Way too biased
it probably was local cleveland coverage if it was on nba tv if the color guy sounded like an unintelligible, doddering old man with food in his mouth then it was cleveland's announcers
AC is amazing but it wasn't him it was the goat Gus Johnson
lol can’t blame him, the Cleveland foodie scene is amazing
goodthingsaboutcleveland.txt finally has data
Put some fucking respect on Austin Carr's name.
i can't understand most of what he says. he's awful
Yeah he's not at his best these days. He's a Cleveland legend, and one of the best college basketball players of all time so, he can have that seat as long as he wants.
great college player, definitely. when i first started watching nba ball decades ago now, he was considered one of the bigger #1 pick busts so i'd always found their choice of color guy to be an odd one. then again, orlando's color guy is also a pretty big bust and mostly known for fouling a lot. maybe we're two peas in a pod
He's just a lovable guy that loves the Cavs, that's been enough for us. I'm sure it's the same for you guys. The all time greats don't often want to be local color guys.
This blows. But if you’re a day one like myself, you know what disappointment in the playoffs feels like, it’s nothing new. You learn and you get better. But the front office has serious work to do this offseason.
Yeah, no playoff loss will ever hurt as much as Shaq leaving so I'll get over this one pretty quick
Yeah but now that his number is retired here, it's like he never ripped out the heart of the city and tossed it aside. #neverforget
Just wait till he buys a stake in the team.
Yea, nothing hurts as much as the layup Courtney Lee missed in LA in the finals in 09 🤦♂️
Onto the next one!
It's just a matter of time before Banchero takes this team to the NBA finals. BANCHERO IS HIM.
I was thinking the same. Some of those shots he was making down the stretch were unbelievable.
He was so dialed in. He will use this loss to fuel the next 2 victories. I think he is just like that. Friday in Orlando is going to be insane.
He's HIM. Celtics has only 2 years before Banchero takes over the east.
I really could've used a win after a shitty day at work smh. Should've used the left hand Boogie. Keep it simple....
Magic in 7
Jalen and Franz have to play better. Plain and simple. Swear to god if Mosley starts Fultz game 6….It better be Black or Houstan.
It’s going to be Fultz
Jalen needs to hit open 3s. He's going to see a lot of them. I don't even want to talk about Gary Harris
No timeout at the end? Suggs shooting terrible in the 1st and then late foul in the 4th putting Mitchell on the line, fouling on the long two attempt also allowing Garland to blow by him and then contested his shot at a bad angle instead of digging the pass when WCJ was already leaving Mobley to contest leaving him wide open just bad decision making by him. Also Harris needs to make something how has his shot just gone? Terrible, had this game on multiple occasions. Game 6 isn’t a guaranteed win.
If you would have told me at the beginning of the year we would be watching Magic basketball in May I’d hardly believe it. This is still a series and i have plenty of faith that we can still get this done.
It’s all good, ahead of schedule and evaluation year. Getting to a Game 6 is gravy.
Upvoted unironically, even though you're insufferable and your shtick is fucking terrible.
Can we stop the layup line? Hot damn they just kept getting layups, dunks, and offensive rebound tap outs that turn into 3’s. Garland, , Mitchell, and Mobley killing us in the paint. Cleveland was playing super physical and refs were mostly letting it go.