MAGIC GUT OUT ROAD WIN OVER SIXERS TO EVEN SERIES

For a team that limped into the playoffs losing six of their last seven regular season games, the Philadelphia 76ers have shown a lot of heart against the favored Orlando Magic in their opening round NBA playoff series.  Through four games the two teams are dead even at 2 wins apiece, each winning once on the other’s home court.  On Sunday, Philadelphia again gave Orlando a tough fight before the Magic prevailed 84-81 on Hedo Turkoglu’s tiebreaking three pointer with just over a second remaining.  The series now shifts back to Orlando for game five on Tuesday night.

In three of the four games so far in this series, Orlando has shown a disturbing tendency to blow leads.  They blew an 18 point lead in game one, which they lost at home.  They blew another 18 point advantage in game two before rallying to win.  On Sunday, they frittered away a 10 point fourth quarter advantage before Turkoglu’s heroics bailed them out. 

All five Magic starters scored in double figures, led by Dwight Howard’s ‘double/double’ consisting of 18 points and 18 rebounds.  Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each contributed 17 points, while Courtney Lee added 15 and Rafer Alston 13.  The Sixers countered with six players in double figures, led by 17 points from Andre Miller.  Thaddeus Young scored 15, while Andre Iguodala posted a ‘double/double’ consisting of 15 points and 11 assists.  Willie Green and reserve Lou Williams each chipped in for 11 points, with Samuel Dalembert rounding out the Philly double digit scorers with 10 points.

The tone of the Sixers’ post game comments was that of disappointment, exemplified by Thaddeus Young:

"We were right there. It's definitely disappointing because we fought so hard to get back in the game."

Philly coach Tony DiLeo sounded a more philosophical note, focusing on how tough his team battled:

"It was a battle. This time they made the shot at the end.”

Orlando’s Rafer Alston also took his team’s willingness to battle as a positive:

“It was a big, big shot by Turk. We battled throughout. We kept Iguodala and Miller under control. The difference was the energy we had."

For his part scoring the game winning basket, Turkoglu was glad that his team had earned a fresh start in the series:

"It feels great. It's a new series now."

Following Wednesday’s game five in Orlando, game six will be back in Philadelphia on Thursday night.  In theory, Orlando should be less concerned about the venue than Philly as they had a better record on the road during the regular season (27-14) than the Sixers did at home (24-17).  Game seven, should it be necessary, will be played at Orlando’s Amway Arena on Saturday.