Now, will people believe that we’re here to play and here to win this thing? We had a rough start Wednesday and our coach even called us “Witnesses’’ because we were just standing around watching LeBron dunk the ball, but we fought hard for 48 minutes and played like champions down the stretch. That was a BIG, BIG win for us up here in Cleveland.
It gives us motivation that nobody thinks we can win this series or even slow down LeBron at all. Hey, we held the dude under 50, what more do they want from us? (Just kidding, ya’ll).
I think we showed in the second half what kind of heart and fight that we have as a team. We’re just not going to go away. You are going to have to kill us to get rid of us in a game.
You would think people would see that by now after the way we fought back against Philly and Boston, but I guess we just have to keep on proving ourselves. But we’re just lil’ old Orlando and nobody is ever going to give us any credit for anything.
I was upset with my guys early in the game because I didn’t think we were playing with any fight. Cleveland was taking it to us and getting their crowd into the game. I was trying to stay aggressive on offense until our shooters could get it rolling.
The funniest thing early in the game was me breaking the goal down. I guess I don’t know my own strength sometimes. I never saw it go down, but I heard the crowd ooooohing and ahhhhing. When I saw it on the replay, I was laughing because I thought it was pretty funny that one of my dunks tore the goal up.
In that second half, we were attacking them hard. Turk was finding dudes open everywhere – hitting me for lobs, finding MP and Rashard in the corners for threes and I think we kind of rattled Cleveland some.
We can’t be satisfied now after winning one game. We won Game 1 in Boston and then we got hammered pretty good in Game 2. So we have to come ready to fight for 48 minutes on Friday and make another statement. We play our game, we just feel like we’re going to win every time.
Last thing, I got the NBA.com dunk of the night
I’m out to get some rest and start preparing for Game 2. Holla at ya’ll later, homies.
– DWIGHT
Fans: Be sure to check out Dwight on Twitter and Facebook.
Tags: 2009 NBA Playoffs, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dwight Howard Blog, Eastern Conference Finals, Hedo Turkoglu, LeBron James, Rashard Lewis, Video
Great game Dwight!
Simply amazing!!! Great job!!! WE got this!! We are all in this together!!!
Oh yea, I was definitely watching that dunk! I believe you Dwight! I believe in Orlando!!!!!
I have always believed in you and the team and know that we will win the Finals…I am so proud to be a fan (and Dwight, let me tell you, you are making it worth my money to be a season ticket holder)when people doubt, this drives you guys and you keep coming back…the team is becoming really good at closing…Be fired up for friday, because we know for sure they will be…I have total faith and confidence in MY team…Go Magic!!
Great job, mannnnnn what a game. I’ve been telling people for months, Orlando matches up with Cleveland too well. I don’t care how many commercials I see with Lebron in them, I don’t care how much the “experts” talk about a Kobe/Lebron final, I don’t care how much ESPN gushes over Lebron as if Orlando doesn’t exist. Orlando, not Cleveland, is the better TEAM. Sure, Lebron is great, but did you see that man after the game? He didn’t look 24, he looked 44. He puts up great stats because he HAS to, he has to do absolutely everything for that team because they simply have no other option. I was telling a friend after the game, Dwight scored 12 pts on the road against Boston in game 7, and they CRUSHED them. Can you imagine if Lebron only scored 12 points in game 2, or any other game for that matter? That’s an automatic loss for Cleveland. Orlando is a team, Cleveland is Lebron, it’s as simple as that.
Dwight keep doing what you’re doing. Keep your head….Varaflop flops because he can’t play defense, take it as a compliment and try not to hand them free points through technicals. Stern is drooling over a Kobe/Lebron final, the league isn’t going to make this easy on you guys so just go into every game expecting atrocious calls such as when Lebron hacked you (called a block), or like your 6th foul. Just like in the Boston series you guys hold all the matchups, only in this series Dwight you can truly OWN this thing. Z can’t guard you, Wallace can’t guard you, Smith can’t guard you, not a player on that roster can handle you Dwight. Rashard can get any shot he wants, Turk can as well. Keep using these matchups to our advantage and think defense. It’s gotta be all about defense. You guys are headed to the finals, it’s inevitable.
Awesome game!! I love you guys. GO MAGIC!!!
Dwight, that was crazy with the shot clock, but I just think its Cleveland’s cheap backboard because I’ve seen you dunk like that many times before and nothing happened.
GOOD GAME!!!
The first thing I said when I saw the time clock come down was, DAMN SUPERMAN, lol, that was funny. Everyboby standing aroung waiting for them to get it fixed. Now as for the game, first half, not to bad. By halftime you were only down by 8 I believe, so I figured second half you could make a full recovery – and I was right. You guys did what two teams before you couldn’t do and that was beat the Cavs, in their house. As usual everybody was amazed with Lebron, but Magic got the win. So you know they are gonna try and even the series Friday, don’t let them. It would be so sweet to beat them again at home game 2, and games 3 and 4 are in Orlando, beat them in your own house, basically sweep the Cavs. I think you could do it. As long as you keep your butt out of foul trouble. Stop fouling out Dwight, but we got the win so it’s all good. GO MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!
STUFFALUFFAGUS!….. Okay, Superman, you the strongest. What a way to make an opening statement! It reminded me of “Jethro”: Country Boy comes to town and just doing his same old thing, no big deal, doesn’t know his own strength, AND TEARS THE HOUSE DOWN!!!!! Just do your fans a favor, “Samson”, don’t get a haircut until AFTER this series. LOL. (And watch out for Delilah…)
Congrats to the whole team. You guys stayed focused and fought hard. I am soooo proud of ALL you “Magicians”. Rest up, Baby!
amazing game last night. i was screaming in my living room like you wouldn’t believe. keep playing for 48 minutes and remember that if you keep playing like a team, no matter how good Lebron is you will beat the Cavs because he is only one man.
Serve it up in game 2 on Friday. Get your rest, watch video, practice perfect, and get hyped. Cause after Friday, its back to O-Town!
-supamanasteel
Great Great Great win Dwight but your right, we havent done anything yet. no time to sleep. game 2 is a huge game and if we steal that one then we will be a good position. I’ll tell you one thing though, if you start every game like you did last night then hedo, mp, rashard, and the rest have no other choice but to follow your lead. Keep it up and
GO MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hell of a game! Nice job knocking down the shot clock. If you all keep the heart you had in the second half of the game, the entire series.. you will blow the cavaliers out of the water. I told my boyfriend after the first quarter when you all were down, to just have faith. Our boys got this. And sure enough, you all made a hell of a come back. You, Hedo, and Rayshard killed it. Great game! Let do a 4 game sweep.
Do the damn thing!! Congrats on your game one Victory!!!
I’m priviliged to be the first to leave a comment today after such an amazing performance! One word….
DESTINY
That was great game last night!!! Yo everything you wrote was right on point!!! The dunk last night was crazy when the shot clock fell I could do was just laugh ~ the power behind those dunks! The first half was crazy I was so upset I felt like the team was scared, we didn’t make it this far for everyone to play scared BUT the second half Magic got the their swag on! You guys killed it! The Cavs are playing in unchartered territories and are not used to playing this hard for the entire game! They were able to breeze through the first two series . . . NOT HAPPENING THIS TIME AROUND! To me it is so crazy that people still doubt and don’t believe in the team . . . it was so funny how many emails text and calls I got last night after you guys won . . . I think people are starting to realize that we are a team to be reckoned with! And if not they will believe by the end of this series!!!
Didn’t mean to rant on the blog . . . but I so believe in you and this team and know that you guys have the ability to win this! So for Game 2 lets play MAGIC BALL, and play the whole game like you did the 2nd half!! Oh yeah BTW the last foul they called on you to get you kicked out of the game . . . was a BOGUS CALL!
Dwight, I want to congratulate you all on a FANTASTIC win last night. I absolutely LOVE the way you went into CLEVELAND’s house and tore down the SHOT CLOCK…Love ya Dwight. Game 2 Friday, get rest. Follow me on Twitter. twitter.com/love_doctress
D12!! I never had a doubt, never stopped believing. Great job by Lew, great job by Turk and great job by you!! Let’s keep this going, YES WE CAN!!
(From my twitter to you, did you bring the Olympics gold medal as good luck charm?)
That’s how U felt about the shot clock though?!?lolz That’s classic footage!
Congrats Dwight! I knew that U guys would win! So many ppl doubted an Orlando win last night given the Cavs crazii home record. Yet I never doubted and I think after U won game 1 on the Cavs home court a lot of people do belive now! Once U guys turn around and win game 2 in Q on Friday a lot of ppl are gonna change their pick for EFC Champs.
Ya’ll got this season, I truly believe that. I pray 4 U guys daily; for your spirits, your minds and your bodies. Today I pray that God will continue to bless U and Ur fam, Ur teammates and coaching staff. That U guys will be victorious in this series and that U will be the last team standing at the end of the 08-09 Season.
God says that He will bless the works of our hands and the fruit of our labor. Delight Urself in the Lord and He will give U all of the desires of Ur heart {The Ring included}
I love that fact that U constantly thank God for Ur victories; that is such a good look!
~Those 30pts were nice, repeat that 2morrow nite! Continue to play hard & get it done.
Get Em MAGIC!!!!
P.S. Looking 4ward to continue our twitter conversation:)
God Bless,
Love
D12!,
Thanks again 4 smacking the haters in the mouth; Tim Legler, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, Wilbon and the rest of em should take a look again; they werent counting on the passion and husstle the Magic bring!
We’ve been through some drama already with AI in the first round and the entire Celtics team in the 2nd round…PROVEN WARRIORS!
Keeping focusing and playing the entire 48; while the Cavs were jumping around, laughing and celebrating on the bench last night we snuck a W in cuz the Magic play 48 min of Basketball!
Hernan G
Watching the game last night was a bit surreal. When Cleveland jumped on you guys early I was just stiing there and thinking just weather the storm, they will eventually fold. The weird part was even when they were making everything (including the half time shot) there was a sense of calm in that I knew you guys were going to not only come back, but win!
I think Clevelend gave you their best shot last night and it still wasn’t good enough! the only frustrating part was you guys playing 5 on 8 (the refs). Even Barkley commented on the cheap fouls they gave you. Homer advantage I guess.
Anyway…that JAM was Awesome! Brought down the house! Did anyone else feel the quake in Orlando that rattled the windows after that? Damn..that was great!
Dwight, that was a brilliant, brilliant game. Absolutely superb, right down to the finish..
However, I would like to just say, that I noticed Bron was trying to muff your shot all the time.. He did get 3 blocks, and mostly on you (though those were gang-ups and with a lot of fouls not being called on them Stern-sters).. How come you didnt get a block off of anybody? Coz we just love it when you swat them into the bleachers.. Do a number on Bron’s shots, because I tell you he’s absolutely trying to use you as a statement..
I think what started this off was that mean nasty block you did on him last April, and then he came back on the next play and did a goaltend just to try to man up.. So, do some more of it. Show him what the man of steel is really made of..
Hey Dwight,
Great Game individually and by your team. I thought Rashard was phenomenal. He hit some really big shots. And you were very dominant as usual, and efficient!! I really like your Team’s spirit. Orlando is going to play L.A. in the Finals. Keep up the excellent work Dwight. Also, that last foul call was so bogus – Your arms were up the entire time, and you barely had any body contact – oh well, you guys still got the win!
We just gotta show them all what we got in us. We are the Orlando Magic!! You guys have the ability to win the it all!! The dunk was awesome =) Keep it up!
great game dwight keep that hunger going they dont have anyone to match up with you do what you do and dont let the refs get to you yall now own home court so play every game likes its your last and ill get ready for the parade PLAY MAGIC BALL!!!!!!!
This might be a double comment but none the less just wanna say great game and Orlando believes in you guys! You guys have the ability and the talent to win this! Still a long way to go. Dunk was hilarious. Byeee =)
They cant gaurd you! Z is too slow for you or rashard so keep taking advantage of that. Doesn’t matter how many LeBron scores if they lose and if they keep playing 1 on 5 its over. Never forget that our city is with you guys.
I am sooo glad yall won! Lets show everyone what O-town REALLY is about!
Everyone in my house but me is a CAVS fan. I’ve been telling them not to sleep on the MAGIC all season but noone was hearing me. The first half of the game I could hear everyone talking much noise, but when the tide started to change everything got real quiet. Ya’ll played with heart and got the win! Good Luck next game! I know you can take the CAVS AND whateva team comes after them!
Im so proud of our team. There might be some people that doubt us (some even that live in this city) but i think we will prove to all of them that we have what it takes!
Great job in last nights victory. Hopefully you guys can win the series because you definately have the talent and ability to get it done. Also, the dunk was funny, you got everyone talking about it. Good luck in game 2!
Great game 12 yall played hard n scratched out a big win but how many times can u put up 30 and 13? i hope alot so its a great series. i am a sixers fan n i watched u guys have a lil trouble wit us n u shouldnt have. as long as ur shooters r makin shots you have a chance so get turk n rashard in the gym all day today lol. good luck the rest of the way n try not to rip nuthin else down wit them crazy dunks. ONE LOVE FROM PHILLY……………….
“You are going to have to kill us to get rid of us in a game.”
Young Homie.
EXACTLY.
I really do not know what to comment on, I mean. I am speechless.
The D you are playing is out of this world.
The Pride I have when I wear out my MP 20 jersey is not since back when I was a little homie reppin Ho grant and the 54 black Jersey.
When you said your wrestling name was Black Magic.
I thought about Spiderman whatever movie it was where he became Black Spiderman, Stronger Faster and Brighter. but was kind of a jerk.
You gonna bust out the Black Superman on People and let Shaq be Clark Kent regular superman.
After all you are a Shaq hybrid(read NOT A FATSO)
Take the S logo and just paint it Black.
Only for playoffs, you can be nice super man in reg season.
Well time to put the little one to nap.
You grown much this playoffs.
You are a joy to watch and its worth getting jacked up by my Fiancee for blowing $600 on ECF tix.
THANKS YOUNG HOMIE FOR MAKING MAGIC FUN AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Simply Amazing Dwight. Lets not give any away. Bring us another win back to orlando!!!!!!!! Abracadabra. it magic time
I haven’t been to a Magic playoff game since my dad took me to game 1 of the Finals against Houston in ‘96, now I’m getting ready to take my Dad to a game of the Finals, I have to thank you D12, I’ve always been a believer in the Magic, and now all of Orlando’s time supporting our boys is paying off! Let’s get that trophy!!!! See you in O-town guys! Keep it up
More we stay under radar better. let them have their fantasies about Lakers and Cavs. Us, Magic fans, believe in you guys and we know you are here to win it and YOU WILL!
Dwight thanks for this blog and for posting so frequently. I’m so proud of you and the team right now. Thank you!
Way to steal the home court!!! What an amazing second half, you guys really showed why you deserve to be here, and why you will be in the NBA Finals by next week! Go get em’ Superman!!!!
Bring ‘em down, Dwight! DOMINATE!!!
Dwight, I gotta say reading this blog definately got me pumped up for Game 2. I have no doubt you guys will win this series! Right after the dunk that broke the shot clock, even though we were down, I thought, this is going to be our game…and it was. Proud of you guys for playing hard 48 minutes, you guys never quit! Don’t take the 6 fouls too hard…like many of the other readers have stated, the league is gunning for you because they want for the Kobe/LeBron matchup. Just keep playing like you do and show them that when all is said and done, you guys are the ones left standing!
There are so many people on the Lebron bandwagon it’s over flowing. People are just hanging on for fear life to see the same thing over and over again.
Remember this. Lebron went to the Olympics and did not win gold. Lebron went with you and brought back the GOLD! 2009 Defensive Player of the YEAR. Defense wins games.
http://www.twitter.com/digwitty
I do hope this shut’s those critic’s from ESPN and TNT up…in addition, those “fair weather” Magic fans! Us true fans believe in each of you and stand behind you for every win…while we feel your pain in the heart breaking losses! When you all are out there on that court, know that we’re all rooting for you, we are all with you guys in those moment’s! Know this too, we are, it seems, constantly, cursing those ref’s with the most inaccuarate calls…let’s don’t forget the calls they don’t make! It’s not just us against whatever team we are playing…it’s us against the ref’s too. No one wants to see us win. This is why we need to come stronger and harder than any other team before us. This is our battle, we are armed and ready for the fight!
Dwight, it is so uplifting that you aren’t afraid to speak your beliefs and thank God first, even in front of the media. In today’s day and age it means so much to have you representing our Big Man!!
Thank all of you for everything you do for the community. You don’t do it expecting a reward, ratherm\ you help the less fortunate because you have the heart! That is a team I will follow for life!
We’re behind you guy’s, now and always! GO MAGIC!!!!!!!
Your true “life long” fan,
Amanda Ramsey
DWIGHT! DOIN WORK!
My roommate is a Cavs fan and he had so much to say during the first half. You guys literally left him crying in the corner after the game. We’re back here in the O runnin through the streets screaming for ya’ll. Keep it up! The Cavs got NOTHING on the Magic… bring the series back to O-town 2-0!
great game buddy,,,way to persevere and get the win! cant wait for game 2!!!
The Cavs weren’t properly matched before – you and the Magic is a different story. Honestly I’ve been a Cavs fan, but I never doubted the challenge that your team would bring – and ya really brought it! Kenny and others wanna claim a win through LeBron, but hey, Chuck and everyone on these comments believes in magic!
Give ‘em hell,
O
Congrats on the win…it was a hard fought game where any team could have won in the last few minutes. Mo’s last shot was a heart breaker and I kept thinking that it would probably not have happened had you not fouled out.
On a side note:
Match up with Mikael P on LBJ – He did a good job but I noticed he kept shifting his feet to the front on the late minutes allowing LBJ to beat him on the first step drive and to the hoop and get foul calls.
I would rather that he shifted side to side and stay in front and let LBJ take on the jumpshots but I guess coach Stan had a different game plan? Have LBJ earn from the line in the closing minutes?
Also, observation at around the last 3 minutes of the game – Two or three pick and rolls on the top with Turk handling the ball and you were basically an open pass in the paint for a post move or drive but he didnt.
Had he passed the ball on you, the outcome could have been settled earlier. You should be getting the ball.
Btw, you got a heck lot of questionable calls against you in this game it made me also think of the Stern conspiracy theory being true. Lol
You guys should really watch out for Varejao cutting off the weak side behind the rim after the LBJ-Mo pick n roll–> LBJ drive penetration and quick dish. He will always, always go behind on the side rather than in front for an easy two lay or dunk which should not happen.
Good luck on the next game! And try to take a charge at LBJ will ya? Lol…
I so glad you guys won! Great game!! My sis and I were watching the game and you guys were down pretty badly when I fell asleep. Just looked at the score a couple seconds ago and was blown away. I was hoping you guys would beat ‘em! YAY!! Bring on game 2!
GREAT GAME DWIGHT!
I believe and always have!!!
You guys certianly have heart, talent, and athleticism.
I don’t know how you guys do it, but you seem to always pull it out!
CONGRATS!
Good luck friday and with the rest of the series!
I know you guys will be great!
PS. Turk had a great game last night too! Tell him he should get a blog too, or at least a twitter!!! haha.
as sad as it may sound, i think last nite was the best nite of my life
GO MAGICCC!!!
You know what, i still feel like the magic have to continue proving that they belong; but it’s okay they will keep doing what they do. I was so proud of the team because no one gave the magic a chance…i’m sure some people are rethinking that…GO MAGIC!!!!
Great game Dwight! Tear that shot clock down every time you get the chance! We’re goin all the way baby, I believe!!
Dwight your beast!!! I cant belive no one thinks that the Magic can go al the way, and by the way that was the beastliest dunk ive ever seen lol
It’s that called beat the shot clock =]
Hah~