What we have here is possibly the best lineup since the 1995 NBA Finals. Hard to believe it took 14 years to get back there, and 15 to look like a team that could go back. The Magic will probably cruise along the rest of these games, testing out rotations and playmaking. At least, that's what I would do.
A couple of changes to the lineup have had positive changes lately. Putting Bass ahead of Anderson in the rotation has done wonders on the defensive end. Placing Barnes in the starting lineup instead of Pietrus has brought more energy, making Pietrus the same sixth man he was during the last Finals run.
Every game since the All-Star break is proof that the Magic is not a Conference Finals contender, but a Finals contender. There are no exceptions. The eyes are on the Magic now, as they rise to the top of the Power Rankings and stay there—along with Cleveland—as "Superpowers," above recent champions (Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, etc.). I use the term "Superpowers" as a reference to the state of the world back in WWI and WWII. Back then, everyone answered to the "Superpowers" (USA, Britain, and Soviet Union) and feared them.
Phil Jackson won ...
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Article written by C.J. Myles
Orlando Magic: Is Another “Magic Kingdom” in the Making?
March 21st, 2010 by C.J. Myles Leave a reply »
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