When Jameer Nelson was whistled for a controversial hand-check foul with 2.2 seconds remaining, it all Indiana’s George Hill to hit two go-ahead free throws. The Magic missed a chance to tie in overtime – just as it came up short on a potential game-winner at the end of regulation – and they were left with the empty feeling of a 101-99 OT loss to the Pacers.
The Magic were understandably crushed by a referee’s call that essentially dropped then in to a 3-1 hole with the best-of-series now shifting back to Indiana’s home court. Even as they trailed 82-63 with 8:14 to play, the Magic refused to give up and gamely got the game tied. Similarly, they did it again in overtime, trying the game at 99-all on Glen ``Big Baby’’ spin move as he was falling down.
Then, came the whistle from referee Violet Palmer. Nelson’s right hand was on Hill’s hip and his left arm got pinned under Hill’s arm. That call decided a game where there were three lead changes and eight ties on the day.
``Just playing basketball, you hate to see that. You want to see somebody hit a shot instead of a foul like that,’’ said Magic guard Jason Richardson, who had 25 points and four 3-pointers. ``The ref saw the call. But you definitely want the other team to (have to) make the shot and not get to the free throw line.’’
Added Nelson: ``The refs made the call and they thought it was a foul. Obviously, they didn’t see the hook (by Hill) first. But it is what it is. They called the foul and he made the free throws.’’
The Magic had a chance to force a second overtime period in the final seconds. Head coach Stan van Gundy originally drew up a play for Richardson to get a 3-pointer from the top of the key, but the Pacers denied the pass. Instead, the ball went in to Davis, whose 15-foot fade-away jumper came up just short and deflated the Magic.
``I got a great shot off, but it was just short. It was on line,’’ said Davis, who had 16 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. ``It was right there, but it was just short. If it was up an inch or two more we might be playing more overtimes or celebrating right now.’’
The Magic are now facing some daunting odds as they prepare for Game 5 in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Only eight teams in playoff history have climbed out of a 3-1 hole. Despite losing three straight games in the series, the Magic know they can win in Indy, having done so in dramatic fashion in Game 1.
``It’s 3-1 and it’s a matter of mindset and whether you think you’re still in the series or not,’’ Van Gundy said. ``Based on what (the Magic) did down 19 points today, my guess is they’re not going to quit on anything. They will come out and play on Tuesday, damn hard and very well.’’
The Magic missed their best opportunity to even the series when Nelson couldn’t convert in the final seconds of regulation. Nelson drove hard to his left to shake Leandro Barbosa, spun back to his right and faded for a shot that came up just short. Nelson (12 points) was just four of 15 on the day, but did hand out 11 assists.
``I felt like I got the guy off of me and got my space, but I just missed the shot,’’ Nelson said. ``I’ll do the same thing next game if the opportunity presents itself. I have confidence in myself to make the shot.’’
Here is a look at some of the key moments from Saturday’s Game 4 at the Amway Center:
MAGICAL MOMENTS