Magic Set for Sixers
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April 17, 2009
ORLANDO -- This is exactly what the Orlando Magic have been waiting for.
After 82 games in 169 days, it's finally here; playoff basketball.
The Orlando Magic tip off their postseason on Sunday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers for Game 1 of a best-of-seven first-round series in NBA Playoffs 2009.
"I'm ready," Magic center Dwight Howard proclaimed about starting a postseason run. "This is what we've been waiting for; playoff basketball. It's time for us to really step our game up and try to build a legacy."
After a memorable season for the Magic where they won 59 games – the second-best mark in franchise history – they'll get set to take on sixth-seeded Philadelphia.
Although Orlando had a number of tremendous accomplishments in the regular season – including a series sweep of the Sixers (3-0) – veteran guard Anthony Johnson realizes all of that is now in the past.
"We feel very good about our matchup with Philly," the reserve point guard said. "I think we've beaten them 3-0 this year. But come playoff time anything that’s gone on the past six months goes out the window."
Orlando will certainly be put to the test against an athletic Philadelphia squad. The 76ers thrive in the open court and capitalize off other team’s turnovers. In order to advance, the Magic will have to do a tremendous job of taking care of the basketball.
Magic starting point guard Rafer Alston believes his team is up for the challenge.
"They're very energetic, very athletic," Alston said about Philadelphia's lineup. "It's not going to be an easy task. But again we've got to be ready for it."
One thing that could help No. 3 seed Orlando swing the matchup in its favor is its home-court advantage.
The Magic relied on the Amway Arena crowd to help them notch a 32-9 home record this season, tied for eighth best in the NBA. In the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, every team with home-court advantage won their series. Johnson is hoping his crowd will turn it up a notch for the postseason and help that trend continue.
"It's very important," the veteran guard said about starting a series at Amway Arena. "Home court come playoff time is an advantage that can really swing things in your favor. Hopefully the crowd will be loud and raucous here."
If the Magic's playoff run is anything like their regular season, their crowd will certainly have a lot to cheer about.
