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Hedo Turkoglu was ejected from Thursday night's game after scuffling with Sam Dalembert in the fourth quarter. The conflict escalated when Dalembert attempted to kiss Turkoglu, which Turkoglu didn't take kindly to (visual evidence after the jump). Someone should tell Turkoglu that here in America, a kiss goodbye is a pretty standard practice.
The Magic are done with the Sixers.
Led by Rashard Lewis' dominance on the offensive end, the Magic broke out of their funk and finally put together a complete, four-quarter performance. They made 12 3-pointers — bumping their series 3-point percentage to a respectable 34 percent — and shot 53.7 percent from the field.
Without the suspended Dwight Howard and the injured Courtney Lee, Marcin Gortat (11 points, 15 rebounds) and JJ Redick (15 points, 5-of-7 from deep) played beautifully and almost made Orlando forget about their franchise center and superb rookie. Gortat was the best big man on the floor, a significant step above Dalembert, Theo Ratliff and Reggie Evans. Gortat played his role perfectly - he consistently brought in rebounds, he kept the Sixers from scoring in the paint, and he put in several dunks and easy lay-ups. And Redick's solid fundamentals and sweet stroke were on display, including a 30-footer in the first quarter when the shot clock was winding down. He looked a lot more like Duke JJ than Magic JJ.
Lewis played his best game in a Magic uniform, and maybe one of the best games of his career. He scored 29 points on 50 percent shooting, as the offense ran through him and he was continually the primary option for the Magic. Despite not making a 3-pointer, Lewis was an offensive force. He took it strong to the hoop and repeatedly abused Thad Young - why the Sixers didn't change up their defense, I have no idea.
Overall, this game gives a decent look into the mind of human beings. It's a lot easier to perform without the pressure of expectations, and it's a lot more difficult to succeed when a lot is expected out of you. The Magic weren't worried that they should be winning, they were just playing. Having fun, running, shooting 3s - that's when the Magic are at their best.
The Magic were loose, free and relaxed - and now Dwight Howard will join them for a relaxing few days while the team waits to see who they'll play in the next round.
Here is Orlando's schedule for next round. Tickets will go on sale Saturday. And after the jump, there's visual evidence of Dalembert attempting to kiss Turkoglu.
If Boston vs. Orlando...
Game 1 - Mon., May 4, Orlando at Boston, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 2 - Wed, May 6, Orlando at Boston, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 3 - Fri., May 8, Boston at Orlando, 7:00PM, ESPN
Game 4 - Sun., May 10, Boston at Orlando, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 5 * Tue., May 12, Orlando at Boston, Time TBD, TNT
Game 6 * Thu., May 14, Boston at Orlando, Time TBD, ESPN
Game 7 * Sun., May 17, Orlando at Boston, Time TBD, TNTIf Chicago vs. Orlando...
Game 1 - Mon., May 4, Chicago at Orlando, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 2 - Wed, May 6, Chicago at Orlando, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 3 - Fri., May 8, Orlando at Chicago, 7:00PM, ESPN
Game 4 - Sun., May 10, Orlando at Chicago, 8:00PM, TNT
Game 5 * Tue., May 12, Chicago at Orlando, Time TBD, TNT
Game 6 * Thu., May 14, Orlando at Chicago, Time TBD, ESPN
Game 7 * Sun., May 17, Chicago at Orlando, Time TBD, TNT
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