As a Magic fan I'm thrilled we won, but I know you guys were missing 2 of your most valuable players. When the Cavs offense broke down in the second half West would have made a huge difference. Although Z would have hit some wide open jumpers, he has trouble containing Dwight when the Magic run their top of the key pick and roll, so I think for this game West was the more missed player. JJ is going to be a better than average player. He is totally raw yet still able to be productive on defense and offense. I hope Kinsey is ok - the few minutes I saw of him he was impressive. Where did that come from with Wally? Geez. Turk is a decent defender, above average at times because of his length and he looked like a pregnant mule out there in the first half. As for the officiating, it evened out for the game as both teams were called for 17 fouls and the Cavs actually shot more free throws. I think LeBron was hesitant to drive all the way on Dwight. A few times when Howard hedged on him from the pick and roll LeBron was isolated against Dwight. I thought for sure he would put his head down and drive but instead he passed the ball or took a jump shot. Lee played LeBron about as well as humanly possible. To the extent any human being can annoy LeBron, Lee did. His quickness stopped LeBron from driving a few times.
I empathize with you regarding the no calls however. Dwight has the same problem every game. Because he is bigger and stronger than just about everyone guarding him, the refs let the defender get away with almost anything. Two extended hands in the back, the knee to the back, and a variety of other supposedly foul worthy violations are all allowed when you are standing behind Dwight. I think the refs do the same thing with LeBron on the perimeter.
I empathize with you regarding the no calls however. Dwight has the same problem every game. Because he is bigger and stronger than just about everyone guarding him, the refs let the defender get away with almost anything. Two extended hands in the back, the knee to the back, and a variety of other supposedly foul worthy violations are all allowed when you are standing behind Dwight. I think the refs do the same thing with LeBron on the perimeter.