This next one could be one of those letdown games.
After putting considerable emotional energy into Tuesday's game in Cleveland -- it felt like a playoff game -- and coming up short, the Magic might be ripe for the picking when it returns to action in Milwaukee. The Magic went to Cleveland calling it a must-win game in its quest to catch the Cavs for the No. 1 seed in the East. When it lost a close one on a couple of questionable calls in the final seconds, it looked like their hopes had been deflated.
"This is the NBA. You have get yourself ready to play," said forward Hedo Turkoglu. "There is no time to drop your head."
The Bucks (31-38), fighting for that eighth and final playoff spot in the East, have struggled with injuries this season. Despite a subpar record (31-38), they would be thrilled to reach the postseason and just as happy to beat another one of the top seeds.
Not only did they beat the Celtics on Sunday, but they are also coached by Scott Skiles, the former Magic player who likes nothing better than beating his old team.
With the loss, the Magic (49-18) has now conceded the No. 1 seed to Cleveland. Orlando still feels it can catch the Celtics for the No. 2 spot. Either way, it wants to avoid playing Detroit, which is bouncing between the No. 6 and No. 7 spots, almost haunting the Magic.
CAVALIERS 97, MAGIC 93: LeBron James taught Dwight Howard a thing or two about what it takes to be a serious MVP candidate. James had 43 points and dominated late in the game to beat the Magic on Monday. He put an end to Stan Van Gundy's suggestion that Howard should be getting more consideration for the award. Unless the Cavs completely collapse down the stretch, James appears now to be the overwhelming favorite to win the award over Kobe Bryant, the reigning MVP.
