Under Anthony Johnson's leadership, Orlando's offense was much sharper than it was when Alston held the reins. Plus, AJ plays defense, and Alston does not.

Mickael Pietrus unloosed several too-quick jumpers, but played excellent defense against Iguodala.

Alston's best moment came in the second quarter when he literally faked Miller to the floor and then dropped a neat 17-footer.

There were scores of superb interior rotations by Howard, Lewis, Turkoglu and even Marcin Gortat.

Overall, the Magic's efficient screen/rolls, ability to dribble-penetrate, domination of their offensive glass, and lane-clogging defense were steady throughout the game. If their ball-handling was occasionally sloppy, Orlando was steady enough to survive several second-half mini-rallies by the visitors that made the Magic sweat but not bleed.

What was the biggest negative for the Magic?

Stan Van Gundy's courtside manner. Several times he berated players' mistakes with loud words and forceful gesticulations. This was done in huddles as well as in exposed one-on-one situations on the sideline during free throws. It was quite evident that the publicly chastised players were embarrassed.

In any event, the scene now switches to the City of Brotherly Love, where the onus shifts to the Sixers to hold serve in the next two games.

The lesson to be learned here is that, during the playoffs, home cooking is not always so easily digestible.