5/21/2009
Author: Brian Stankich
U. S. Sports Media, Inc
We are all witnesses. Witnesses to the greatness of King James and his MVP season, a tremendous regular season performance by the Cavaliers, and the Coach of the Year abilities of Mike Brown. We have witnessed so much, in fact, that most fans and experts crowned Cleveland as the Eastern Conference champion.
The Orlando Magic have other ideas.
Orlando shocked Cleveland in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, only the third loss for the Cavaliers at home this year. Home court advantage has now shifted to the Magic. What motivated the Magic to come from 15 points behind at halftime to stun the Cavs and their championship starved fans?
The backstory begins with a Nike advertisement featuring LeBron that said “We Are All Witnesses.” LeBron’s talent makes those of us paying attention witnesses to one of the greatest players of all time.
Dwight Howard, Orlando’s first team All-NBA center, revealed Orlando’s motivation to us in the postgame press conference. Cleveland started fast by taking a large lead on Orlando early in the game, while the Magic were sleepwalking, with the exception of Howard. The Magic cut the lead in half before Cleveland went on another spurt shortly before halftime, capped by a three quarters court buzzer heave three pointer by Mo Williams. Cleveland, who demonstrated magic of their own, had clearly come to play. The overlooked Magic clearly were outhustled, outplayed, and outclassed.
Howard articulated that when Magic players went into the locker room at halftime, Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy delivered a clear and distinct message to them. “You are all witnesses.”
If you have observed Van Gundy’s coaching style, you know he proliferates sarcasm like Pat Riley dabs hair gel. Van Gundy’s point? The Magic were watching the greatness of James, rather than keeping him from growing his legend at their own expense, on his way to 49 points.
Howard went on to confess that Van Gundy’s comment so motivated the Magic that they became angry. Their anger translated into a terrific second half, stunning the Cavs and their faithful with a fantastic comeback good enough for a one point victory and a 1-0 series lead.
Stan Van Gundy’s “witness protection program” enabled the Magic to change their identity, play a nearly flawless second half, and serve notice that the coronation of King James team is definitely premature.
Source: http://www.basketballdailynews.com/Article.aspx?Article=673246
