Hello 3QC friends,

Last night was extremely difficult for me and the Magic community. There was such a tension Downtown- a buzz I have never encountered. Derek Fisher fizzled the buzz .

We went home disappointed.

But, Dwight Howard grew up some last night. I'm not sure if it was on the court, after the game or on the podium during the post-game press conference. Dwight failed last night. He admitted he missed his free throws. Dwight  lost on the NBA's biggest stage.

I know I am pointing out the obvious- and I apologize for doing so- but this was a big step in the right direction. Not motivationally (I have never questioned Dwight's motivation) but mentally. I continually question his mental toughness. Dwight has grown in front of our eyes, from a goofy teenager into the league's best center. But, in the NBA finals, his athleticism will not/have not overcome his mental mistakes. There is something about defeat that makes humans hungry. He'll be hungry in Game 5.

I don't disagree with Stan Van Gundy often. But he was wrong last night. We were outclassed but a team who has been there before. This is an experience issue. He said "It's still a basketball game." True- but its the biggest games of these players careers and the biggest games in Orlando since '95. So, simply, it's just a game. But a really, really big game. Experience has to factor in.

Now it's about respect (cliche I know). But the national media hasn't respected the Magic all playoffs. If the Magic don't play their hearts out, this series will look like a choke job/fluke (depending on what side of the fence you sit). I watched every game this year- I know how good our Magic are- but this is the Finals. This is what they will be judged on.

I'm not willing to give up on the season yet. So I am not talking next season. (Get ready for another cliche) One game at a time. The Magic have to focus on pushing the series back to LA. If that happens, we'll go from there.

As much as I hate the bandwagon. I am afraid the wheels are gonna fall off and Orlando will turn back into a downer town. The bandwagoners will be quick to turn on the team and players. Our players deserve a lot of credit for getting to the Finals. But once you're in the Finals- you have to win. We need more than one win this series.

I love my Magic. I hate that we lost. But hey, there is still at least one game left. I hope we show up and push it to LA.

Go Magic. Go Game 5.