Some interesting quotes:
The news accounts will tell you Lewis drove the baseline for his game-high 23rd point to win the game for Orlando. What they won't tell you is how four former stars conspired to create that moment by laying their weaknesses bare before a national TV audience, and what a dramatic impact those four players are having on their respective sides.
Allow me to provide an alternate account of the game's key play. First, Lewis only ended up with the ball because former All-Star Vince Carter cemented a horrid evening of awfulness by failing in the simple task of freeing himself to receive a pass at midcourt. Instead, Lewis caught the ball on the right wing on a pass from J.j. Redick, who was the primary ballhandler on the final two possessions because former All-Star Jameer Nelson was on the bench -- where he remained for the final 13 minutes of the game.
That was one of many surprises on that final play, all emanating from the fact that with nearly two-thirds of the season in the books, the four key players mentioned above all seem to be shadows of their former selves.
On Orlando's side, the addition of Carter and the return of Nelson from injury was supposed to key the Magic's quest to win a championship after their Eastern Conference title last season.
Similarly, the addition of Wallace and the return of Garnett from injury was thought to cement a dominant frontcourt rotation and put the Celtics back in position to reclaim the title they won in 2008.
So much for those plans. Between their last meeting (an 86-77 Boston win on Christmas) and this one the two teams went a combined 13-16. Thursday's showing provided ample reason why.
The article is pretty interesting and they talk about the subject in much greater detail. You can read more at :
http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page ... daily-dime
