Odd ORL-PHI game.
Magic go on a nice run to get within 2 with 7 mins left. Then an extended 3 minute sequence where both teams miss really easy shots (Simmons blows a putback right at the rim somehow). Followed by another 2 minute sequence where everybody gets the ball poked away. Twice a strip is followed by a re-turnover.
Finally Butler asserts himself by making a pair of turnaround J's and stealing a pass. Plus pokes away the ball when Vuc was posting him down deep. Nice two-way game-winning work from Butler who only had 6 points going into the 4Q.
Finally with 1 min left, Mike Scott bombs in a 3 to put PHI up 6. Scott had spent most of the 4Q being a mistake player and I was surprised they left him in so long, while he was busy offensive fouling (x2), throwing a pass into the stands, blowing a defensive coverage, and airballing a 3. One of those guys with talent and effort whose concentration seems iffy. Be interesting to see how he does in the playoffs. I favor Amir who is less flashy but solid on both ends. I'm not sure how well his body parts are functioning but did see him rise up to oop an alley, or whichever way that works.
ORL has an interesting young team. They really need a legit starting PG. And someone who can get his own shot in crunch time. Last few times I've seen them lately, they rely on Fournier when they need a basket. He tries, but isn't as good as he thinks he is. But a real PG would help down the stretch of what seems a lot of close ORL games.
Embiid was out for PHI.
But they kind of slog around sometimes and don't often seem to find a killer instinct. Let teams hang around.
I have TOR coming out of the East. BOS has the talent, but Kyrie is a mopey/poor leader. And if they remain in the 5 slot, it's going to be awfully hard to get through, especially if IND holds on to 3rd, so then BOS would have to meet PHI, then MIL, followed by likely TOR. That's a gauntlet, compounded by doing it on the road. MIL doesn't have the experience, and I think the one-man show is more regular season than playoffs. PHI will be a tough out, but also inexperienced and they can get into funks. Also, teams can game plan Simmons in a series. TOR