Official Game Thread_2026 Playoffs, Game 1_April 19 @ 6:30 PM

[Manu Ginobili]

18 minutes ago, orlandoholic said:

I agree on Cain. It’s the same fairytale story we Magic fans love, ever since we had Rafer Alston the legend. 

But let’s be real here. I agree with you, Cain looked unplayable besides being physical on defense. And just like last year, Mosley is throwing Darts and suddenly Cain is supposed to be a playoff contributor? He didn’t play for most of the season (just like Joseph btw)

In the playoffs, Teams will scheme against you, especially shortened rotation. But i do like him as a cutter. That’s were he is valuable on offense. Nothing else, so he needs to stop calling his number when he gets the ball. Just cut and feed off others overlooking you. 
 

Ever since bo outlaw would be more accurate 

2 hours ago, Shine88 said:

Agreed. The past two seasons we been relying on vet min guys (Corey Joseph and Jevon Carter) and Cain, who's a two way guy. Cain looked unplayable last night. Dribbling right into defenders and turning the ball over. We shouldn't be relying on a two way guy, which is why Weltman should've made a move at the deadline.

Also, with the way we're turning the ball over, just showed how much this team still needs a PG. Teams without PG, Houston, Minnesota, Toronto and us, has been exposed in these playoff games. We're were just able to overcome all of our turnovers and escape with a win.

All and all, good win, but this team still has a way to go to be a threat in the east.

Still need shooting, a ball handler who can get you a bucket and a rim protecting big. Pretty much the same needs we had since Weltman been here.

Agree with this post. No pg and no imposing big are our 2 biggest deficits. coaching also

[orlandoholic]

1 hour ago, Manu Ginobili said:

Ever since bo outlaw would be more accurate 

Agree with this post. No pg and no imposing big are our 2 biggest deficits. coaching also

Oh i forgot about him. But i would actually differentiate. 

Outlaw is in that Gortat tier. Also had a long career with the Magic. 
 

I’m talking about Gem players. Players we “pick off the street”. that play hard and have an immediate impact, but it’s not sustainable for a long lasting success at an NBA level. 

 

 

[All Eyes On Me]

Crazy stat from last night. The Cade minutes ~40 were played pretty much even. The non-Cade minutes? In the 8 minutes he sat Detroit had an O Rtg of 80 and a D Rtg of 146.7! -66.7 net rating. Truly abysmal. This series reminds me of when we played as a deep team against young LeBron. Let him get his, take out all of his teammates, win the game. 

[Luke_FfS]

Maybe would have been better playing after two days this time, less time for them to recover and regroup.

About rotations and Cain been included, I hope that Mose will react quickly again if needed, as he was able to shorten them from the first game of playin. We've the Carter option available as 9th man, and while I understand the possible reasons why he has been out, it's more experienced and offers a different role/option.