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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Magic roll to second sweep


By PAUL NEWBERRY
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Orlando's Vince Carter was pumped after hitting a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. He finished with 22 points.

JOHN BAZEMORE | Associated Press

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ATLANTA — Ever since they lost in the NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic have been determined to get back — and, this time, win it all.

Two series down, two to go.

Vince Carter scored 22 points to lead another dominating performance by the Magic, who finished off their second straight playoff sweep with a 98-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks last night.

Orlando won the four games by an average of 25.3 points — a total blowout that no one could have expected in a matchup between the teams that finished second and third in the Eastern Conference. It was the most lopsided four-game sweep in NBA playoff history, according to STATS LLC.

"Guys are just focused. It's unbelievable to see," Carter said. "This is my opportunity for a championship."

The Magic, who lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in last year's NBA Finals, are playing better than anyone at the most important time of the season. They have won 14 in a row, the last eight in the playoffs, and 28 of 31.

"We would have to be playing at our absolute, absolute best — like, mistake free — to beat that team," said Jamal Crawford, who led Atlanta with 18 points. "That team is a great team. They have as good a chance as any to win a championship."

The Magic are off to the Eastern Conference finals for the second year in a row. They will face either Boston or a rematch with Cleveland, the team they upset for last year's conference title before losing to the Lakers.

Orlando barely broke a sweat against the Hawks, and Game 4 was more of the same. Atlanta held Dwight Howard to 13 points and eight rebounds, but the Magic had plenty of other options.

"We're playing for something bigger than ourselves, and we've got to do it together," Howard said.

Jameer Nelson was unstoppable, baffling the Hawks with his now-you-see-him, now-you-don't quickness. He finished with 16 points and nine assists. Rashard Lewis scored 17 points, knocking down four 3-pointers. Mickael Pietrus scored 12 points — all of them from beyond the arc.

As a team, Orlando was 16 of 37 from 3-point range, taking more long-range shots than two-pointers (28). Overall, the Magic shot 55 percent from the field and never trailed during either game in Atlanta.

"I think our guys pretty well bring it every night," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. "If we're better than you, we're going to win most of the time."

Hawks star Joe Johnson finished off a miserable series by scoring only 14 points on 5-for-15 shooting. He was booed by the home crowd at the start of the game and got the same treatment when he went to the bench with 3:51 to play. The fans were still miffed that he said didn't care if they "showed up or not" after they heckled the team in a 30-point loss on Saturday.

"It doesn't bother me, man," said Johnson, who's last shot was a 25-foot airball as the shot clock ran down. "I've got thick skin. I've been booed louder than that."

Orlando didn't stand pat after losing to the Lakers, trading for Carter in hopes that he would be the final piece needed for a title. So far, so good. The Magic blew through Charlotte in the opening round, then thoroughly dominated the team that finished just behind them in the East.

Atlanta ended the third quarter with a bit of momentum, having sliced a 17-point deficit to 75-66. Orlando quickly put an end to any thought of a comeback.

Zaza Pachulia picked up two quick fouls trying to guard Howard, then Lewis got open for a 3-pointer. Johnson misfired on a funky, one-handed shot in the lane, and Carter buried a 19-foot jumper with Josh Smith right in his face for an 80-66 lead.

The Hawks called a timeout, but it didn't matter.

They were done.