2003 NBA Finals Updates

[Kemp]

Kemp’s clutch free throw saved the Magic



The Magic was lucky enough in Game 2 as they tied the series at one game a piece to avoid going down 0-2 in this series. The Magic were trailing all night long and they did not played consistent enough until the fourth quarter where they outscored the Sixers 32-24. Magic forward Shawn Kemp sealed the win with his last free throw attempt and were pleased with his efforts. Kemp finished the game with 9 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Magic guards also stepups, Tracy McGrady had 25 points, 5 assists, 1 rebound, and 2 blocks and Darrell Armstrong added 35 points and 8 assists.

In the first quarter, the Magic played like they were going to blow this game wide opens as they scored the first 11 points of the game. The Sixers then quickly came back behind the plays of Allen Iverson and Keith Van Horn, Van Horn used his height advantage over Gordon Giricek as he scored 7 points in the period. McGrady and Armstrong scored all the Magic’s points as they had 12 points and 9 points respectively. The Sixers were up 23-21 at the end of the first quarter. The Sixers continues to increase their lead even further as Aaron McKie provided a sparks off the bench, he scored 8 points in the second period. McGrady picked up his third personal fouls with 21.4 seconds remaining as the Sixers headed down to the locker room with a 48-42 points at the end of first half.

At the start of the second half, the Sixers continues to increase their leads even further as they were up 12 points with 5:23 remaining to play in the third quarter. But the Magic kept the game close behind the plays of Armstrong and Garrity. The Sixers still leads 76-69 with one quarter remaining. In the fourth quarter McGrady and Armstrong combined for 20 points as the Magic took a 100-99 leads with under a minute left. Iverson quickly tried to get the Sixers back the lead as McGrady fouled him. Iverson made one of two free throws as he tied the game at 100. “I failed to hit both of my free throws and I let my team down tonight”, said Iverson who finished the game with 22 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. With 15.4 seconds to play, the Magic went down to Kemp as Coleman fouled him with 2.6 seconds remaining. Kemp missed the first one but hit his second one as he gave the Magic a one point lead. Kemp said, “I have been to these situations before throughout my playoffs career and I know that I can knock these free throws down.” The Sixers called timeout next and tried to set a play for the win. Iverson took the last shot as he missed a 30 foot jumper as the Magic defeated the Sixers 101-100. Game 3 is play in Philadelphia.



Sixers Players Scores


Magic Players Scores




Highlight Pics:

Armstrong hits a 3 from the top of the arc


Iverson finishes with a layup over T-Mac


McGrady from downtown


Van Horn slam it down with two hands


Coleman with a baseline jumper
Some raw power from The Reignman
Snow hits a 17 foot jumper
Thomas shooting over Gooden

[Keo]

Good clutch play by Kemp, that's experience. Close game and an exciting one. Darrell Armstrong was impressive hopefully he'll continue to play like that throughout the series. Good luck in Game 3.

[Sac-1]

Great win in a great game, what a clutch freethrow. Your 3Point% made the difference, those are amazing highlights. Hopefully you can win two in a row. Good luck.

[Diogo]

Nice job... everyone did a nice job and this victory was deserved... good luck in game 3

[Kemp]

Good clutch play by Kemp, that's experience. Close game and an exciting one. Darrell Armstrong was impressive hopefully he'll continue to play like that throughout the series. Good luck in Game 3.

Luckily, Iverson only hit one of two from the line. Else, we may go into overtime assuming Kemp also hit one of two. I am also glad that Iverson did not scored that much points. Yeah, Armstrong was impressive, he certainly leads the Magic to the victory.

Great win in a great game, what a clutch freethrow. Your 3Point% made the difference, those are amazing highlights. Hopefully you can win two in a row. Good luck.

Thanks. Kemp was great and he certainly was an important piece to the Magic's rosters. Our 3Point% is very impressive, hitting over 50% was simply amazing. Two in a row? I will try my best but it is not easy to win games in Philly though.

Nice job... everyone did a nice job and this victory was deserved... good luck in game 3

Thanks for your continuous support. Everyone stepups in Game 2 and played their best. We played as a team and we got this victory. Hopefully, we can play like this again in Game 3.

[Kobe101]

Good win! Kemp knows what to do!

[Kemp]

Thanks man. Yep, Kemp knows what to do when the game is on the line. That's experience. Veteran knows how to play the game.

[Kemp]

Game 3 Magic VS Sixers Preview

The series are tied at 1-1

The Sixers thought they were able to steals the first two wins in Orlando, they got one of them and they came very close in Game 2. Iverson could have given the Sixers a 2-0 leads but his second freethrow attempt bounced off the rim. “I take full responsibility for the loss,” said Iverson. Instead the Magic has the last chance as they went inside to Kemp as he gave the Magic a one point lead with his freethrow. The Sixers offence was superb throughout the first two games but they must know how to finish it when the game is on the line. As for the Magic, their offence was totally out of sink and they need to be consistent as they headed to Game 3. Magic guard Darrell Armstrong was having his best game of the series, scoring 35 points with 8 assists. Armstrong said, “When T-Mac is not getting us going, I will need to stepups and do what I’m suppose to do.”

[Sac-1]

Nice preview, game 3 will be all about offense from Philadelphia so you better watch out. Good luck.

[Kemp]

Thanks, Sixers obviously will play better in Game 3. They will definitely score alot of points, especially from Iverson.

[Kemp]

Iverson’s 36 points is too much for the Magic



Sixers guard Allen Iverson continues to be a factor for the Sixers as he single handily controlled Game 3. Iverson finished the game with 36 points and 4 assists. It was clearly that Iverson again proved why he is one of the top 10 players in the NBA. His determination on the court was to leads his team back to the finals since 2001 where the Lakers dethroned them in 5 games. “I was just playing my game, I know we should have up 3-0 by now but we are only up 2-1. I was aggressive throughout the game”, said Iverson. Meanwhile, the Magic again showed their inconsistency on their offensive ends, they trailed early in the game was not able to kept up with the Sixers. Magic guard Tracy McGrady just scored a total of 16 points, 11 of them in the opening quarter. McGrady also had 7 turnovers. McGrady said, “It was very embarrassing, I made some silly turnovers and I did not contributed much tonight.”

In the first quarter, the Magic scored the first 8 points behind the plays of McGrady, with Iverson picked up 2 quick personal fouls, the Magic thought they can control the game without the Sixers leader scorer. However, Coleman and Snow scored 6 points a piece while Van Horn scored 8 points as the Sixers quickly climbed back as they took a 28-19 leads over the Magic. The Sixers had their biggest leads at 17 in the second quarter as Iverson scored 13 points in the period. The Magic had no answer other than Garrity and Vaughn as they kept the game close but the Magic still trailed 51-40 at the end of the first half.

Led by Iverson and Coleman in the third quarter the Sixers continues to controlled the game and never allowed the Magic to get any closer than 8 points. McGrady and Kemp was not a factor but Armstrong who scored 35 points in Game 2, continues his brilliant plays as he scored 13 points in the period. Armstrong finished the game with 23 points and 8 assists. Armstrong helped the Magic to get within 10 points as the Sixers still leads 72-64 at the end of the third quarter. The Magic’s hope for winning Game 3 appeared to be over as Iverson and Coleman continues to leads the way. Coleman finished the game with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Kemp’s defence was not tight enough against Coleman as Coleman kept knocking down 15 foot jumper over him. Kemp finished the game with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Magic was totally out of sink as they struggled to make shots in which the Sixers had defeated the Magic, 97-87. Game 4 is play in Philadelphia.



Sixers Players Scores


Magic Players Scores




Highlight Pics:

McGrady on the breakaway


Iverson for 3


Gooden with a hook shot


Snow with a runner shot


Armstrong from downdown
Coleman fires a 15 foot jumper
Giricek finishes with a layup
Kemp with a left hand layup
McGrady shooting from 3 point land

[Keo]

That's tough. Down again and you'll have to work even harder to stay alive in the series. Iverson is doing his usual thing, I guess you'll have to get T-Mac going or this could be over soon. Armstrong's done a good job though I applaud him but T-Mac will have to get hot and soon. The good thing is you did manage to hold their bench to only 9 points but the key will be to reduce the production of AI, Coleman and Van Horn. Good luck in Game 4.

[Sac-1]

Man tough loss, just like i predicted Iverson was all about offence but you didn't have any defence t stop him. T-macs worst game yet . So far it looks like both teas are taking turns in winning, good luckj in game three and now the only way you'll win is by getting T-mac hot and playing very solid D.

[Keo]

Well they're 2003 rosters so T-Mac wasn't just as good as he is now and I don't think you call that his "worst" game. And you pretty much just said what I said about T-Mac needing to get hot. Which is usual.

[Sac-1]

Oops i did , i don't ususally read other peoples posts in a dynasty(all i read was the recap).

[Kemp]

That's tough. Down again and you'll have to work even harder to stay alive in the series. Iverson is doing his usual thing, I guess you'll have to get T-Mac going or this could be over soon. Armstrong's done a good job though I applaud him but T-Mac will have to get hot and soon. The good thing is you did manage to hold their bench to only 9 points but the key will be to reduce the production of AI, Coleman and Van Horn. Good luck in Game 4.

It was tough, Iverson is just too quick to defend. He can beat you off the dribble and then pulls up for a jumpshot. When you put bigger guy on him, like T-Mac, he drive pass you and finishes with a layup. Yep, if McGrady don't put points for us, we are history. Armstrong played well, but that's not enough. Giricek and Garrity also needs to stepups.

Man tough loss, just like i predicted Iverson was all about offence but you didn't have any defence t stop him. T-macs worst game yet . So far it looks like both teas are taking turns in winning, good luckj in game three and now the only way you'll win is by getting T-mac hot and playing very solid D.

Your prediction is right. Iverson is killing us right now. McGrady let us down in Game 3. Nobody played well other than Armstrong. Wish me luck in Game 4, not Game 3. I hope McGrady can bounce back after his poor performance in Game 3. Stay tuned for Game 4.

[nbalive744]

Wow really nice coverage, yet another good, and well organized franchise! Tough loss though, I love it how Shawn Kemp is still playing.

[Kemp]

Welcome aboard. Thanks for your comments. Sixers are tough to beat, they played very well. Yep, Shawn Kemp is still playing in Live 2003.

[Kemp]

Game 4 Magic VS Sixers Preview

Sixers lead the series 2-1

The Magic continues to struggled as they loss to the Sixers in a decisive of 10 points. The Magic never had the opportunity to keep up with the Sixers, as their offence was inconsistent throughout the whole game. Especially Tracy McGrady, who failed to score more than 20 points. McGrady also committed 7 turnovers as the Sixers stingy defence frustrated him. “Their defence makes it tough for me to score, they double team me and even triple team me,” said McGrady. Meanwhile, the Sixers are looking comfortable to win this series as Iverson continues to control the game when the game is on the line. Iverson said, “I will do everything I can to help my team to win this series.”

[Keo]

Iverson once again is showing his passion for the game, he wants to win. T-Mac will need to match that if he wants to win. Should be a good one and a must-win for the Magic. Good luck.

[air]

Thanks for checking out my dynasty (although I've been away from yours), Kemp40! I'll be back to check out game four. Darrell Armstrong was pretty good back then, huh..

[Sac-1]

Amazing preview, this will be a great game and will all end up depending on if you shut down Iverson or not. Good luck.

[Kemp]

Iverson once again is showing his passion for the game, he wants to win. T-Mac will need to match that if he wants to win. Should be a good one and a must-win for the Magic. Good luck.

Iverson's inspiration is far greater than T-Mac ones. You are right, McGrady will need to do the same if he wants to win this series. He is our leader, he obviously need to stepups.

Thanks for checking out my dynasty (although I've been away from yours), Kemp40! I'll be back to check out game four. Darrell Armstrong was pretty good back then, huh..

No worries. Since you are updating your Celtics dynasty, I know you will be here more often. You can always check my 2003 playoffs anytime. Yep, Armstrong was a very good PG back in 2003.

Amazing preview, this will be a great game and will all end up depending on if you shut down Iverson or not. Good luck.

Thanks. Game 4 will be a good one. I will make sure Iverson get double team when he gets the ball. Will the Magic be able to tie the series or will they be looking for elimination in Game 5? Stay tuned for Game 4 recap.

[Kemp]

Coleman finished the Magic down the stretch



Sixers forward Derrick Coleman finished the game with 25 points and 11 rebounds as he helped the Sixers defeated the Magic in Game 4. Coleman was dazzling as he was hot from the perimeter. The Sixers never trailed throughout the whole game, as they are one win away from reaching to the east finals. Sixers guard Allen Iverson only managed to score 17 points along with 3 assists but his defensive has been spectacular in which he had 6 steals. Like Game 3, the Magic again showing their lack of consistency on their offensive ends. The Magic was not able to kept up with the Sixers, as they are now looking for elimination in Game 5. Tracy McGrady led all scorers with 28 points, along with 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. McGrady said, “It was an ugly loss, now we go home and we must try to force a Game 6.”

In the first quarter, Keith Van Horn was on fire as he scored 19 points in the period on 8 of 8 shooting. The Sixers quickly took a double-digit lead as the Magic struggled to score. The Sixers leads 27-16 after one quarter. The Magic continued to struggled in the second quarter, they trailed by as many as 18 points but McGrady and Armstrong helped the Magic to cut the Sixers leads to 10 points with 2:17 remaining in the first half. The Sixers still leads 51-38 at the end of the first half.

In the start of the second half, McGrady tried to help the Magic to take the lead as he scored 8 points in the third quarter. McGrady held Iverson to scored just 5 points in the period as McGrady made 2 big blocks. Armstrong also contributed as he also scored 8 points in the third quarter. Armstrong finished the game with 27 points and 7 assists. The Sixers were able to hold on to their lead as Van Horn continues to leads the Sixers. The Sixers leads 69-62 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter, Iverson went scoreless but Coleman stepped up. Coleman scored 15 of his 25 points in the period as he made Kemp looked silly on the defensive ends. Iverson said, “Coleman was terrific in the fourth quarter.” Coleman kept hitting shots after shots, as the Magic had no answer for him. The Sixers defeated the Magic 95-87. Game 5 is play in Orlando.



Magic Players Scores


Sixers Players Scores




Highlight Pics:

Iverson finishes with an easy layup


McGrady backing down against Iverson


Van Horn slam it down with one hand


Gooden lay it home for two


Armstrong fires a 3 over Snow
Kemp with a windmill dunk
McGrady drive and pulls up a 15 foot jumper

[Sac-1]

Noo you lost, Well it looks like when double teamed Iverson there was an X factor. Well you managed to get Iverson below 20 points so your next point is to find a better matchup against Coleman. Next game is a must win so good luck.