From: rns@munta.cs.mu.OZ.AU (Robert Noel STURROCK)
Subject: Magic vs. 36er's
Organization: Computer Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1992 09:52:02 GMT

I just came from the abovementioned match at the National Tennis Centre.
*pretty ordinary* is the only phrase that comes to mind in summing
up SE Melbourne's performance against a very solid Adelaide.  The
Magic managed to get up by about 3 points in extra-time, but
trailed for most of the game and never really looked like it.

Adelaide led by about 7 points at three quarter time, with the Magic
really struggling to stay in touch.  Only some missed free throws
and open three pointers by Adelaide prevented them from finishing the
Magic in the third quarter.

The Magic made a late run however, and came home strong to be just a
point down with less than a minute remaining.  Bolden attempted a 
three point shot with the shot clock about to run down, but managed
to charge into the defence, and produce the turnover with around
40 seconds remaining.  Bolden looked pretty annoyed, to say the least,
after having put in one of the worst games that I personally have
witnessed in the last two seasons (at least from a scoring perspective,
although he collected a bag of rebounds).

Adelaide produced a two point play, pushing their lead out to 3 points,
leaving the Magic less than thirty seconds to try to produce a three
point play and send the game into extra-time.  Magic's offence was
lousy, but the ball found itself in Bolden's hands once again beyond
the three point line.  With just a few seconds remaining, Bolden
attempted the three, but the defence was right in his face, so he was
forced to fake in mid-air, and send up the prayer shot.  In what would
have to be the most amazing shot I've ever witnessed, Bolden managed to
bury it (all net!) and much to the delight of the *not-so-packed* Tennis
Centre tie the game up.  You've really got to see this one on
replay.  Definitely the picture play (even if unorthodox) of the year,
and proves just what a great clutch player Bolden really is...

In a very low scoring extra-time period, the Magic managed to get
their noses in front by 3 at the end.  A very long range (and lucky!),
three from Perry under pressure made the difference.  Bolden fouled
out early in this period.

All-in-all, I think the Magic have a heck of lot more work to do
before they have their formula right.  Their D was poor yet again,
with Adelaide firing barrages of threes early in the game.  Maher
was impressive, as was Davis (what's new?) and Bratke.  Hayes was
particularly good, and although I didn't see the final scores, must
surely have top scored.

The only contributors for the Magic were Dorge (has played great 
in every game I've seen him this year), Ninnis (my personal pick`
for MVP- his offensive spark early on kept the Magic in it),
and Parkison (playing much better now).  Milt Newton was pretty
disappointing again this week.  Perry was a non-entity, other than
said long range bomb.  I don't recall Lucas scoring (a rare bad
one for him tho').  Bolden was quiet in offence (they didn't seem
able to get it into him- perhaps Davis's D?), but picked up
a parcel of boards and made the big plays at the end.  Ronaldson
was horrible yet again...

Adelaide played very well, and didn't do much wrong, apart from not
taking advantage of a few opportunities presented to them by the
Magic.  They are certainly one of the teams to beat this year,
although I think they need more from their bench.



Xref: sparky aus.sport:92 rec.sport.basketball.misc:205