Game 3: Indiana Pacers Blow-Out Orlando Magic 97-74 - Sunshine Slate

[Orlando, FL] Orlando has seen the future without Dwight Howard and the future is not so bright. In fact, it is post-apocalyptically bleak.

Things are so horrific for the Orlando Magic that Stephen King is now being considered for the general manager’s position.

In their Wednesday night Game 3 match-up against the Indiana Pacers, the boys in blue and white showed why Howard is such a big part of their success. Without D-12 the team is outsized and unable to execute the type of defense needed to win against the likes of Indiana.

And Indiana isn’t even that great of a team when compared to Miami or Chicago.

Consequently, Game 3 was ugly. 97-74 ugly. It was the type of blow-out affair on the Magic’s home court that dashes hopes and shatters dreams. By the looks of it, Indiana will most likely win Game 4 and Game 5 and close out the best-of-seven series.

“They clearly dominated us tonight, particularly at the start of the game and then in the third quarter again, and that’s three first quarters and three third quarters where it’s been the same story,” said Orlando Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy after his team took the beating.

“So we’ll take a look at that and see if we want to make some changes or something. We can’t be playing out of a hole all the time,” he said.

So far, Magic sharpshooter Ryan Anderson â€" he’s the NBA’s top 3-point expert â€" has been nonexistent against Indiana. With only one real scorer to worry about, Indiana has been able to easily shut him down and keep him from getting any rhythm going.

Anderson is averaging only 7.7 points per game against Indiana in the series and shooting a paltry 33% from behind the three-point arc. And this is a guy who was crushing it during the season, averaging 16.1 ppg.

Note to Stan: Super size. Put all of your bigs out there to shake them up, it is your only chance. And hope somebody makes a shot.

Indiana now leads the series 2-1. Game 4 is Saturday at 4 p.m. Wear your best bloodbath outfit.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Orlando Magic