The Bobcats-Magic playoff series tips off Sunday at 6:00 Eastern. Before, during, and after the game, you'll want to check in with our Bobcats blog, Rufus On Fire, and our Magic blog, Orlando Pinstriped Post.
Magic, Bobcats Tip Off Series At 5:30 P.M.
Preview courtesy of Sports Network.
Larry Brown's latest reclamation project is complete and the Charlotte Bobcats will be making the franchise's first ever postseason appearance this afternoon.
Brown's prize for turning things around in Charlotte? How about the defending conference champion Orlando Magic in the East quarterfinals.
Despite losing sharp-shooter and go-to-guy Hedo Turkoglu in the offseason, Orlando persevered and earned its third consecutive Southeast Division crown and compiled the second best record in the NBA at 59-23.
Incredibly consistent, Orlando joined Dallas as the only clubs this season to beat every team in the NBA at least once, and the Magic were the only NBA team that did not lose a season series to any opponent.
"I knew that once we got our chemistry together, I think we have the most talented team," Orlando forward Matt Barnes said. "The starting five is the best in the league."
Charlotte's road to the postseason really took off in mid-November when the team acquired talented swingman Stephen Jackson from Golden State for a package that included the injured Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.
Jackson was able to team with All-Star forward Gerald Wallace to give Brown quite a 1-2 punch as the Bobcats surged to the seventh seed in the conference.
“I really believe the season’s just starting,” Brown said. “I’m thrilled we got into the playoffs.”
Charlotte will not be heading into the postseason without controversy, however. Reports surfaced earlier this week that the nomadic Brown is interested in returning to Philadelphia or Los Angeles once the Bobcats’ season ends, although the veteran mentor denied the rumors.
Brown’s wife and two teenage children still live in suburban Philadelphia and The Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell recently asked Bobcats owner Michael Jordan about Brown’s situation.
Jordan reportedly indicated he wouldn't stand in Brown's way if he felt the need to return to Philadelphia for family reasons. The Clippers job is also an option since Brown's wife is a Los Angeles native.
The Bobcats avoided a sweep in the season series with the Magic when they topped Orlando, 96-89, in central Florida on March 14. However, Orlando has won 11 of its last 13 overall vs. Charlotte.
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