The Magic have quickly made other teams disappear this postseason. Here’s what Vince Carter and Assistant Coach Patrick Ewing had to say.
Vince Carter
On going for the championship:
It’s been a great ride. These guys have made it special. We’re just excited about the opportunity. Like I said, guys don’t get the opportunity to play for a championship or be on a championship caliber basketball team. A lot of these guys are on the team back-to-back years and you know, we’re going for it, why not?
On Rashard Lewis saying you don’t know how many chances you’re going to get to compete for a title:
Right, right, he can’t talk, this is his second go-round (laughing). This is my first, but like I said, it is [important to make the most of each chance]. You take advantage of the opportunities because they’re few and far between and the time is now.
On Stan Van Gundy saying he’s impressed Magic didn’t play like they had a cushion in the series against Atlanta. What do you guys say in the locker room to enable that?
It’s him, he’s the one that really instills it in our heads. I think this is a veteran group that understands that and Stan’s gonna make sure just in case we don’t understand it, we understand it…Like I said, we’re about our business. We’re about taking care of it each and every night we step on the floor. You want to win the series as quickly as possible, get your rest, and get ready for the next one.
On the team’s mindset:
Our focus has been laser sharp and guys are just in tune with what needs to be done.
On flipping a switch…
We’re definitely capable of it I think, but why not just turn the switch on when that ball goes up from the start and leave the switch on…If your electric bill’s high, it’s alright–you’ll pay for it later (laughing).
Patrick Ewing
What do you see as the difference between this team and the team that made the NBA Finals last season?
I think the biggest thing is Dwight [Howard]. Dwight has definitely improved. His output in the post and also passing out of double teams has definitely helped us. And I think we’re a little bit more focused. Not to say that we weren’t focused last year, but you know getting to the Finals and losing, I think [the focus] has definitely improved.
I see you working with Dwight before every game. Besides passing out of double teams, what are the main things you’ve worked on with him?
There’s him scoring when he has the opportunity. When he doesn’t–when they double him–do a good job of passing out of double teams, trying to cut his free throws down. And stepping up and making his free throws.
Magic have the most solid inside-out game of playoff teams?
I’m not going to say of all of the teams. The Lakers have a pretty good inside-out game, Cleveland the same. I think that Dwight is having an outstanding year and we’re doing a great job of knocking down shots on the perimeter.
What do you tell the team to mentally prepare for the long haul of the playoffs?
Just got to stay focused and just got to keep playing. We’re doing an outstanding job right now, can’t let down, just got to keep fighting.
Tags: Orlando Magic, Patrick Ewing, Vince Carter
