Rookie works his magic in Game 2

Well, ye socks, I don't think yours truly was alone last night in thinking the hometown team was on the verge of blowing another 18-point lead in the opening round playoff series with Philadelphia.

The 76'ers had our number. They know the Magic is a laid-back team that relies a lot . . . way too much, really . . . on their 3-point game. So, they did the smart thing they did in Game 1 and double-teamed our big guns Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.

It looked bad, especially when franchise player Dwight Howard fouled-out in the 4th quarter. Then Philly's Andre Miller hit a 3, bringing the 6'ers within 5. Turkoglu sputtered to respond, but failed.

Fortunately, Coach Van Gundy mixed things up. He tapped the resources of rookie Courtney Lee, as well as the rest of the Magic bench.

And, they responded.

Big time.

Lee scored a career high 24 points, snatching a victory out of the all-too-familiar gaping jaws of defeat.

The final numbers on the scoreboard: Magic 96, 76'ers 87.

Next game in this now tied-up best of five series: Friday (4/24) at 8pm.

Go Magic!