Updates
Wed, Jun 10th 2009, 09:04
MY GAME 3 BLOG FOR WEDNESDAY
We bounced back in a big way last night and shot the ball great – kind of like the way we expected to play when the Finals began. It’s odd for us not to shoot well and execute, so we really thought it was just a matter of time until we exploded offensively. Thank goodness that night came in Game 3 before it was too late.
We’ve been resilient all year during the season and in the playoffs, so I really thought we’d play like that when we got back home. Even when Jameer got hurt and we were discredited and pushed aside by the pundits and media, but we just saw it as another challenge. It’s kind of like a boxer making his last stand and we knew that was a must-win for us last night.
We’re a tough group mentally and we respond to challenges. As the postseason has gone along, really we’ve been in every situation. We didn’t want to be down 0-2, but we were confident that we could protect our home court. We were down 2-1 to Philly, down 3-2 to Boston and we were supposed to get swept by Cleveland, but we’ve responded each time. That’s what we did again against L.A. and now it’s on us to try and even up the series Thursday in Game 4.
The craziness of my minutes was there again last night. I was on the floor for 27 minutes in Game 2, and played big, important minutes down the stretch. But my opportunity never came last night because MP and Courtney played great and guys were making shots.
In terms of rhythm, it’s a challenge not knowing when I’m going into a game. But I’ve learned to be ready the best that I can. I don’t every really know when my name is going to be called, but I just have to be ready.
But this is not about me. This is about trying to win a championship. That is my focus and the focus of this team. Playing for a championship is what every player dreams about and winning one would be fulfilling that lifelong dream.
L.A. held court in the first two games, but that’s all they did really. Now, we’ve got to do the same. We won a big one last night, but we still have to play with that must-win urgency on Thursday and even this series up.
Thanks for all your support for me. Go Magic!!!!! Peace.
jj
Comments
ariela | on 11/6/09
hey jj! so so so glad you got to play more tonight (its thursday) you really deserved the playing time and truly shined through when you did get to play! Wish coach had put you in the 4th quarter, but maybe hes resting you up for lots of playing time for sundays game. Keep the amazing attitude up, keep that wonderful smile on and heck, you’re in orlando,.. home of disney, show us Floridians what we know.. how to Believe in Magic
xo
ps. game 5 is ours!!!!
Lyss | on 11/6/09
congrats on the big win! don’t know how much you listen to Fabulous, but his new song “It’s My Time” should be the theme song for you guys. get a win tonight!!
Sami | on 10/6/09
congrats on the win! i knew yall would pull it off! hope to see ya play more on thursday! <3
Dylan Howeller | on 10/6/09
Gotta say, Ive always been a UK fan, and I think that may have made me against you from the beginning. However, I have to give you tons of credit for the team attitude that you are now beginning to show. That’s really what has made this Orlando team so great. You’ll get your chance, and think about how much the playing time differences throw a wrench in their matchups. Goodluck to you and the rest of the guys, bring one home for Orlando!
Ben | on 10/6/09
you should definately get more pt. When you’re in it opens up the middle for Superman cuz they have to respect your amazing shot. We all know u guys wouldnt b in the finals without your lockdown d on Ray Allen in the conference semis. Do work. Go Magic. Go DUKE!!! Phil 4:13
Lauren | on 10/6/09
Hey JJ,
I hope all is well. Can’t wait to see you next season in Minnesota. I wrote a poem for you today since you like poetry:
The pieces inside me are colored blue and white,
just like Dwight Howard’s words “PLAYOFFS IGNITE! POWWWWWWWWWW!”
There goes my heart,
racing ever since tip-off right from the start.
I been there since day one no doubt about it,
You diss my team, I’m gonna come in your face and scream and shout about it.
My guy wears number seven, previously number four,
all you gotta do is pass him the ball, he shoots and he scores.
Far or near the three is his speciality,
Those six letters on the back of his jersey couldn’t mean more to me.
He comes from blue and white just a different shade,
Like the many colors in the NBA.
You got your superstars, you’re either fame or your a flop,
JJ could be known as fame if you just gave him a shot.
You’ve seen him in college making history,
Time for him to graduate, gotta pack up and leave.
Drafted #11 ready to hit that court,
Orlando’s far away but he’ll remain in the heart.
Now here’s where ya’ll start making assumptions,
“He sucks, he doesn’t play, Orlando should dump him.”
Injuries over the summer threw him off track,
he has no choice but to heal and you gonna call him wack?
Why does a guy gotta drop 40 a game to be good?
There’s over a dozen guys on a team ready to scratch that hardwood.
Every single player from all 32 teams in fact,
has someone who loves them even if their percentages lack.
Every time JJ proves himself to you,
I couldn’t be more proud of him endorsing his blue.
Whether it’s Duke or Orlando I’m never gonna back down,
these guys deserve some credit, some love, maybe even a crown.
Everyone always sayin’ Lebron is the king,
yet compared to JJ he means nothing to me.
I’m always there for him whether he’s wracking minutes or not,
ready for him to walk out on that court, spotlight hits, ready to rock.
Either way he’s bound to prove himself to you,
whether it’s sinking the game buzzer or autographing his shoes.
One day you’ll all appreciate him and his team,
even if you don’t, you’ll still be hearing my scream.
Hope you liked it!
Lauren
Taylor Porter | on 10/6/09
Hey JJ! okay well first of all i love you soo much! i love watching you play and you really inspire me! i’m kinda in the same position as you,i’m on a tournament team and my playing time varies so much at every game. but i try to be like you and just play my heart out when i finally do get in, anyways,just keep up the hard work! you’re really good and your time will come and i’ll be there cheering you on! haha but really everytime i see that your coming in,i sit rite in front of my tv and watch you work hard and hustle! i also notice how your open alot but your teammates are reluctant to give you the ball…don’t worry about them tho,they’re just jealous of your hottness! haha well i really hope you actually read this! good luck in game 4 and just keep working hard. ily! :)
Rebecca | on 10/6/09
Buena suerte JJ! I’ll be watching thursday night. Go Magic!
Enter your name...Jessica Bou | on 10/6/09
JJ Good Luck to you guys!!! This team has made our city so proud with what you guys have accomplished!!!!! Bring home that trophy! Love You guys!
Ryan Acuff | on 10/6/09
Good Luck! I know you all can def even up the series on thursday
coby | on 10/6/09
hey jj! i love that you’re keeping us updated with what’s going on in your mind throughout this whole amazing ride. congratulations again on being on such a big stage – that has to feel incredible! you’re obviously my favorite magic player and i’m always disappointed when you don’t get to play, but i am so excited for you guys to get a win at home! i knew it was only a matter of time. i’ll of course be watching thursday night… good luck! can’t wait to see how this all plays out, but i have a good feeling about it! don’t ever forget that we all still love you!
love, coby <3 xoxo