War of words begins between Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons players -- -

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A 'war of words' between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons?
Published 5/4/2008 by Dave Dial at Detroit Pistons Full-Court Press - MLive.com
Brian Schmitz over at the Orlando Sentinel is calling the back-and-forth between Theo Ratiliff and some of the Magic players a 'war of words'. May 4, Orlando Sentinel: The Orlando Magic responded on Sunday to some needling by the Detroit Pistons, who didn't feel the Magic can match up with them physically... Pistons center Theo Ratliff called the Magic a "finesse" team and when asked whether he knew teammates were coming to his aid during a Game 1 altercation with Magic forward Rashard Lewis, he laughed. "It's Rashard Lewis. He's a 3-man (a small forward)," Ratliff said... ...

The Orlando Magic’s Inferiority Complex
Published 5/10/2008 by Brian Spencer at Empty the Bench
... on-court performance. It’s not something you really should be worrying about—teams who’ve been there, done that, know better… especially come the playoffs. Respect is earned, not awarded because you think you deserve it. Win, and you get respect. It’s really as simple as that. The Magic seem to not understand that, however. Ever since this series began, the Magic have been crying foul about every little question or criticism floated their way. It started when Pistons reserve center Theo Ratliff made the rather innocent —and true—statement that the Magic were “a finesse team.” ...