For whatever reason, I was reading the Magic's Wikipedia page today, and I came across this part of a paragraph:

Throughout the season, bolstered by Hill's return, the Magic played spectacularly, defeating top NBA teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons. However, led by the erratic play of Francis, the Magic also lost to league teams with losing records, such as the expansion Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks. However, Howard showed great promise, becoming one of the few players to average a double-double. Howard was a consistent rebounder and scorer, becoming the first rookie to start and play all 82 games in a season. In addition, Nelson, after a slow start, developed into a talented player, taking over the starting point guard position. Hill also returned and averaged 19.7 points a game. Hill was chosen an All-Star starter by NBA fans for the 2005 All-Star Game, and Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were named to the All-Rookie first and second teams, respectively. Howard was a unanimous selection.

Dwight Howard was drafted right before that season and quickly became a phenom.  The Magic struggled throughout the season, beating the league's top-tier teams but losing to sucky ones.  The team as a whole was not very consistent but the Magic's two young stars (Howard and Jameer Nelson) really made a name for themselves through strong play.  Howard received accolades for his great rookie season as well.  Does this sound familiar, fellow Clipper fans?

Of course, we know how the story goes.  The Magic soon started making the playoffs consistently again and even made the Finals.  Right now, we are in the same stage as the Magic were in during the 2004-05 season - potential for greatness, but everything hasn't been figured out yet.  I believe that Blake can lead us to contention just like Dwight did for the Magic.  We just have to give it time.

Now in the meantime, can we please win ONE game the easy way without it coming down to the wire after a big third-quarter collapse? That'd be much-appreciated.