The Magic have their backs against the wall and need help in game 3. Dwight Howard is a force but he can't do it alone. Jameer Nelson is nice but not enough. Rashard Lewis has disappeared in this series. J.J. Redick had a brain malfunction under pressure in game 2 so we know he's not ready. And Vince Carter is probably still gasping for air after choking on clutch free throws.
Orlando needs somebody with championship experience to step up like Steve Kerr did for the Spurs in Game 6 vs the Mavs in 2003. Kerr hadn't been used much in the series until then. That night, Coach Popovich called Kerr's number and he lit up for 3 treys during a crucial 23 point run that clinched the series for the Spurs.
Who on the Magic can come in and light a spark like that?
Jason Williams. His knuckles say "WHITE BOY" but he's better known as White Chocolate. When Eminem brought white folks deeper into hip hop lyricism in 1998, White Chocolate brought them into hip hop basketball. White Chocolate is the guy on the Magic with guts, who can get hot and spur a Kerr-like momentum-changing, game-winning run.
He still has touch from downtown and can catch fire in bursts. He's shooting 100% 3pt FG against Boston so why no unleash him to shoot more?
His defense is strong enough to disrupt and create turnovers leading to easy baskets on fast breaks.
Williams might need a boost getting up to dunk like he did in his youth, but at 34 he's got enough gas left in the tank to ignite during short stretches of action, like Steve Kerr at age 37.
He's got tons of heart and deep love for the game. He retired before last season to help his wife Denika get through a difficult pregnancy. Even so, he stayed up late nights watching NBA games on tv, missing the action and time with his teammates. Once wife and baby were in good health, he returned to the NBA, giving valuable minutes and veteran experience to the Orlando Magic this season.
He already has a ring from his championship with the Heat under Stan Van Gundy's mentor Pat Riley. He plays within the game and can handle the pressure of being down 0-2, since that Heat team came back from the same deficit to defeat the Mavs in the finals of 2006.
Forget about Superman and forget Vinsanity.
White Chocolate.
Here's some vintage White Chocolate video. Behold the elbow pass.
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