If you choose to count the absence of Jameer Nelson, who was a big part of Orlando's 59-win season, the Magic were actually without 60 percent of their starting lineup.
It didn't matter, however, that Orlando started Marcin Gortat at center in place of Dwight Howard, or J.J. Redick in place of Courtney Lee, or the only occasionally reliable Rafer Alston in place of Nelson.
It didn't matter. The Magic, holding the security of a possible seventh game in Orlando with Howard back in the lineup, came out and played without a care in the world.
The Sixers came out and played without a clue in the world.
"After the season we've had, after the playoffs up to this point, to finish off the season with that game is extremely disappointing," DiLeo said. "It's difficult to swallow."
What was swallowed up by the game was more than just that. Any momentum the franchise had gained during this season, and you have to be a real optimist to take too much solace from a 41-41 record, disappeared.
The crowd, which booed the team lustily and deservedly all night, took to the exits early in the fourth quarter and didn't seem like a bunch eager to return. You have to wonder how many of those season-ticket renewal envelopes will be filled out and mailed in today.
Beyond that, there is the question of just which direction this team is headed. It will welcome back power forward Elton Brand next season, but whether that experiment is worthwhile is still open to conjecture.
Last night was not a good one for many of the players, but it was particularly disappointing for center Samuel Dalembert. Freed from the presence of Howard in this game, Dalembert was expected to play much better than he did. He scored eight points, did have 13 rebounds, but was also part of a lethargic half-court defense that let Orlando do essentially what it wanted.
