ORLANDO, FLA.—Three games into his first experience as a head coach in the NBA playoffs, Nick Nurse is learning that the job doesn’t only test one’s aptitude for on-the-fly strategic tweaks and obligatory lobbying of referees.
The NBA’s post-season is also a referendum on the strength and stamina of one’s vocal cords. Given the ear-splitting noise levels at the Amway Center for Friday’s Game 3 win — a combination of the catharsis of the Magic’s first home playoff date in seven years and a PA system cranked to 11 — even the loudest of mouths had to shout to be heard at floor level.