Coach’s move puzzles Magic’s Alston

LOS ANGELES – Rafer Alston helped guide the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, then helped them take a lead after the first quarter of Game 1.

Then he sat, for a long time – way too long.

By the time Alston got back in the game, his rhythm was gone, and so was Orlando’s lead. He never recovered and neither did the Magic, whose strong start quickly turned into a 100-75 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

On Friday, Alston acknowledged the difficulty of sitting the entire second quarter while Jameer Nelson played all 12 minutes – a decision Stan Van Gundy admitted was a mistake – in his return from a shoulder injury.

“It was odd. I mean, I think everyone can see that. That’s unusual to start the game and then you don’t even touch the court in the second quarter,” Alston said.

“But there’s no pouting, there’s no getting mad, there’s going to be no coach and Alston meeting about it.

“I’m going to go out here and get ready for Game 2 and prepare myself like I have been all playoffs.”

Alston scored four points on 2-of-4 shooting in the first quarter as the Magic opened a 24-22 lead.