Three games into the best-of-seven series and already a trend has been established, a cold-hard fact that hasn't been overlooked by Dwight Howard.
It's as obvious as Howard's presence in the paint or the way Toronto's rabid fans unsettled Superman whenever he made a trip to the charity stripe.
"The first five minutes have been very important for both teams and the team that dictates the tempo is likely going to win,'' Howard said yesterday after he and the rest of the Orlando Magic huddled for a lengthy video session following Thursday's 108-94 loss.
When the Magic held serve in Games 1 and 2, Orlando jumped out to first-quarter leads of 20 and 17 points, respectively.
The tables were reversed in Game 3 when the Raptors jumped on the Magic, leading by eight after the opening 12 minutes and by 21 points at the break.
That is why a quick start this afternoon is foremost on the minds of the Magic, who failed to match Toronto's intensity, focus and jump shooting.
"On the offensive and defensive side, we did not play the way we're capable,'' Howard added. "We did the things they wanted us to do.
"We can't let them dictate how we play. Effort-wise, focus-wise, we have to be better."
It would help Orlando's cause if the team's pick-and-roll defence improved, if defenders would close out on Toronto's perimeter shooters and if Howard was featured more often by getting more touches.
It's not like Howard was some stiff in Game 3, scoring 19 points and hauling down a game-high 12 rebounds, but in the comfy confines at Orlando's Amway Arena, Howard posted averages of 27 points and 21 rebounds.
In helping the Magic win the first two games of the opening-round series, Howard also converted 14 of 20 free throws and averaged four blocks.
On Thursday, Howard missed five three throws, turned the ball over six times and did not record a block.
Howard isn't the only one who has to step up in Game 4, but as the face of the Magic franchise he understands the importance of beginning games with a greater sense of urgency.
"We know what to expect,'' Howard said. "Every time (Toronto) hit a shot, a player would point to the crowd and the crowd got going.
"We were able to bring our own energy on the road during the regular season. There's no reason why we can't now."
Howard made his post-season debut last spring against Detroit, but admits the reaction he received on Thursday differs from the one Pistons fans greeted the big man.
Chants of "Superman sucks" filled the ACC, a sound that is certain to get louder this afternoon.
"It's different than in Detroit,'' Howard said. "We're in Toronto, so I don't expect the fans to say: 'Go Dwight.'
"But it's cool."
Orlando has lost eight of its past nine games played in Toronto.
This past season, the Magic went 27-14 on the road to tie the L.A. Lakers for the second-best away record in the NBA behind the Boston Celtics (31-10).
Howard knows the best way to silence the crowd and be on the cusp of advancing to the next round is to get off to a better start.
And it starts today.
