The difference in this game - balanced scoring. Now, most would think I am talking about the team and how well everyone helped out. Well, that is the case to a point - but there have been times when there was balanced scoring but nobody left to finish the fourth. Tracy McGrady put together one of his first solid, start-to-finish games of the season. McGrady looked more like the player from last year.
This year has brought some good games, but not typical McGrady games. Now, he is starting to become more consistent during all four quarters and close out games. I think it can be attributed to 3 things. The first, Keith Bogans. Bogans is often able to defend the other team's best player, leaving McGrady with energy in the fourth. Number 2, Juwan Howard. Howard is playing more like himself lately. The pick and roll that he runs with McGrady is starting to look really good and become effective. The last thing, Rod Strickland. I'm sorry to say that Tyronn Lue is not a starting point guard. Strickland does a better job and allows McGrady to run the floor more loosely. Strickland is not our answer to the starting PG spot - but he is a better solution than Lue.
Great game - I am looking forward to tonights game versus the Nets. Watch for a trade in the next week or so.
Although I would love T-mac to become what he was last year but I think he has the ability to be better then he was. I look forward to seeing a dominate scorer, passer and defender in years to come. Hopefully of course for the Magic. Give him until he is around 26 or 27 years old and last years T-mac wont compare. Drew did well. I have to criticize him for only grabbing 5 boards. Hes got to do better then that. 5 blocks is damn impressive but he needs to give this effort every night instead of once in a blue moon.
OLD HABITS RETURN!! Too many attempted and 'unconnected' 3-point jumpers, no defense, no transition, no rebounding, no posting, no blocking or screening and no leadership!! The Nets demonstrated the fine art of the 'fast-break’ - and even 'the-dean-of-the-fast-break' - Paul Westhead was observed on the sidelines taking notes!! You cannot have a great team with 'superstars' who are not consistent team players, and whose only 'specialties' are 'hoopla' and 'nothing-but-magic' antics - unless of course the end-game is to sell tennis shoes and t-shirts!! My money is that Tracy McGrady's physical 'woes' will disappear about the time of the 'all-star' festivities!! The RDV/Magic franchise would be much the better by obtaining 'low-salary' 'blue-collar' players and winning games, than having several high-priced lame ducks and making bad teams and players look good – but wait – why do that when the fans will flock to the arena for a chance at a free 'bobble' or t-shirt and to see a couple of 'high-wire' acts!!