Thoroughly embarassed by the lack of effort, I stayed until the end of the game to watch my team go down in flames. On this website, I spew my comments on why the team is good, why they are bad and everything in between. In person, I defend this team and the players to no end. With the Magic losing last night to the Pacers, 108-104, I am going to cover the facts and then my thoughts.
The Magic play the Indiana Pacers at home tonight @ 7pm. Pacers are barely keeping their heads above water since the brawl. They are looking to make a move into a playoff spot and the Magic are looking to move secure the 6th seed and possible move up. In the prior two meetings this year, the Magic have been able to secure late-game victories.
So, armchair GM - do you make a trade before the deadline? Personally, I leave the team as-is. The only way I would make a trade is if I was getting a defensive minded forward with good rebounding skills in exchange for Pat Garrity.
The Orlando Magic were well represented in the NBA All-Star weekend by Dwight Howard and Grant Hill. Howard played in the Rookie game and Hill made his 7th All-Star appearance. I would have still liked to see a Hedo Turkoglu 3-pointer or Steve Francis dunk in the other festivities, but you get what you pay for.
Grant Hill has an All-Star night and drops 39 points on the Clippers as the Magic pick up the win, 99-94. Both Dwight Howard and Kelvin Cato fouled out of the game tonight, but the defense was improved. Howard finished with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. Kato picked up 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Dwight Howard scores another double-double as the Magic beat the Hornets tonight, 97-94. Howard finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kelvin Cato picked up the pace a little tonight and blocked 4 shots.
Ouch. The Magic lose a very winable game tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-99. The Magic fell behind early in the game and it cost them in the end. Allen Iverson dropped a career-high 60 points on a lackluster defense.
Andrew DeClercq has been placed back on the injured list. The reason is due to his rehabilitation. It appears the injury to his knee is not healing as quick as they would like. Brandon Hunter was brought off the injured list. Hunter should see a few minutes here and there as Kelvin Cato has not been playing exceptionally well lately.
Magic pick up the win tonight, 101-96. Dwight Howard played exceptionally well tonight, picking up 20 rebounds - becoming the first rookie to pickup two 20 rebound games since Tim Duncan.
Orlando plays the Atlanta Hawks tonight at 7pm in Orlando. The Magic are on a 3 game losing streak and need to pick up this win. Orlando lost to the Hawks last week on the road in a effortless game. John Weisbrod had a few comments in the Orlando Sentinel about our effort and intensity, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Magic were to focus the majority of practice on the defensive sets - so, let's hope they come out with hustle tonight!
Magic lose a close one tonight against the Golden State Warriors, 113-109. The team hung around all night, trying to put the Warriors away, but for whatever reason, the Warriors played hard and pulled out the W. The difference in the end was Steve Francis fouling out.
Magic lose a tough game against the Cavaliers tonight, final score was 101-92. Lebron James was, well, Lebron James. James finished with 30 points and 9 assists.
The Magic lay an egg in the fourth quarter and lose the Celtics for the 3rd time this season, 112-100. I don't know what the deal is with these Celtics, but we are flat out getting handled by these scrubs. Ok, maybe that's a little harsh - but 3 times is enough. Down the stretch, the shots just weren't falling as the Magic only score 12 points to close out the game. At least play defense, ugh, Celtics put up 29 to finish the game.
Orlando faces off against their ex-coach one more time this season. Magic play the Celtics tonight at 7:30 pm in Boston. The Magic have had a couple days rest, so hopefully they can get off to a good start. Tonight's game is the first of a back-to-back on the road.
#33, from the Orlando Magic - Grant Hill!
After 4 years of rehab and attempted comebacks, Grant Hill is officially back. Last night, Hill was named a starting forward for the Eastern Conference in the 2004-05 All-Star game. By no means was his nomination to the All-Star team a sympathy vote. Hill has played a vital role in the Magic's turnaround this year.
For those of you that visit the site frequently, you may have the lack of updates or late updates from time to time. I was in the process of moving servers, changing software and updating the look and feel. Take a look around and let me know if you encounter any problems. Also, feel free to let us know if you like the new site or not.
Steve Francis posted another double-double tonight as the Magic beat the Cavaliers in an exciting game. The final score was 105-102. Francis, the Magic's leading scoring, dropped 30 points and 13 assists on the Cavaliers. Grant Hill chipped in 21 points and Tony Battie had 14 points.
