November 2005 Archives

NBA.com has put up an article detailing some of the more common rules of the NBA. Check it out: Explaining the NBA’s Most Misunderstood Rules.

Time for everyone to hop on the bandwagon, we've made ESPN. Read the Daily Dime.

The Magic stretch their winning streak to four games as they grind out another tough win against the Boston Celtics, 87-83. Dwight Howard had a rough night, scoring two field goals off of three attempts. However, Howard has a timely block at the end of the game to keep the Magic ahead. Howard finishes with another double-double, although not quite Dwight Howard type numbers. Steve Francis dropped in 19 points and added 7 assists. Jameer Nelson finishes with 16 points and DeShawn Stevenson contributes his consistent 11 points.

A gutsy win by the Orlando Magic tonight as they defeat the Miami Heat, 80-77. The Magic led the entire game, holding the Heat to only 33 points in the first two quarters. The O-Rena was full of energy, almost to the level of a playoff game. Dwight Howard finishes the night with another double-double, 15 points and 16 rebounds. Howard had a tough night, but still found ways to contribute. He got a close glimpse of a 21 rebound effort from Alonzo Mourning, showing the youngster how intimidating he can be on his good nights. Mourning is a great player, everyone knows that - but I think Howard got a good look at what his future could be like.

The Orlando Magic win big over the Portland Trailblazers, 104-89. Dwight Howard rebounds from a poor performance with 21 points and 18 rebounds. I was a bit worried the Magic were going to revert to old ways after a spectacular defensive game on Wednesday. After the Blazers opened with a 35 point first quarter, the Magic's second unit came in and brought the team back into the game. Led by Jameer Nelson, the Magic scored 29 points in the second quarter while holding the Blazers to 18 points. Nelson finished with a team-high 24 points.

The Magic drop another game tonight, this time to the New Orleans Hornets, 98-95. Dwight Howard records his 7th straight double-double, finishing 16 points and 17 rebounds - more than half the team's rebounds. If the rest of the Magic team cannot contribute more than 14 rebounds, this team will be in trouble. Tony Battie did not have one of his better nights as both starting big men had trouble keeping David West out of the paint tonight. The Magic big men had no answer for West as he scores a career high 34 points.

The Orlando Magic win their second game in a row, defeating the New Orleans Hornets 88-83. Steve Francis had another big game with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Dwight Howard recorded his third straight double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Howard seems to be finally coming around and putting up the kind of numbers we expect from him.

Magic win a big game against the Houston Rockets tonight, 76-74. Steve Francis was absolutely huge in the fourth quarter. Not only did Francis score some very big baskets down the stretch, but he stepped up and went Grant Hill on the Rockets. Francis was driving, dishing and getting teammates involved late in the fourth quarter. Jameer Nelson stepped up in the last 5 minutes to drain some large baskets. Francis finished with 27 points and Nelson closes the game with 10 points. Dwight Howard posted his second double-double of the year, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Magic lose their second game of the young season to the Memphis Grizzlies, 94-85. Steve Francis led the Magic with 22 points, scoring early and often in the first quarter. Four starters finished the game in double figures. Dwight Howard finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

Did anyone else see that? I could almost swear I saw Steve Francis playing defense. The guy next to me said, "Hey, Francis is playing pretty good defense tonight?" I chuckled, then politely said, "Good defense? Either Francis plays defense or he doesn't." All kidding aside, the two things I really liked about this Magic team are named Steve Francis and DeShawn Stevenson. Both played a very respectable game tonight. While the Magic played fairly well tonight, they end up losing a tough game to the Indiana Pacers, 90-78.

Tonight, the Magic start the 2005-2006 NBA season against the Indiana Pacers. To get the season started, we will cover the areas of concern and promise for the Magic's season. The Magic return 11 players from last year and add a couple new faces through free agency and the draft.