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.
In the first half, Steve Francis was more involved in the Magic offense than in previous games. Francis was penetrating the defense, getting open shots and passing the ball to the open player. Dwight Howard was involved more in the offense as well. These two small items provided enough of a boost to the Magic offense to keep them within 2 points most of the first half.
In the second half, the Magic showed early signs of struggling. However, unlike the previous three games, they were able to overcome early third quarter struggles to take a decent lead for most of the quarter. They were able to play off the good team defense and pass the ball on offense. Francis carried the Magic early in the fourth until Jameer came in and knocked down a few huge shots.
Two of the biggest differences in this year's team compared to last is the improved team defense and significant increase in movement on offense. The standing around on offense last year made it very easy for teams to defend the Magic. This year, as the Magic move the ball, the opposing team immediately has to keep track of Howard and Francis.
I know it is only the fourth game of the season, but I want to give a little credit to a couple players for offseason improvement. For one, Steve Francis is playing defense and passing the ball. I think when Grant Hill is back in the rotation, we will only see further improvement. I believe that Hill is the yang to yin (Francis). DeShawn Stevenson has also come into the season ready to play. I think he believes he has been given a clean slate to show what he can do in this league. The numbers may not show the effort, but Stevensons' patience on offense and intensity on defense has been a breath of fresh air.
If I am going to mention positives, then I have to mention what I am not liking so far. For one, Jameer Nelson and Pat Garrity have got to get their offense going. As I have said in the past, we do not need 20 points from either of these guys, but we do need 10-12 points. Tonight, we got the 10 points from Jameer at just the right time. Second, Dwight Howard has got to finish shots. Howard will be the center of this team one day, but he needs the confidence of his teammates. I've noticed quite a few one-handed dunk attempts. We do not need another Steven Hunter with lazy dunk attempts. Howard will need to get both hands on the ball and look to put the ball through the opposing player if necessary.
Big win for the Magic tonight. Let's hope they carry some momentum into tomorrow night against the Hornets and pick up win #2. Let's go Magic!
