The Magic improve to 6-3 as they pull out a close win over the Denver Nuggets, 108-99. Keyon Dooling and the rest of the Magic bench played exceptionally well tonight. Dooling finished with 25 points on the night, a career high. Trevor Ariza provided solid minutes, putting back 3 offensive boards - the last one coming at a crucial moment in the game to put the Magic up by 5 late in the fourth quarter.
I can't say if Jameer Nelson is still shaking off effects from the sprained ankle the other night or not but his play was not very sharp tonight. Nelson did manage a couple timely baskets early in the fourth. Luckily for the Magic, Carlos Arroyo was able to step in as needed and help keep the Nuggets from making a large run. Dwight Howard was fairly quiet tonight as was Tony Battie - the Nuggets just had the Magic running in the first half that limited their effectiveness. Hedo Turkoglu had a strong game with 18 points. Turkoglu and Dooling combined for 9 three pointers tonight, which really helped the Magic in the long run.
Turnovers were really bad; 26 on the night. Assists were down as well. The Magic did, however, do a decent job at rebounding the ball, though Howard only had 8 boards. One last note, I really liked how Dooling handled the post game interview. When asked about him putting the Magic on his back tonight - Dooling gave proper credit to the team - and the penetration of his teammates that gave him the wide-open looks. But take nothing away from Dooling, he was the difference in tonight's game.
Oh, since Pat Garrity is just going to sit on the bench and be a non-factor - why not suit up the rookie and get him a few minutes every now and then. Garrity just has not been his usual self the last 2-3 years. I think it's time to move on and at least give J.J. Redick a decent look. This team seems to be playing with a lot of heart - something Redick displayed a lot of at Duke.
Agree with the Redick point. Nice to see updates are back!
Yeah, we definitely need to at least see Redick on the floor for a few minutes a game to see what the kid can do. Sorry about the updates, we had a little problem with the server the last 2 weeks.
I hope your server comes back soon. I am REALLY buzzed about the magic this season. And it's not because of the wins. OK, maybe a little.
But what makes this team really special for me is that no one player is bigger than the team.
It means that you don't know where the points are going come from, and that makes it all the more exciting.
I get the sense that everyone is challenging for time on the floor, but in a friendly competitive way.
I like the fact that when Howard is double teamed, we have other people who can step up. And when there is a poor defense, like Bobcats, Howard delivers.
What are we getting in to with Doc Rivers as coach?
I don't see a great sense of basketball tactics out his reign as coach.
Any stories about his time as the Magic's coach...
HEY! WE BEAT THE JAZZ! UPDATE!
Celtic fan - you can expect 4-5 years of mediocrity and then a new coach. Doc is a decent coach that can get you to .500 ball. I don't think he's capable of taking a team into the second round of the playoffs. He's a nice guy though. Tough to hate - but when it's time - the fans will make it well known.
Personally, I'm surprised he has lasted this long in Boston. Way too long a run for a franchise with the winning history of Boston.