When you think things can't get any worse, the Magic seem to find a way to make you turn off the TV with 2 minutes to go. For the record, I've never, ever, left a Magic game before the final buzzer. I don't care if the team is up by 40, down by 5 or being blown out by 30. I do care if the team is putting effort and energy into team basketball. This game stunk of poor energy and lack of leadership pretty much from the start. In case you couldn't tell, the Magic lost in a lackluster effort, 99-89 to the Charlotte Bobcats.
Sean May had a career-high against us in this game. Why does it always seem that mediocre players seem to have "breakout" games against the Magic? I guess it happens to every team, but I sure feel like the gives up a lot of these games. The energy from Dwight Howard is just not there and the other team's big men are taking advantage. Our interior defense and rebouding has just been average with Tony Battie, Darko Milicic and Howard. At times, the trio looks like part of a problem rather than the future of the franchise. I'm sure the breakdown is only temporary - but I'm ready for more D12 highlights.
Is it just me, or does it seem that Brian Hill yanks Trevor Ariza everytime the kid starts to make an impact. The last couple games, Ariza has been the only active body in low-energy stretches of games. Anyhow, one bright spot in this game is that J.J. Redick managed to get 20 minutes. I'm not sure the minutes were what he expected - but you just get the feeling he is ready to start sinking a few shots.
Let's hope the Magic get things turned around and a couple players return to the lineup soon.
Totally agree on Ariza. He's not going to shake up the NBA, but he is a streaky player. When he's hot, he's hot. Let him burn up a few minutes (and opponents!)