The Magic finally end the losing streak by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 80-79. The Magic did a better job getting the ball to Dwight Howard tonight. While Howard only had 10 field goal attempts on the night, the offense was consistent in working the ball in and out from Howard. The difference in this win compared to the recent losses, the team distributed the ball well and kept turnovers down. The overall effort was tremendous and Grant Hill played more like he had in the beginning of the year.
The one thing that did bother me about this game, J.J. Redick in street clothes. Ridiculous. After a decent 13 point outing the other night against New Jersey, the kid is on the inactive list. The Magic need to do something with Redick. Either get him some decent playing time or send him off to team where he can play. Personally, I think Redick will be good for the game of basketball. Don't ask my why, it's just a feeling that I have.
As for the good stuff, Howard finished 18 points and 13 rebounds - though he sat most of the second half. Howard was in early foul trouble in the third - but the coaching staff went another direction in the fourth. Maybe they were saving him for tomorrow night's game against Dallas at home. Grant Hill finished with 22 points and 5 rebounds on a very good night. If Hill could play like this every night, there would be a lot fewer losses.
I do have to give credit to Jameer Nelson for dishing 6 assists tonight and trying hard to get teammates involved. On the other hand, Travis Diener played half the minutes and contributed 5 assists. So, it's hard to get too excited over Nelson for one game. Also, Darko Milic contributed big minutes tonight - 9 points and 9 rebounds in 21 minutes. I have to agree with the Orlando Sentinel blogger about starting Darko to see what we got. But I don't think Darko is good trade material just yet. If we could get some consistent play, then we'd have a better idea on whether he's a candidate to be with this team long-term or a throw-in for a consistent scorer.
One last quite note on player injuries. Keyon Dooling still looks to be struggling at times getting up and down the court. I'm not sure how long the Achilles' tendon will affect him. Grant Hill also came up hobbling on a fast break play in the third. It looked like his right ankle - but he continued for the rest of the game. But with the Magic being cautious and resting Hill in back-to-backs, don't be surprised if he sits tomorrow night.
