I have to be honest, I really expected the Magic to come out and win this game. I thought Tracy McGrady would come out with a little more fire and pull this team through to a victory. Here are the things I noticed differently from Doc's team. The first, rebounding and boxing out. I'm not sure if it was the players on the floor or they were just better - but the team did a great job rebounding. The second, and most important - the defense had their arms up and filling the lane. This is the first time that I have see the team bring their arms up and outward. They made the floor harder to see and making passes a little more difficult. I thought this was a huge improvement in our defense. One last thing, I thought Drew Gooden actually played in the post a little bit tonight. I saw at least two of those little jump hooks that I like to see him shoot. Scoring, rebounding and minutes were well balanced throughout the team. If we can get this kind of production every night, McGrady should be able to pick up the 8 points to will us a win.
One thing that I did not care for was the team we had on the floor at the end of the game. I know JD thought he had the best offensive team on the floor - but I really think that Keith Bogans @ESPN" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3746" target="_blank">Keith Bogans has earned his shot at more minutes and minutes in the crunch. Stephen Hunter, 1 block and two rebounds in 18 minutes. Pitiful.
The Magic are ready to break through. I liked seeing a team that was composed and focused on the fundamentals. We are lacking a true leader on the court right now. McGrady does not appear to have the fire to be a team leader just yet. We have all seen how vocal Michael Jordan was with his teammates and I really think McGrady needs to step up to the plate here. With the even production from the team tonight, this was McGrady's game to win or lose.
4 Comments on "Game Notes - Phoenix"
I think they did a prety good job and should have won the game, it got away when they were 6 points up in thge fourth. I did notice the hands in the air but I hated Marbury going to the hole that easily. No signs of Zaza?? DeClerq got off his butt and grabbed some rebounds. It's getting very painfull to stay up late and watch the Magic lose...But after all I know they will start wining soon, hopefully!! GO MAGIC!!
BTW, Thanks for the link I have had this site for a while but haven't been able to update it. I will soon!! :-)
I believe McGrady is worn out mentally from all of the pressure, perceived or otherwise; and he doesn't yet have the maturity or mental toughness to play through it, and secondarily, I think he wants out of his contract; which I don't believe he can opt-out of until next year - although I might be wrong in the opt-out regard! I thought the bench put forth a better effort than did the starters; and I was also a little disappointed in Lue, he could have made the difference, but he turned the ball over too many times and made numerous other errors!
I hope Kobe takes a good long hard look at what T-Mac is going through before he considers becoming a free agent at the year's end. It may be hard having to let Shaq be the leader, but would you rather be the second-best on a championship-calliber team or the best on a team hoping to squeek into the 8th seed?