For most of the game, the Magic played a very good game. The defense was tough at times and Tracy McGrady played a good game. I still want to see him take the ball to the paint more often. I don't understand why Gordan Giricek keeps coming in for Keith Bogans @ESPN" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3746" target="_blank">Keith Bogans - I can see for a few minutes to give Bogans a rest. But when the Magic made a small run in the fourth, Giricek was brought in. I did like seeing Johnny Davis playing a center with our power forward. The Drew Gooden-Juwan Howard thing is just not working. Speaking of Gooden - another game with a slacking effort in the rebounding column. The Magic had a chance to win tonight - no doubt about that. But in the end, just not enough continuous effort to seal the deal.
I was glad to see JD put the rookies (and Steven Hunter) out there at the end and give them a few minutes on the floor. Every little bit helps their confidence. Oh, one question. Hunter - can you please use TWO HANDS to dunk the ball? Go up strong and stop playing with your shirt. Rod Strickland picks up 9 assists - why isn't he starting again?
Toronto tomorrow night - should be an interesting one.
8 Comments on "Game Notes - Minnesota"
Yea I agree 110%. Howard-Gooden does not work out. The only question is which one to get rid of. My pick is Howard. Gooden is younger, taller and quicker. He is also capable of being big rebounder and blocker, he just needs to focus and give more intensity. Hopefully we can get that center for Howard. ESPN says that T-wolves are interested in Howard and Orlando could get Olowakandi. Then Orlando would have him at center and Gooden starting at PF. I hope that deal comes together before the deadline. We also looking at a Grant Hill return after the break which would be awesome. If Grant Hill can stay healthy and Olowakandi at center we have a great team. Maybe T-mac can regain his offensive touch completely and we are on our way.
Maybe. With all of this luck, MAYBE I should play the lotto tonight.
Yea with this teams luck Olowakandi's plane will crash on the way to Orlando and Howard gets to Minnesota and helps them win the Finals. Lets just hope for the best, shall we.
Oh and by the way, you are allowed to dunk with one hand last time I checked. I havent seen him miss a dunk plus I havent seen you complain about Mcgrady dunking with one hand, which he does very often. Try criticizing the other members because Hunter isnt part of this losing team. He hardly plays. IMO, next season Hunter and Zaza should be backup big men.
Next time Hunter goes for a dunk - watch to see if someone contests the shot. If they do - he will almost 100% of the time - try to dunk with one hand and lose the ball. If he were to use two hands - he could easily dunk the ball - or at the least - have more ball control for a follow through. As for McGrady - he hardly misses a dunk. As a guard - he has much better ball and body control. Two things that Hunter is lacking right now - for whatever reason.
This si Steven Hunter's sister; You need to stop criticizing my brother and talk about the whole team, and you must really like Steve because all of your attention is on him and not the team. If Steve is the only bad one why isn't the team doing good in the league, okay then, then about the shit you say before you put it on the internet.
I point out things from game to game that stick out. Steven sticks out when he plays because he has yet to produce the kind of defense that this team has expected from him. I am just as hard on Gooden, McGrady, Howard - Giricek - whoever. If Steven would just show some sign of improvement in rebounding and toughness - that would be enough for a lot of people. Leave 100% out on the floor.
Wow his sister. I stick up for Hunter usually but they do bring up good points about his weaknesses. What I say is that he is a great defensive player in the paint but he could use more muscle and strength. TJ is right when it comes to someone contesting the dunk, he has to use two hands but in any other case with a wide open dunk one-hand is fine. The biggest reason I like him is for his potential to be a great all around big guy. He wont ever make an all-star team but could be on an all-defensive second team or something. It is just the little things Hunter has to work on. Again I would like him to stay but damned who cares anymore with this god awful season. Trade the whole damn team.