Magic win a big game tonight against the World Champion Detroit Pistons. Tonight was the first night that the crowd really got into the "DEFENSE" chant. Usually, it is a section or a couple sections. Tonight - it was the entire crowd. Doug Christie played great one-on-one defense in the second half, absolutely frustrating Richard Hamilton. The Pistons are somewhat of a dirty team. Not in the way that they try to hurt anyone or anything, but they pull on shorts, shirts, push off, you name it. All NBA teams do to some extent - but I've never seen a team get away with it as much as Detroit does. Anyhow, Christie stepped up the defense and played just as hard as the Pistons were - and his effort reflected on the rest of the players. Down the stretch, the Magic played some of the best defense that I have seen all year out of them. After a steal from Detroit's Chauncey Billups, Steve Francis sped down the court and dished to Doug Christie who nailed a three pointer that put the Magic ahead for good.
Individually, Steve-O had 32 points and 12 rebounds and Hedo Turkoglu finished with 29 points. Dwight Howard pulled down 13 rebounds as the Magic out rebounded the Pistons 48-30.
Andrew DeClercq returned to the active roster tonight and saw his first action all year. He looked good but was noticeably still slowed by the knee injury (not that he was ever quick.) The Magic went 7 of 9 from the 3 point line. Final score was 103 to 100. The were boos from the crowd as the announcer hyped the Houston/Me-Mac game.
3 Comments on "Game Notes - Detroit"
Good game. We scored 103 against the best D in the league. Christie shut Rip down at the end, where it counts. He also made the 3 that put us up for good. Dwight is a beast. Two awesome putback dunks. He will be one of the best soon enough.
Is anyone else tired of Johnny Davis and John Weisbrod?
Doug Christie is a good player but the team has not appeared to be enjoying themselves since Cutino was traded. They are not nearly as exciting. What were you thinking?
Also giving up a number ONE for Jameer Nelson!?
Put Nelson,Garrity, and Stevenson on the trading block and see if you get one taker-I think not.
Davis will take you down just like Rivers took Gabe out. His substitution patterns are unbelievable!! We had Garrity,Augmon,and Nelson in nearly the whole fourth with no Cato or Howard and got battered inside and on the boards by Adonal Foyle!
I think Weisbrod is doing a decent job. The Mobley trade was good - it's just taking a little longer for the transition. Remember, this team was outscoring opponents in the beginning of the year. That will not last into the playoffs. This team absolutely has to play defense.
As far as the 3 players you mentioned as trade bait - Garrity is the only reasonable trade material we have right now. Nelson will be a good point guard and we had better hold onto him. Stevenson just needs playing time - but he can contribute to this team. Garrity however, while I like watching him drain 3's, gains the most interest from other teams. I would use him to acquire another defensive-minded guard/forward to help this team in the playoffs.
Don't get me started on the inconsistent play of Cato.