The Magic played very well in the first, going up by as many as 16 points. However, they run out of gas in the second half and the Charlotte Bobcats win a tough game 102-97. The battle of Dwight Howard vs. Emeka Okafor seemed to be heavily in favor of the Magic as Howard puts up 21 points and 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, most of Howards production came in the first half.
Grant Hill had a solid night with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Hill provided the type of floor leadership this team needs every night. Jameer Nelson started at point guard in place of the suspended Steve Francis. Nelson played a game-high 46 minutes dishing out 6 assists and scoring 18 points.
The story of the game was untimely turnovers, low assists and mediocre bench production. As the game went on, the assists went down and the turnovers increased. With Coach using more players in the rotation and keeping the starters' minutes down - we were a Pat Garrity or Steve Francis away from pulling this one out. The result of last game of a five game, seven night road trip showed up in the second half. The Bobcats played with more energy and the Magic could not slow down their guards.
This was a very disappointing loss for a number of reasons. One, we can't afford to lose any games during this last stretch before the playoffs. Secondly, the Bobcats were on a 10 game losing streak and beat the Magic for the second time this season. Fortunately for the Magic, positions 5-8 in the East are losing about as frequently as they are. Let's hope this team gets a burst of energy for the final 15 games.
