5, count em, 5 in a row. Steve Francis dishes a career high 15 assists. Pat Garrity scores 24 points off the bench. Hedo Turkoglu drops another 25 points on the stat column tonight. What more can I say about this Magic team? We still need another 5 wins or so before I will believe this is for real, but the team is making progress. Everyone is playing well and helping each other out. I heard Francis shouting instruction and encouragement to Howard on two different occasions. Both times Howard avoided fouls that he picked up on the previous, very similar play.
I honestly did not think this team could win back-to-back games without Jameer Nelson. Actually, I am quite surprised at their success. But with Steve Francis dishing 15 assists - I don't know what more you can ask of him. Well, I sure would like one of those patented Franchise dunks. Boy do I miss those. However, as long as this team is winning, I can wait all year for one. Maybe we'll get one in the playoffs.
Dwight Howard misses a double-double tonight, but shows up strong with 22 points and 9 rebounds. I've been saying all year he needs to dunk that ball with two hands. The TV announcers are starting to pick up on it now. Ironically, Howard played against our old buddy Steven Hunter - who had a knack for blowing dunks. I'm going to go one further with Howard now. Forget the dunks. He missed no less than three dunks tonight with two hands that would have been a sure two points had he kissed it off the glass. Howard - I want to see a couple layups from you in the next couple games. It's time to add a little variety to your game. I love you man, but, seriously - teams are going to keep fouling you. It is time to make them pay with the 3-point threat.
Pat Garrity and Keyon Dooling provide big minutes off the bench, combining for all 32 points from the Magic reserves. Pat hit two wide-open three pointers in overtime that helped the Magic pull away in this one. Without those two big shots, I think the Magic would have a hard time taking this one. Hedo also nailed a huge three pointer in OT as well.
That's it. Aside from horrible free-throw shooting, the Magic played about as well as they could. Well, after the first quarter. Philly lit us up for 32 points in the first quarter. I'll take the wins however we can get them. At least defense is keeping us close at the end.
