Orlando lost its first game after the All-Star break and their seventh straight. The Cavaliers beat the Magic 105-92. There was concern that Steve Francis might miss practice or even the game. Francis has missed time in past seasons due to the All-Star break and his birthday. Instead, most of the team missed the game - or missed participating. The only one attending All-Star festivities is the only one who showed up to play. Dwight Howard posted another double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds.
The only other bright spots in the night (if you can call it that) were Darko Milici's first minutes as a Magician and Carlos Arroyo dishing to Dwight Howard. Here is a recap of what Brian Hill told Arroyo shortly before entering the game:
"Carlos, I know you're new to the team - but you have one job to do. See that 7'0" beast wearing #12 - his name is Dwight Howard - he's always within 3-5 feet of the basket. The first time down the floor he doesn't touch the ball at least once, I'm yanking yer ass outta the game and figuring a way to ship you back to Utah. Now, go get'em!"
Or something similar to that.
Go MAGIC!!!
2 Comments on "Game Notes - Orlando at Cleveland"
I like the Arroyo pick up. He is more of a pass first guy than even Jameer is, which is what Dwight/Darko both need to get their confidence up where it belongs- i'm tellin ya, all we need is a deep threat 2 guard to kick it out to. At this rate we'll be in the top ten in the draft....
Arroyo was definitely a good pickup - I would not be surprised to see him starting soon at least until Jameer gets back - and possibly thereafter. At the very least, I can see the minutes between the two being very similar and not the 40-45 we would see from Francis.
It's the little things with point guards. The wide-open shot that DeShawn hit last night off an Arroyo assist - Arroyo was two steps into the three point line before making the pass. One of our biggest mistakes on offense is standing outside that three point line and trying to make entry passes.
We'll see a better game tonight - I'll go as far to say they beat the Nets at home!