Magic throw away a game in the fourth quarter, losing 123-118 to the Phoenix Suns. Grant Hill moved to the inactive list with a reaggravated sports hernia, while Jameer Nelson returned to action. Nelson came off the bench tonight, scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes. Darko Milicic grabbed 10 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo had 21 points and 6 assists and Hedo Turkoglu scores 20 and dishes 5 assists.
However, all this was for nothing as the Magic blow a late 116-111 lead in the fourth quarter. The Magic went from making everything they threw up to not being able to run a simple offensive set. I just can't believe the Magic were unable to finish this game out. There were some very questionable shots down the stretch. And the only time the ball made it into the paint, Dwight Howard was unable to handle the ball. As good as Howard is, he has been off and on the last few games. We need to see more consistency and better hands from him.
Only positives (again) from the loss, is the play of Milicic and Arroyo and the return of Jameer Nelson. I'll admit this now, I really thought Arroyo had been playing well enough to eventually take the starting position. However, I forgot how good Nelson was playing before the injury. Still, Arroyo will make a very reliable backup at the point guard position. I don't think this team has ever had a solid starting and backup point guard.
Also, Mario Kasun was moved to the inactive list and Bo Outlaw returned the Magic lineup although he did not play.
So, how do you think the Magic did in this game? What do you think they could have done differently?
4 Comments on "Game Notes - Magic at Phoenix"
Ah, Arroyo. How quickly we fickle fans forgot your talent! Magic are all set at the point now, and there is a solid starter at every position, health notwithstanding. If the Magic can just stay healthy, assuming they keep everyone around, they'll make the playoffs easily next year.
Ya know, I'd definitely like to see some more W's in the box score, but if you're not impressed w/ Darko at this point, you're really not paying attention. He has already contributed more in the past week than Cato did all season. Once he gets acclimated to everyone else's game and understands the team defense a little better, he and Dwight are going to complement the heck out of each other.
If we pick up one of the athletic swingmen in the lottery this year, we could have an under 23 yr old starting line up of Dwight, Darko, Trevor Ariza, (poss) Ronnie Brewer, & Jameer that may not win a ton of games to start, but would be damn exciting!
Has Ariza had any PT yet?
Things are definitely looking up for Orlando. They definitely have a solid nucleus of young talent. Don't forget that Vazquez could also come to Orlando at some point. That may turn into a great frontline of Howard, Darko, and Fran. I certainly wouldn't mind the growing pains if they came together....
Ariza sneaks in a few minutes here and there. I'd really like to see him play at least 4-5 minutes a game - just to see what he brings. I have to admit that I don't know much about his game.
I won't be holding my breath on Fran. In fact, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if we trade his rights to someone else. He didn't want to come here, so I'm not so sure I want him here. That's just the way I roll.
I do like the Darko-Howard combination. And with Battie and maybe another key role player pickup in the summer - I like our bigs.