Call me crazy or blinded with dedication - but I thought the Magic would handle the Jazz pretty much the way they did tonight. Magic put on a good show in front of the Utah crowd and hand the Jazz their first loss at home this year, winning 88-75. Carlos Boozer, meet Dwight Howard. You may call him Mr. Daily Double. Howard posts another exceptional game tonight, leading the Magic to victory with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
The team played very well tonight - especially the starters. There has been a lot of talk about how well the bench has played all year - I think tonight the starting five pulled their weight. For about the third straight game, Grant Hill has made a timely basket in the fourth quarter when the opposing team has started to make a run. I get that feeling the team is just about to lose it - and then Hill sinks that jumper from the corner and you can just see the team get their confidence back. Hill finished with 16 points - but he did more than what showed up in the box score.
Turnovers were down to 14 in this game - that was definitely going to play a factor in this game. Assists were suprisingly low as well - but the Magic played great team ball. Is anyone else out there just waiting for Hedo Turkoglu to drop 30 on a team one night when the Magic really need him. Man, he's been in such the slump. Honestly, I think he plays much better off the bench. He can still have all the minutes he can handle - but he just seems to respond better off the bench. I could see Trevor Ariza starting in his place and bringing Hedo in as the sixth man. Start off with good defense, then have the Turk come drop 20 on the opposition. Eh, just a thought.
Where the hell is J.J.? If Pat Garrity doesn't get back to old form in short fashion, I'd be shopping for the best draft pick and get J.J. into the rotation. Whatever the kid lacks in ability - he'll make up for with work ethic and heart.
Also, maybe we can petition David Robinson and have the lane renamed Mr. Howards Neighborhood? Hide the women and children, Howard is taking over.
