We all read about the Magic talk before Tuesday's practice and Otis Smith's comments towards the entire team. So, how would the Magic respond tonight against the Jazz? Darko Milicic is out tonight with a sore back and Tony Battie returns to the starting lineup. The Magic played good defense and with energy as they beat the Jazz, 101-90. Also I would like to note the TV announcers acknowledging the decent piece that Mike Bianchi wrote today in the Orlando Sentinel. Too bad he doesn't make good use of his talent more often. We needed this kind of kick in the ass a month ago.
Something I have been waiting on for most of the year is to see Keyon Dooling playing the point. Tonight, Dooling was the first player off the Magic bench replacing Jameer Nelson at the point. The team energy immediately picked up with Dooling pushing the ball up the court and playing good defense. Trevor Ariza and J.J. Redick were in the game early in the first quarter. Otis must have replaced a chip in Brian Hill or upgraded his software in order to get J.J. in the game before 2 mins left in the fourth quarter. The defense was much better and Ariza, Dooling and Redick were all playing well in the first half.
In the second half, the Magic extend the lead and continue playing solid defense. Ariza was first off the bench in the third quarter. Shortly after, Redick and Dooling were in. Bench play was pretty good in the third, especially Redick, Dooling and Ariza. The defensive in stretches was intense. avid Steele on Redick's play in the third quarter, "Maybe Brian Hill has stumbled onto something." Late in the fourth, the Jazz make a huge run but Howard makes two huge baskets, grabs two super-sized rebounds and blocks a shot to help settle the team.
To sum up the night, the team made coach look good tonight. Even if they would have lost this game, the team still played with a different purpose than the past 30 or so games. I believe the shortened rotation tonight help keep the focus on the game. It's hard to say any one player did better than another, but I have to mention Howard finished with 31 points and 15 rebounds.
Oh, and we get a little help for the eigth playoff spot as New York and Indiana both lose tonight.
