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dxjayrock20082
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Orlando_Magic Orlando Magic
Final: Magic 123, Spurs 101. @DwightHoward notched 29 points and 14 rebounds, Brandon Bass and J.J. Redick each scored 17.
Orlando_Magic Orlando Magic
Final: Magic 123, Spurs 101. @DwightHoward notched 29 points and 14 rebounds, Brandon Bass and J.J. Redick each scored 17.
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http://twitter.com/#http://twitter.com/#http://twitter.com/#
magicff Magic on FanFeedr
Video | Magic Stun Spurs, 123-101 http://ffd.me/hrRypN.
magicff Magic on FanFeedr
Video | Magic Stun Spurs, 123-101 http://ffd.me/hrRypN.
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CKR132
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ESPN's Ric Bucher stirred quite a controversy when he tweeted:
Wild rumor and most likely a bust. But imagine:
Wild rumor and most likely a bust. But imagine:
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CKR132
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Orlando Magic 86 Boston Celtics 78
The Magic lead by Brandon Bass with a team high 21 points and added 9 rebounds. Dwight Howard despite his foul troubles, managed only 6 points but had 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 blocks. Hedo Turkoglu had 16 points.
Off the bench, JJ Redick scored 11 points while Ryan Anderson scored 10 points while adding 9 rebounds.
The Magic lead by Brandon Bass with a team high 21 points and added 9 rebounds. Dwight Howard despite his foul troubles, managed only 6 points but had 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 5 blocks. Hedo Turkoglu had 16 points.
Off the bench, JJ Redick scored 11 points while Ryan Anderson scored 10 points while adding 9 rebounds.
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dxjayrock20082
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From Yahoo! Sports.
From Yahoo! Sports.
Magic top Boston to snap Celtics’ streak
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press 9 hours, 40 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—The remolded Magic are the NBA’s new streak-busters.
Brandon Bass(notes) scored 21 points, Hedo Turkoglu(notes) had 15 and the Orlando Magic ended the Boston Celtics’ winning streak at 14 games with an 86-78 victory Saturday for back-to-back wins against the NBA’s best.
A Magic team that had dropped eight of nine games and orchestrated two blockbuster trades suddenly looks awfully scary in the Eastern Conference after a pair of victories over Boston and San Antonio.
“You see what the possibilities are,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “You see that you have a chance to be a really good team. We’re not there yet by any means, but you have a chance to be a very good team. And I think that right there, that belief and that confidence that if we will stay with it, we can be very good.
“That’s a great thing for our team to get that belief that, yeah, this can work. We can do this.”
Jameer Nelson(notes) (12 points) and J.J. Redick(notes) (10 points) each made a jumper in the final minutes to help Orlando rally from 12 points down in the second half to cap another big come back. The Magic also ended San Antonio’s winning streak at 10 games Thursday night.
Kevin Garnett(notes) had 22 points, and Paul Pierce(notes) added 18, but injuries finally caught up with the Celtics against the team they beat last season in the East finals. Boston hadn’t lost since Nov. 21 at Toronto.
“I just thought we went away from executing offensively and we just didn’t get any stops down the stretch,” Pierce said.
The Celtics had Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard(notes) in foul trouble for the first three quarters. He didn’t even score his first field goal until a minute into the fourth quarter, a hook shot over Glen Davis(notes) to trim Boston’s lead to four.
A few plays later, Howard was wrestling with Shaquille O’Neal(notes) for position when he drew a sixth foul on O’Neal by easily falling to the ground. And O’Neal, accused by Van Gundy of flopping in a game two years ago that fueled fodder between the two, wasn’t happy with the whistle.
“I just wonder why I’ve never gotten that call in 20 years,” O’Neal said. “Don’t pick and choose when you’re going to make the call. … That’s what happens when you’ve got control freaks.”
Howard disagreed.
“I didn’t flop,” he said. “I just tripped.”
The Magic tied it at 77 on Bass’ short jumper with 1:56 remaining. Nelson followed with a 3-pointer, leaving his hand in the air and chest-bumping teammate Jason Richardson(notes) in a frantic celebration near the bench. And after Garnett made one of two free throws, Redick rolled in a jumper from about 20 feet to put Orlando ahead 82-78.
Ray Allen(notes) and Nate Robinson(notes) each had airballs in the final seconds, and Nelson made four free throws to seal another huge victory for a Magic team that was falling apart only days prior. Two trades so far have made all the difference.
The Magic brought Gilbert Arenas(notes) from Washington and acquired Richardson, Turkoglu and Earl Clark(notes) from Phoenix. They gave up Rashard Lewis(notes), Vince Carter(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and Marcin Gortat(notes), plus a 2011 first-round draft pick and cash, in the deals.
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo(notes) again was out with a sprained ankle and had missed seven of the 14 wins during the streak. Backup Delonte West(notes) has missed the last 13. O’Neal sat out four, Jermaine O’Neal(notes) played for the first time in 14 games against Orlando and Kendrick Perkins(notes)—last season’s starting center— hasn’t even played this season.
Not that Orlando wasn’t enjoying the win any less.
“I had never played on Christmas,” Arenas said. “I got nice Christmas present today.”
NOTES: The game was actually a home contest for several Celtics. Shaquille O’Neal and coach Doc Rivers have lived in the Orlando area for years and Marquis Daniels(notes) is from Orlando. … Tiger Woods sat courtside. … The Celtics and Magic don’t meet again until Jan. 17 in Boston.
From Yahoo! Sports.
Magic top Boston to snap Celtics’ streak
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press 9 hours, 40 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—The remolded Magic are the NBA’s new streak-busters.
Brandon Bass(notes) scored 21 points, Hedo Turkoglu(notes) had 15 and the Orlando Magic ended the Boston Celtics’ winning streak at 14 games with an 86-78 victory Saturday for back-to-back wins against the NBA’s best.
A Magic team that had dropped eight of nine games and orchestrated two blockbuster trades suddenly looks awfully scary in the Eastern Conference after a pair of victories over Boston and San Antonio.
“You see what the possibilities are,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “You see that you have a chance to be a really good team. We’re not there yet by any means, but you have a chance to be a very good team. And I think that right there, that belief and that confidence that if we will stay with it, we can be very good.
“That’s a great thing for our team to get that belief that, yeah, this can work. We can do this.”
Jameer Nelson(notes) (12 points) and J.J. Redick(notes) (10 points) each made a jumper in the final minutes to help Orlando rally from 12 points down in the second half to cap another big come back. The Magic also ended San Antonio’s winning streak at 10 games Thursday night.
Kevin Garnett(notes) had 22 points, and Paul Pierce(notes) added 18, but injuries finally caught up with the Celtics against the team they beat last season in the East finals. Boston hadn’t lost since Nov. 21 at Toronto.
“I just thought we went away from executing offensively and we just didn’t get any stops down the stretch,” Pierce said.
The Celtics had Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard(notes) in foul trouble for the first three quarters. He didn’t even score his first field goal until a minute into the fourth quarter, a hook shot over Glen Davis(notes) to trim Boston’s lead to four.
A few plays later, Howard was wrestling with Shaquille O’Neal(notes) for position when he drew a sixth foul on O’Neal by easily falling to the ground. And O’Neal, accused by Van Gundy of flopping in a game two years ago that fueled fodder between the two, wasn’t happy with the whistle.
“I just wonder why I’ve never gotten that call in 20 years,” O’Neal said. “Don’t pick and choose when you’re going to make the call. … That’s what happens when you’ve got control freaks.”
Howard disagreed.
“I didn’t flop,” he said. “I just tripped.”
The Magic tied it at 77 on Bass’ short jumper with 1:56 remaining. Nelson followed with a 3-pointer, leaving his hand in the air and chest-bumping teammate Jason Richardson(notes) in a frantic celebration near the bench. And after Garnett made one of two free throws, Redick rolled in a jumper from about 20 feet to put Orlando ahead 82-78.
Ray Allen(notes) and Nate Robinson(notes) each had airballs in the final seconds, and Nelson made four free throws to seal another huge victory for a Magic team that was falling apart only days prior. Two trades so far have made all the difference.
The Magic brought Gilbert Arenas(notes) from Washington and acquired Richardson, Turkoglu and Earl Clark(notes) from Phoenix. They gave up Rashard Lewis(notes), Vince Carter(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and Marcin Gortat(notes), plus a 2011 first-round draft pick and cash, in the deals.
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo(notes) again was out with a sprained ankle and had missed seven of the 14 wins during the streak. Backup Delonte West(notes) has missed the last 13. O’Neal sat out four, Jermaine O’Neal(notes) played for the first time in 14 games against Orlando and Kendrick Perkins(notes)—last season’s starting center— hasn’t even played this season.
Not that Orlando wasn’t enjoying the win any less.
“I had never played on Christmas,” Arenas said. “I got nice Christmas present today.”
NOTES: The game was actually a home contest for several Celtics. Shaquille O’Neal and coach Doc Rivers have lived in the Orlando area for years and Marquis Daniels(notes) is from Orlando. … Tiger Woods sat courtside. … The Celtics and Magic don’t meet again until Jan. 17 in Boston.
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dxjayrock20082
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From Yahoo! Sports. Stan Van Gundy is no Mr. Scrooge. Bah, humbug! Lol.
From Yahoo! Sports. Stan Van Gundy is no Mr. Scrooge. Bah, humbug! Lol.
Magic’s Stan Van Gundy no Scrooge this Christmas
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press 14 hours, 54 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has gone from being a Scrooge about playing on Christmas to perhaps spreading a little too much holiday cheer.
Van Gundy sarcastically suggested Saturday that the NBA go from five to 10 games on Christmas and start them at midnight.
Orlando was hosting Boston for the second straight year on Christmas. Van Gundy has said the Magic were hit with a “hefty” fine for his critical comments last year about playing on the holiday. He has refrained from making such remarks again to avoid another fine from NBA Commissioner David Stern.
Instead, he went a different route this year.
“I have no comments at all on Christmas Day games,” Van Gundy began. “My suggestion to my staff this morning was that I think the NBA is so important to Christmas that what we really need to do is increase from five games to 10, and we need to start them at midnight on what would have been Christmas Eve and play them all through the day so there’s not a minute of Christmas Day where there’s not an NBA game on TV. Because, it’s great.
“The NBA is Christmas, to me, anyway. It’s what it’s all about.”
Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Miami’s LeBron James(notes) are among those who have expressed their discontent for playing on Christmas this year, saying they would rather be home with their families. Celtics Doc Rivers said he had accepted the fact the NBA was going to play games on Christmas and considered it an honor to be one of the marquee games.
He even agreed with Van Gundy’s suggestion to increase games.
“They did 24 hours of college basketball early in the year. I think that’s a great idea by Stan. Tell Stan I’m on board with it,” Rivers said, chuckling. “I want the 12 o’clock game. I want the midnight game. That would be phenomenal because I’m up anyway.”
From Yahoo! Sports. Stan Van Gundy is no Mr. Scrooge. Bah, humbug! Lol.
Magic’s Stan Van Gundy no Scrooge this Christmas
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press 14 hours, 54 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has gone from being a Scrooge about playing on Christmas to perhaps spreading a little too much holiday cheer.
Van Gundy sarcastically suggested Saturday that the NBA go from five to 10 games on Christmas and start them at midnight.
Orlando was hosting Boston for the second straight year on Christmas. Van Gundy has said the Magic were hit with a “hefty” fine for his critical comments last year about playing on the holiday. He has refrained from making such remarks again to avoid another fine from NBA Commissioner David Stern.
Instead, he went a different route this year.
“I have no comments at all on Christmas Day games,” Van Gundy began. “My suggestion to my staff this morning was that I think the NBA is so important to Christmas that what we really need to do is increase from five games to 10, and we need to start them at midnight on what would have been Christmas Eve and play them all through the day so there’s not a minute of Christmas Day where there’s not an NBA game on TV. Because, it’s great.
“The NBA is Christmas, to me, anyway. It’s what it’s all about.”
Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Miami’s LeBron James(notes) are among those who have expressed their discontent for playing on Christmas this year, saying they would rather be home with their families. Celtics Doc Rivers said he had accepted the fact the NBA was going to play games on Christmas and considered it an honor to be one of the marquee games.
He even agreed with Van Gundy’s suggestion to increase games.
“They did 24 hours of college basketball early in the year. I think that’s a great idea by Stan. Tell Stan I’m on board with it,” Rivers said, chuckling. “I want the 12 o’clock game. I want the midnight game. That would be phenomenal because I’m up anyway.”
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dxjayrock20082
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From Yahoo! Sports. Superman for MVP?
From Yahoo! Sports. Superman for MVP?
Howard speaks up and, in process, boosts his MVP cred
By Steve Aschburner, NBA.com Dec 24, 11:20 am EST
Dwight Howard didn't hesitate to voice his concerns about Orlando's roster.
Jolly ol’ Whatshisname isn’t the only one who makes lists and checks them twice at this time of the season. There were several MVP-related elements in play in recent days:
• While LeBron James’(notes) comments about contraction seemed straightforward enough—drawing instantaneous overwrought reactions in the Twittersphere—The Race wondered if James wasn’t subconsciously lobbying to improve his MVP chances. The biggest knock on his candidacy in Miami is that he has way more help, with All-Stars Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) on his flanks, than he had in Cleveland. With the Cavaliers, he was headband-and-shoulders better than anyone else on the roster, and his powerlifting performances the past two seasons earned him Maurice Podoloff trophies.
But if there were fewer teams in the NBA and the best players shed from the eradicated were plugged into various rosters, then many MVP candidates would have more help. It would be harder for one pearl to stand out among swinish teammates, such as … nah, we won’t be so mean in Christmas week. The NBA would be back to a time when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson could win MVPs even while playing alongside future Hall of Famers. Thus, James wouldn’t necessarily lose support by having all-NBAers next to him.
• Boston point guard Rajon Rondo(notes), the one Celtics player to appear in The Race this season, isn’t having his candidacy enhanced while sidelined. All the Celtics do is win, including a 4-0 mark this month without their preferred playmaker. The committee understands that Boston—and San Antonio, for that matter—isn’t winning with a bunch of nobodies. But the depth of talent on those teams and group approach to winning tends to work against any one guy as a top MVP possibility. Taking away one of five is like yanking the spare tire out of a Ferrari’s trunk—doesn’t slow it down one bit.
• To those who feel that Kevin Love’s(notes) ridiculous double-double numbers merit serious consideration here beyond Honoroable Mention status, the committee suggests a peek at Minnesota’s W-L record.
• How come no one has checked in with Phil Jackson for his opinion about the NBA going dark on Christmas Eve? At least it gives hoops-minded shoppers a chance to work the clock down to fractions of a second. Remember, unless there’s at least 0.3 seconds remaining, only a gift card or cash can be stuck in an envelope on an inbounds play.
And now it’s time for The Race’s main business this week, which is a renewed consideration of Dwight Howard(notes)—or at least an appreciation of what the Orlando Magic center has done for his team lately. More double-doubles? A continuing defensive presence in the paint? Sure, that’s all nice. But what Howard did first and foremost for the Magic was salvage their season. By having the sort of impact off the floor that MVP candidates usually have on it.
It was Howard’s critical comments about his level of defensive help from the likes of Vince Carter(notes) and Rashard Lewis(notes)—comments which basically questioned their heart and championship-worthiness—that triggered the trades with Phoenix and Washington last week. Getting Hedo Turkoglu(notes), Jason Richardson(notes) and Gilbert Arenas(notes) might not have made Orlando better than the mix of talent it previously had, but it did give the Magic and its fans a fresh chance to hope. The status quo was quo-ing nowhere fast.
Then again, maybe it made Orlando better, if the 123-101 smackdown of San Antonio is a sample of things to come. Just when it was looking as if coach Stan Van Gundy might wait until Christmas or sometime thereafter to unwrap the gifts that Howard and GM Otis Smith got him, they showed up a day and a half early. Turkoglu, Richardson and Arenas had shot a combined 13-of-53 in their first two Orlando games, but went 18-of-38 against the Spurs, with four 3-pointers, 40 points and 16 assists.
So if Howard’s grumbles and some budding concerns about his long-term whereabouts motivated a dramatic change by his bosses, should that count toward MVP consideration?
The short answer is no. The MVP might not be a “Player of the Year” award but it generally is based on the top candidates’ on-court performances.
The long answer, though, isn’t so simple. MVP winners traditionally are lauded as team leaders, which means all sort of things in and away from the gym. Many are sparkplugs in practice or ironmen in the trainer’s room. Imposing order in a locker room is a very MVP-ish thing. Ditto planes and team buses. So why not the front office?
Howard has gotten acclaim this season as a more complete basketball player, even as his team began heading south in the Eastern Conference standings and in the seriousness of its Finals ambitions. His MVP application was getting shuffled toward the bottom. But with the sort of sharp-tongued influence that franchise guys are famous for in the NBA, the Orlando strongman might have perked up, well, all of the above for his team.
From Yahoo! Sports. Superman for MVP?
Howard speaks up and, in process, boosts his MVP cred
By Steve Aschburner, NBA.com Dec 24, 11:20 am EST
Jolly ol’ Whatshisname isn’t the only one who makes lists and checks them twice at this time of the season. There were several MVP-related elements in play in recent days:
• While LeBron James’(notes) comments about contraction seemed straightforward enough—drawing instantaneous overwrought reactions in the Twittersphere—The Race wondered if James wasn’t subconsciously lobbying to improve his MVP chances. The biggest knock on his candidacy in Miami is that he has way more help, with All-Stars Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) on his flanks, than he had in Cleveland. With the Cavaliers, he was headband-and-shoulders better than anyone else on the roster, and his powerlifting performances the past two seasons earned him Maurice Podoloff trophies.
But if there were fewer teams in the NBA and the best players shed from the eradicated were plugged into various rosters, then many MVP candidates would have more help. It would be harder for one pearl to stand out among swinish teammates, such as … nah, we won’t be so mean in Christmas week. The NBA would be back to a time when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson could win MVPs even while playing alongside future Hall of Famers. Thus, James wouldn’t necessarily lose support by having all-NBAers next to him.
• Boston point guard Rajon Rondo(notes), the one Celtics player to appear in The Race this season, isn’t having his candidacy enhanced while sidelined. All the Celtics do is win, including a 4-0 mark this month without their preferred playmaker. The committee understands that Boston—and San Antonio, for that matter—isn’t winning with a bunch of nobodies. But the depth of talent on those teams and group approach to winning tends to work against any one guy as a top MVP possibility. Taking away one of five is like yanking the spare tire out of a Ferrari’s trunk—doesn’t slow it down one bit.
• To those who feel that Kevin Love’s(notes) ridiculous double-double numbers merit serious consideration here beyond Honoroable Mention status, the committee suggests a peek at Minnesota’s W-L record.
• How come no one has checked in with Phil Jackson for his opinion about the NBA going dark on Christmas Eve? At least it gives hoops-minded shoppers a chance to work the clock down to fractions of a second. Remember, unless there’s at least 0.3 seconds remaining, only a gift card or cash can be stuck in an envelope on an inbounds play.
And now it’s time for The Race’s main business this week, which is a renewed consideration of Dwight Howard(notes)—or at least an appreciation of what the Orlando Magic center has done for his team lately. More double-doubles? A continuing defensive presence in the paint? Sure, that’s all nice. But what Howard did first and foremost for the Magic was salvage their season. By having the sort of impact off the floor that MVP candidates usually have on it.
It was Howard’s critical comments about his level of defensive help from the likes of Vince Carter(notes) and Rashard Lewis(notes)—comments which basically questioned their heart and championship-worthiness—that triggered the trades with Phoenix and Washington last week. Getting Hedo Turkoglu(notes), Jason Richardson(notes) and Gilbert Arenas(notes) might not have made Orlando better than the mix of talent it previously had, but it did give the Magic and its fans a fresh chance to hope. The status quo was quo-ing nowhere fast.
Then again, maybe it made Orlando better, if the 123-101 smackdown of San Antonio is a sample of things to come. Just when it was looking as if coach Stan Van Gundy might wait until Christmas or sometime thereafter to unwrap the gifts that Howard and GM Otis Smith got him, they showed up a day and a half early. Turkoglu, Richardson and Arenas had shot a combined 13-of-53 in their first two Orlando games, but went 18-of-38 against the Spurs, with four 3-pointers, 40 points and 16 assists.
So if Howard’s grumbles and some budding concerns about his long-term whereabouts motivated a dramatic change by his bosses, should that count toward MVP consideration?
The short answer is no. The MVP might not be a “Player of the Year” award but it generally is based on the top candidates’ on-court performances.
The long answer, though, isn’t so simple. MVP winners traditionally are lauded as team leaders, which means all sort of things in and away from the gym. Many are sparkplugs in practice or ironmen in the trainer’s room. Imposing order in a locker room is a very MVP-ish thing. Ditto planes and team buses. So why not the front office?
Howard has gotten acclaim this season as a more complete basketball player, even as his team began heading south in the Eastern Conference standings and in the seriousness of its Finals ambitions. His MVP application was getting shuffled toward the bottom. But with the sort of sharp-tongued influence that franchise guys are famous for in the NBA, the Orlando strongman might have perked up, well, all of the above for his team.
C
CKR132
Guest
Jason Williams to miss 2 game road trip
Jason Williams to miss 2 game road trip
Veteran point guard Jason Williams will miss the scheduled 2 game road trip by the Orlando Magic. Williams is set to undergo extensive medical testing on his sore left leg.
Jason Williams to miss 2 game road trip
Veteran point guard Jason Williams will miss the scheduled 2 game road trip by the Orlando Magic. Williams is set to undergo extensive medical testing on his sore left leg.
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dxjayrock20082
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From Yahoo! Sports.
From Yahoo! Sports.
Orlando 104 at New Jersey 88
Howard’s double-double leads Magic over Nets
By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer 20 minutes ago
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)—Dwight Howard(notes) had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic won their third straight with a 104-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night.
Hedo Turkoglu(notes) scored 20 points as the Magic had six players in double figures in beating the Nets for the third time in three meetings this season.
Orlando hit a dozen 3-pointers and shot 49 percent from the field despite having the team show up less than 90 minutes before the game because one of its buses got stuck in a snow drift on the way to the Prudential Center.
Devin Harris(notes) had 24 points to lead New Jersey, which lost its second straight and for the eighth time in 11 games. Brook Lopez(notes) added 20.
Limited to two points and three rebounds after picking up three first-half fouls, Howard dominated the second half with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The All-Star center made an effort to get inside after the Magic went the first half without taking a free throw.
Howard shot 11 free throws in the third quarter alone and the Magic finished with 19 attempts.
The game-breaking run for Orlando came after New Jersey rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit and took a 57-55 lead on a 3-pointer by Travis Outlaw(notes) with 7:35 to play in the third quarter.
Turkoglu responded with a 3-pointer on Orlando’s next possession and it triggered a 26-12 spurt the rest of the period. Howard had nine points in that run and Jason Richardson(notes) added eight of his 14 points.
The Nets were their own worst enemy in the closing minutes of the period, turning the ball over twice late while Jordan Farmar(notes) missed two free throws.
Orlando put away the game in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, scoring the first nine points. Turkoglu started the run with a 3-pointer and Gilbert Arenas(notes) ended it with another.
J.J. Redick(notes) added 15 points for Orlando, while Brandon Bass(notes) had 11 and Ryan Anderson(notes) 10.
NOTES: Arenas had a three-quarter court heave at the halftime buzzer waved off because the ball hit the shot clock after bouncing off the rim and then going through. …Turkoglu and Howard got first-half technical fouls. … Patrons who braved the aftermath of a storm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the area will be allowed to exchange their tickets for a Nets’ home game in January. … Nets coach Avery Johnson said shooting guard Anthony Morrow(notes) will be out longer than the 2-3 weeks estimate with a hamstring injury.
Updated 1 hour, 36 minutes ago
From Yahoo! Sports.
Orlando 104 at New Jersey 88
Howard’s double-double leads Magic over Nets
By TOM CANAVAN, AP Sports Writer 20 minutes ago
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)—Dwight Howard(notes) had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic won their third straight with a 104-88 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Monday night.
Hedo Turkoglu(notes) scored 20 points as the Magic had six players in double figures in beating the Nets for the third time in three meetings this season.
Orlando hit a dozen 3-pointers and shot 49 percent from the field despite having the team show up less than 90 minutes before the game because one of its buses got stuck in a snow drift on the way to the Prudential Center.
Devin Harris(notes) had 24 points to lead New Jersey, which lost its second straight and for the eighth time in 11 games. Brook Lopez(notes) added 20.
Limited to two points and three rebounds after picking up three first-half fouls, Howard dominated the second half with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The All-Star center made an effort to get inside after the Magic went the first half without taking a free throw.
Howard shot 11 free throws in the third quarter alone and the Magic finished with 19 attempts.
The game-breaking run for Orlando came after New Jersey rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit and took a 57-55 lead on a 3-pointer by Travis Outlaw(notes) with 7:35 to play in the third quarter.
Turkoglu responded with a 3-pointer on Orlando’s next possession and it triggered a 26-12 spurt the rest of the period. Howard had nine points in that run and Jason Richardson(notes) added eight of his 14 points.
The Nets were their own worst enemy in the closing minutes of the period, turning the ball over twice late while Jordan Farmar(notes) missed two free throws.
Orlando put away the game in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, scoring the first nine points. Turkoglu started the run with a 3-pointer and Gilbert Arenas(notes) ended it with another.
J.J. Redick(notes) added 15 points for Orlando, while Brandon Bass(notes) had 11 and Ryan Anderson(notes) 10.
NOTES: Arenas had a three-quarter court heave at the halftime buzzer waved off because the ball hit the shot clock after bouncing off the rim and then going through. …Turkoglu and Howard got first-half technical fouls. … Patrons who braved the aftermath of a storm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow in the area will be allowed to exchange their tickets for a Nets’ home game in January. … Nets coach Avery Johnson said shooting guard Anthony Morrow(notes) will be out longer than the 2-3 weeks estimate with a hamstring injury.
Updated 1 hour, 36 minutes ago
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Petronilo2
Guest
Respectable coaching job by Van Gundy in overcoming Bostons defense, in the huddle you hear him talk about the importance of ball movement
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CKR132
Guest
Orlando Magic 110 Cleveland Cavaliers 95
Gilbert Arenas came off the bench and scored 22 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds.
Gilbert Arenas came off the bench and scored 22 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds.
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dxjayrock20082
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From nba.com.
From nba.com.
Cohen: Magic-Cavaliers Postgame Analysis.
By Josh Cohen
December 28, 2010
Since signing off on those two blockbuster trades 10 days ago, the Orlando Magic have showcased different qualities during their four-game winning streak.
Against San Antonio, the Magic exercised their ability to speed up the pace of the game and score in transition.
Against Boston, they underscored their resilience against an elite opponent and propensity to deliver clutch plays in the pivotal stages of a close game.
Against New Jersey, Orlando proved it could stiffen its defensive approach and rebuff its opponent from controlling any momentum in the second half.
Against Cleveland on Tuesday, it accentuated its potency to shoot effectively from 3-point range – a strength that the Magic have flourished on during the Stan Van Gundy era.
After escaping the blustery and snowy conditions in NJ and in spite of arriving in another bitterly cold environment, the Magic heated up inside Quicken Loans Arena and buried a season-best 19 3-pointers to break away from the Cavaliers for a 110-95 triumph.
Orlando holds the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game when it drilled 23 from beyond the arc against Sacramento during the 2008-09 season.
Gilbert Arenas, who registered his first double-double with the Magic with a game-high 22 points and 11 assists, connected on five from downtown, while Jason Richardson hit four treys, J.J. Redick and Jameer Nelson each drained three of them and Ryan Anderson and Hedo Turkoglu sunk two from long distance.
Josh Cohen "We shot the ball extremely well and we needed every one of them in the game today," Head Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "We won it with our shooting today, then clamping down a little bit when we needed to in the second half.”
Perhaps most impressive for Orlando was the fact that Dwight Howard, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds, rested on the bench the entire fourth quarter.
Richardson recorded 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field for the Magic, who outscored the Cavaliers by 14 in the final frame, while Turkoglu poured in nine points, six rebounds and five assists.
Another newcomer who shimmered was the seldom-used Earl Clark, who matched a season high with 12 points.
"I just played with confidence," Clark said.
After losing eight of nine, the Magic have won four straight and appear to be clicking on all cylinders. They have managed to overcome size deficiency after dealing away backup center Marcin Gortat.
Orlando will get its first look at the New York Knicks, who come to Amway Center on Thursday at 7 p.m. A scheduled meeting between the two teams was postponed in early November following maintenance problems at Madison Square Garden.
Here is a look at what went right, what went wrong and some final observations from the Magic's victory over the Cavaliers on Thursday:
From nba.com.
Cohen: Magic-Cavaliers Postgame Analysis.
By Josh Cohen
December 28, 2010
Since signing off on those two blockbuster trades 10 days ago, the Orlando Magic have showcased different qualities during their four-game winning streak.
Against San Antonio, the Magic exercised their ability to speed up the pace of the game and score in transition.
Against Boston, they underscored their resilience against an elite opponent and propensity to deliver clutch plays in the pivotal stages of a close game.
Against New Jersey, Orlando proved it could stiffen its defensive approach and rebuff its opponent from controlling any momentum in the second half.
Against Cleveland on Tuesday, it accentuated its potency to shoot effectively from 3-point range – a strength that the Magic have flourished on during the Stan Van Gundy era.
After escaping the blustery and snowy conditions in NJ and in spite of arriving in another bitterly cold environment, the Magic heated up inside Quicken Loans Arena and buried a season-best 19 3-pointers to break away from the Cavaliers for a 110-95 triumph.
Orlando holds the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game when it drilled 23 from beyond the arc against Sacramento during the 2008-09 season.
Gilbert Arenas, who registered his first double-double with the Magic with a game-high 22 points and 11 assists, connected on five from downtown, while Jason Richardson hit four treys, J.J. Redick and Jameer Nelson each drained three of them and Ryan Anderson and Hedo Turkoglu sunk two from long distance.
Josh Cohen "We shot the ball extremely well and we needed every one of them in the game today," Head Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "We won it with our shooting today, then clamping down a little bit when we needed to in the second half.”
Perhaps most impressive for Orlando was the fact that Dwight Howard, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds, rested on the bench the entire fourth quarter.
Richardson recorded 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field for the Magic, who outscored the Cavaliers by 14 in the final frame, while Turkoglu poured in nine points, six rebounds and five assists.
Another newcomer who shimmered was the seldom-used Earl Clark, who matched a season high with 12 points.
"I just played with confidence," Clark said.
After losing eight of nine, the Magic have won four straight and appear to be clicking on all cylinders. They have managed to overcome size deficiency after dealing away backup center Marcin Gortat.
Orlando will get its first look at the New York Knicks, who come to Amway Center on Thursday at 7 p.m. A scheduled meeting between the two teams was postponed in early November following maintenance problems at Madison Square Garden.
Here is a look at what went right, what went wrong and some final observations from the Magic's victory over the Cavaliers on Thursday:
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CKR132
Guest
Brandon Bass
Brandon Bass
Power Forward Brandon Bass told the Orlando Sentinel that he is contemplating on arthroscopic surgery for his sore left knee if the soreness still persists. A surgery could sideline Bass for weeks.
Brandon Bass
Power Forward Brandon Bass told the Orlando Sentinel that he is contemplating on arthroscopic surgery for his sore left knee if the soreness still persists. A surgery could sideline Bass for weeks.
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CKR132
Guest
Dwight Howard to Guess at Disney's "The Suite Life"
Dwight Howard to Guess at Disney's "The Suite Life"
Dwight Howard will be a guess star in a Disney TV series, alongside NBA Stars Kevin Love and Deron Williams.
Dwight Howard to Guess at Disney's "The Suite Life"
Dwight Howard will be a guess star in a Disney TV series, alongside NBA Stars Kevin Love and Deron Williams.
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dxjayrock20082
Guest
From mb.com.ph.
From mb.com.ph.
Magic's Howard empathizes with Yao's injury plight
January 8, 2011, 11:37am
"I think a lot of people try to pressure him to get back as soon as possible," Magic's Howard said of Yao Ming. "Once you're away from the game for a while, you always try to rush and get back. And I think that's what he did."
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Magic center Dwight Howard expressed empathy for Yao Ming, saying the Houston big man may come back from his last injury to soon and that he hopes he returns to the NBA soon.
"I just want him to get healthy — that's it," Howard said after the Magic's morning shoot around in preparation for their Friday night matchup with the Rockets. "I think a lot of people try to pressure him to get back as soon as possible. Once you're away from the game for a while, you always try to rush and get back. And I think that's what he did."
The 6-foot-11 Howard, who at 25 has avoided major injury problems in his seven NBA seasons, said the stress on the body of an NBA big man is often underestimated.
"It's tough. He's 7-foot-5 and, you know, he weights a lot," Howard said. "And it takes a toll on your ankle, your knees and your feet. And just as well as anybody else who plays basketball for a long time, you have to protect your knees, your feet and your ankles. I just hope he gets better. That's it. I love playing against him. He's a great person. So, I just hope he gets better."
The 30-year-old Yao, who is actually 7-6 and about 310 pounds, had surgery Thursday to repair a stress fracture in his left foot that could threaten his basketball career.
A seven-time All-Star, Yao has been out of commission since sustaining the injury on Nov. 10 and saw the court in only five games before team doctors said he was out for the year. Yao missed the entire 2009-10 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his foot.
After missing only two games in his first three NBA seasons, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2002 draft has been hampered by a myriad of injuries, mostly on his left foot.
His injury issues started when he missed 21 games in 2005-06 with an infection in his big toe. Since then, Yao has sat out 91 games in four seasons spanning 2005-09.
From mb.com.ph.
Magic's Howard empathizes with Yao's injury plight
January 8, 2011, 11:37am
"I think a lot of people try to pressure him to get back as soon as possible," Magic's Howard said of Yao Ming. "Once you're away from the game for a while, you always try to rush and get back. And I think that's what he did."
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Magic center Dwight Howard expressed empathy for Yao Ming, saying the Houston big man may come back from his last injury to soon and that he hopes he returns to the NBA soon.
"I just want him to get healthy — that's it," Howard said after the Magic's morning shoot around in preparation for their Friday night matchup with the Rockets. "I think a lot of people try to pressure him to get back as soon as possible. Once you're away from the game for a while, you always try to rush and get back. And I think that's what he did."
The 6-foot-11 Howard, who at 25 has avoided major injury problems in his seven NBA seasons, said the stress on the body of an NBA big man is often underestimated.
"It's tough. He's 7-foot-5 and, you know, he weights a lot," Howard said. "And it takes a toll on your ankle, your knees and your feet. And just as well as anybody else who plays basketball for a long time, you have to protect your knees, your feet and your ankles. I just hope he gets better. That's it. I love playing against him. He's a great person. So, I just hope he gets better."
The 30-year-old Yao, who is actually 7-6 and about 310 pounds, had surgery Thursday to repair a stress fracture in his left foot that could threaten his basketball career.
A seven-time All-Star, Yao has been out of commission since sustaining the injury on Nov. 10 and saw the court in only five games before team doctors said he was out for the year. Yao missed the entire 2009-10 season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his foot.
After missing only two games in his first three NBA seasons, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2002 draft has been hampered by a myriad of injuries, mostly on his left foot.
His injury issues started when he missed 21 games in 2005-06 with an infection in his big toe. Since then, Yao has sat out 91 games in four seasons spanning 2005-09.
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giljr2
Guest
I really love the way the magic plays now with their newly acquired Arenas, Richardson and the return of Hedo Turkoglo. The trade that the magic does really work out well. Now with the newly Orlando Magic they definitely would beat other teams like Boston and Miami.
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CKR132
Guest
Malik Allen
Malik Allen
Veteran center Malik Allen will miss another week due to a slow recovery of his sprained left ankle. Allen will be re-evaluated this week by the medical staff.
Malik Allen
Veteran center Malik Allen will miss another week due to a slow recovery of his sprained left ankle. Allen will be re-evaluated this week by the medical staff.
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dxjayrock20082
Guest
From orlandopinstripedpost.com.
From orlandopinstripedpost.com.
Roundup: Orlando Magic Midseason Reviews
by Evan Dunlap on Jan 19, 2011 6:01 AM EST in News
Here's a survey of reaction to the Orlando Magic's 26-15 start from around the basketblogosphere.
From orlandopinstripedpost.com.
Roundup: Orlando Magic Midseason Reviews
Here's a survey of reaction to the Orlando Magic's 26-15 start from around the basketblogosphere.
- Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic at midseason: Q & A with General Manager Otis Smith - OrlandoSentinel.comJosh Robbins chats with Otis Smith, Orlando's President of Basketball Operations. It's a lengthy interview, but well worth all the attention you can give it.
- At midway point, how do Magic measure up with past teams?Sam Gardner takes an impressively comprehensive look at how this Magic team stacks up against the 2009/10 and 2008/09 squads at their respective halfway marks.
- Orlando Magic: Orlando Magic had an eventful first half of their 2010-11 season - OrlandoSentinel.comRobbins hands out his midseason Magic awards, naming superlatives for players and the team as a whole.
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dxjayrock20082
Guest
From sports.yahoo.com.
From sports.yahoo.com.
Magic rally late to down Sixers 99-98 in overtime
By KYLE HIGHTOWER, Associated Press 33 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Jason Richardson(notes) converted a 4-point play with 17 seconds left, Dwight Howard(notes) scored 18 points before fouling out late in regulation and the Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 99-98 in overtime Wednesday night.
Reserve Ryan Anderson(notes) scored 20 to lead the Magic, who survived another slow start and spotty defense with some big baskets down the stretch.
Lou Williams led Philadelphia with 19 points and Thaddeus Young(notes) had 17.
At Wednesday morning’s shoot around, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said playing better defense and getting off to a fast start were his team’s focal points coming off a mediocre 2-3 road trip.
Sixers coach Doug Collins said he wanted his scrappy team to play loose against a team that had changed dramatically since their 97-89 win over Orlando back on Dec. 18.
It took until the final moments of regulation and the extra frame, but what the Magic couldn’t provide with another slow start and spotty defense, they made up for with late-game toughness.
Orlando sprinted out to a 95-92 advantage in overtime, before back-to-back baskets by Andre Iguodala(notes) put the Sixers back up 96-95.
J.J. Redick(notes) was then fouled on a 3-pointer and hit his free throw to put the Magic back up 99-96 with 1:44 left. Young scored to trim the lead to 99-98 with 43.4 left. But after a miss, the Magic won a scramble for the ball to secure the win.
Trailing 70-63 entering the final quarter, Orlando picked up its defense, forced some quick shots and scored seven straight points to pull within 72-71 with 9:59 to play. Two free throws by Howard a few trips later gave the Magic a one-point lead with at the 9:29 mark.
Hedo Turkoglu’s(notes) basket tied it, before Iguodala’s fade away made it 86-84 with 1:04 to play.
Howard fouled out going for a rebound on the Magic’s next trip and after a technical free throw by Williams for a delay of game, the Sixers got the ball back with 49.4 seconds left.
Iguodala was fouled by Brandon Bass(notes) on a layup attempt and hit a pair of free-throws to make it 89-84. A free throw by Williams made it 90-86. But on the next trip he fouled Richardson on a 3-pointer, and Richardson completed the play at the line.
NOTES: Orlando allowed opponents to score 100 or more points three times during its five-game road trip … Philadelphia won the last meeting between the teams 97-89 loss on Dec. 18. … The Sixers had won two straight.
From sports.yahoo.com.
Magic rally late to down Sixers 99-98 in overtime
By KYLE HIGHTOWER, Associated Press 33 minutes ago
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—Jason Richardson(notes) converted a 4-point play with 17 seconds left, Dwight Howard(notes) scored 18 points before fouling out late in regulation and the Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 99-98 in overtime Wednesday night.
Reserve Ryan Anderson(notes) scored 20 to lead the Magic, who survived another slow start and spotty defense with some big baskets down the stretch.
Lou Williams led Philadelphia with 19 points and Thaddeus Young(notes) had 17.
At Wednesday morning’s shoot around, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said playing better defense and getting off to a fast start were his team’s focal points coming off a mediocre 2-3 road trip.
Sixers coach Doug Collins said he wanted his scrappy team to play loose against a team that had changed dramatically since their 97-89 win over Orlando back on Dec. 18.
It took until the final moments of regulation and the extra frame, but what the Magic couldn’t provide with another slow start and spotty defense, they made up for with late-game toughness.
Orlando sprinted out to a 95-92 advantage in overtime, before back-to-back baskets by Andre Iguodala(notes) put the Sixers back up 96-95.
J.J. Redick(notes) was then fouled on a 3-pointer and hit his free throw to put the Magic back up 99-96 with 1:44 left. Young scored to trim the lead to 99-98 with 43.4 left. But after a miss, the Magic won a scramble for the ball to secure the win.
Trailing 70-63 entering the final quarter, Orlando picked up its defense, forced some quick shots and scored seven straight points to pull within 72-71 with 9:59 to play. Two free throws by Howard a few trips later gave the Magic a one-point lead with at the 9:29 mark.
Hedo Turkoglu’s(notes) basket tied it, before Iguodala’s fade away made it 86-84 with 1:04 to play.
Howard fouled out going for a rebound on the Magic’s next trip and after a technical free throw by Williams for a delay of game, the Sixers got the ball back with 49.4 seconds left.
Iguodala was fouled by Brandon Bass(notes) on a layup attempt and hit a pair of free-throws to make it 89-84. A free throw by Williams made it 90-86. But on the next trip he fouled Richardson on a 3-pointer, and Richardson completed the play at the line.
NOTES: Orlando allowed opponents to score 100 or more points three times during its five-game road trip … Philadelphia won the last meeting between the teams 97-89 loss on Dec. 18. … The Sixers had won two straight.
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dxjayrock20082
Guest
Hedo Turkoglu's two poster dunks against Sixers defenders. Lol.
Hedo Turkoglu's two poster dunks against Sixers defenders. Lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGhLjib9Pd8
Hedo Turkoglu's two poster dunks against Sixers defenders. Lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGhLjib9Pd8