Mayhem

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originally posted by GHMF: quote: We really need a guy that can get to the basket and finish and once again I will push for Corey Maggette he does the things we need on offense. We have two guys already, and their names are Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. They just need to be utilized for these purposes more often. Corey Maggette? Always looking for his shot, and no one else's. No thanks.

Wow this Magic bandwagon I've been riding on is getting a little less crowded . . . I'm still sitting here, and I know a few of you are still sitting here with me. It'll be nice to see the rest of you jump back on when our team starts winning a few more games. . . . And, um, they WILL. This freaking out stuff is ridiculous. Shooters go through slumps, teams go through slumps. It happens. Be thankful we're not T'wolves fans, Sonics fans, Memphis fans, Bulls fans, Heat fans, etc for crying out loud. I've been just as ticked off watching the last three games as all of you have, but things will improve. Have some faith and confidence in your team.

MILWAUKEE - Magic forward Rashard Lewis may miss tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks because of muscle spasms in his neck that prevented him from practicing with the team this morning. Lewis, who has been undergoing treatment for neck soreness, watched practice from a sideline Monday, but he was in obvious discomfort. He was scheduled to see a chiropractor in Milwaukee this afternoon. "It's going to be a game-time decision,'' he said. "It's been bothering me for the past few days, and it just feels like it's getting worse. I want to see if there is something we can do to ease the pain.'' If Lewis can't play, the Magic are expected to give James Augustine his first start of the season. Augustine practiced with the first team at this morning's practice. For the entire article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/...1207,0,5035016.story I guess we won't see Rashard in the post again tonight, I hope this doesn't sideline him for long. Go get 'em Augie!!

I'd love to see Augustine get physical and grab some boards in the paint - it'd be great to know we have a reliable backup PF for future games.

MILWAUKEE - Magic forward Rashard Lewis may miss tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks because of muscle spasms in his neck that prevented him from practicing with the team this morning. Lewis, who has been undergoing treatment for neck soreness, watched practice from a sideline Monday, but he was in obvious discomfort. He was scheduled to see a chiropractor in Milwaukee this afternoon. "It's going to be a game-time decision,'' he said. "It's been bothering me for the past few days, and it just feels like it's getting worse. I want to see if there is something we can do to ease the pain.'' If Lewis can't play, the Magic are expected to give James Augustine his first start of the season. Augustine practiced with the first team at this morning's practice. For the entire article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/...1207,0,5035016.story I guess we won't see Rashard in the post again tonight, I hope this doesn't sideline him for long. Go get 'em Augie!!

Some snippets: Well, if you've watched this league long enough, you knew this was coming. The Magic would have to adjust to their new-found role as contenders and to the other teams, who've had time to scout their pet plays. This is all part and parcel of having the experience to realize NBA life just doesn't go that way, and the Magic really don't have it. A fast start --- accompanied by back-patting and league-wide recognition (see Sports Illustrated) --- tends to lull rising teams into thinking they've arrived, but the Magic don't have any players used to winning 24-7. They aren't good enough to go through the motions. For the rest of the article: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2007/12/magic-checkpoin.html

Some snippets: Well, if you've watched this league long enough, you knew this was coming. The Magic would have to adjust to their new-found role as contenders and to the other teams, who've had time to scout their pet plays. This is all part and parcel of having the experience to realize NBA life just doesn't go that way, and the Magic really don't have it. A fast start --- accompanied by back-patting and league-wide recognition (see Sports Illustrated) --- tends to lull rising teams into thinking they've arrived, but the Magic don't have any players used to winning 24-7. They aren't good enough to go through the motions. For the rest of the article: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2007/12/magic-checkpoin.html

A few of you wouldn't be ticked about the amount of 3's that the Magic are shooting, if a good percentage were falling in . . . And they were for the first part of this season - this was a team that relied a lot on the 3, and I don't think that will change. This team has lost games because of TURNOVERS. It's the reason that last year the Magic were a sub-.500 basketball team. Sloppy play will result in sloppy losses, just like what we've seen vs. Indiana (24 TO's) and Atlanta (19 TO's). The Magic were averaging around 13 turnovers when they were winning, and that needs to begin to happen again. SVG made it clear that he's got to find some guys that know how to handle the basketball. The shooting from the outside will improve, and the Magic will continue to have a winning season. Don't worry.

Player - Kobe Team - Detroit

I heard that The Finish Line, normally on 740AM from 3-7pm, will move to 540AM from 6-9pm starting next year.

Some other stats that jumped out: 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block. Extremely solid outing from Ariza. Good for him. He would have never seen 27 minutes in Orlando this season, unless there was an injury.

quote: originally posted by bhnole: Howard is not only our MVP but the leagues at this point, you take him out of the lineup and we are suddenly a very vulnerable jump shooting team. It is all about Dwight and putting the right pieces around him. My sentiments 100%. Our entire starting lineup has performed extremely well, but our shooters would not have the looks they have if it wasn't for Howard's presence down low. Howard's passing has also improved, again helping to find open outside shooters. In the paint he's a beast, plain and simple. Best center in the league, hands down. M-V-P! M-V-P! I say we ALL start the chant when he gets to the free throw line on Friday against Indiana. The ovation for this team should be electric on Friday, welcoming our guys back from a fantastic road trip. All of them have been very valuable in their own way all season long. GO MAGIC and keep this winning thing going!

First off, I'll show my respect for JD as well -thanks for all you do on here! Now for the game - this one will be tough. Everyone knows Golden State is on fire and a powerhouse on offense, leading the NBA in scoring. Baron Davis will be terrorizing Jameer, but I look to Keyon to slow him down tonight. Without Keyon, the Magic lose in L.A. last night. He was fantastic. Some of you have said it on here already - if the Magic can start off hot, keeping Dwight out of foul trouble, they have a shot at winning this game. GO MAGIC

It has only been 4 games, I know. Still, I was curious and checked the stats for all parties involved: Orlando Magic 3-1 11/21 L vs. San Antonio Cook - DNP CD Evans - DNP Inactive 11/23 W vs. Charlotte Cook - 8mins, 1-3FG, 3pts, reb, blk, pf Evans - DNP CD 11/24 W vs. Miami Cook - 9mins, 2-4FG, 4pts, 3reb, ast, pf Evans - 12mins, 3-7FG, 6pts, pf 11/26 W vs. Portland Cook - 3mins, 0-1FG Evans - 27mins, 2-6FG, 2-2FT, 7pts, 2reb, pf Los Angeles Lakers 1-3 11/21 L vs. Milwaukee Ariza - DNP Inactive 11/23 L vs. Boston Ariza - DNP CD 11/25 L vs. New Jersey Ariza - 7mins, 1-1FG, 2pts, reb, stl, pf 11/27 W vs. Seattle Ariza - DNP Inactive In all honesty, I see Evans as being the best part of this trade for the Magic. He does almost weed out Redick COMPLETELY from this team, but he's shown hard-nosed defense and hustle in the two games he's played - things that you do not see in the stat lines. Late in the fourth against Portland, he got up and grabbed an offensive rebound in the lane. Then promptly got fouled and hit both FT's. It was a big part in putting Portland away that night. Evans is complementary to what Ariza was while he was here, and we also got Cook in the deal - so I see this trade as a plus for the Magic. Yes, I know Ariza is younger and may have more upside than Evans, but all upside translates into is expectation and it will mean nothing until he has proven himself. I'm sure Ariza will see his minutes and productivity increase in LA, and I wish him the best. Even if he played through the season with the Magic, he could've opted out at the end of the season. We got something in return instead. Does anybody know the reason behind Ariza being inactive last night vs. Seattle? Injured?

By John Denton FLORIDA TODAY PHOENIX _ His Phoenix Suns teammates having already scattered throughout U.S. Airlines Arena Thursday afternoon, Grant Hill was alone on the practice floor still hoisting one 3-pointer after another. To the very end of his star-crossed career, Hill is continuing to do things the right way. And apparently he

quote: Mayhem, for me it's not that he left us, it's how he left us. 16 mill in expiring contracts is a lot of money. We could have used that in a trade last year if we knew where his head was. A sign and trade with PHX could have gotten us something no matter how small it was. The fact that we have zero to show for 7yrs of loyalty to Grant is what sticks with me. Sure, a trade would've been nice last season. If it was obvious that Grant would not be back next season. Do you think Grant was thinking all throughout last season: "There is no WAY I'm coming back to this team next season . . . Hey Otis, you should probably trade me for something in return this year or you'll be stuck with nothing after I bolt for free agency". Come on guys, last season there were mumblings that he would retire, that there was mutual interest from Grant and the Magic in seeing a return. Things change, people change, feelings change. **** happens. It's over and he's not coming back. Do you think his Magic teammates despise Grant because they could've had some decent players to play with in return? Nope. Sorry people, I just find it real disrespectful to go off as much as everyone did. And to the guy (or should I say child?) who yelled at Grant in the middle of the NATIONAL ANTHEM . . . you make me sick - disrespecting our nation and our team.

By John Denton FLORIDA TODAY PHOENIX _ His Phoenix Suns teammates having already scattered throughout U.S. Airlines Arena Thursday afternoon, Grant Hill was alone on the practice floor still hoisting one 3-pointer after another. To the very end of his star-crossed career, Hill is continuing to do things the right way. And apparently he

The Magic home page has tonight's game listed as 9pm, as well as the Orlando Sentinel. I originally read it was a 10pm start, but am now thinking otherwise. Regardless, I'll be glued to Sun Sports regardless at 9pm! Magic 111 Suns 101 GO MAGIC

The Magic could really make a statement with a win in Phoenix. I hope they don't try to run with Phoenix, because they will get run right out of the building like their previous meeting at Amway. I think SVG knows better this time around. I see the keys to the game as the following: Slow the game down on the offensive end. Rashard needs to shoot a good perecentage from the field, especially 3's. He was 3-14 FG and 1-5 3PT in the previous meeting, his lowest scoring effort (7) on the season. Decent perimiter defense. Dwight hits 70% FT's. The Magic have a good shot at winning this game as far as I'm concerned. Barbosa was absolutely UNSTOPPABLE last time around, and that simply will not happen again tonight. Rashard was off like I previously stated, so I hope he can bounce back especially since he's been in a funk the last few games. Dwight was about the only solid performer in their last meeting (33pts, 18reb), hopefully he can put up something similar to that this time around. GO MAGIC

SEATTLE

SEATTLE

I didn't see the Seattle game (thanks BH, FSN, Magic), but was happy to see the box score with Redick's name in it. 11pts in 17mins, 4-5 FG including 2-2 3PT. Nice to see him getting some minutes, however I wonder if it will go back to how it was once Dooling is inserted back into the rotation. At least we know he can still do what he's paid to do - score. The defensive liability might push him back out of the SVG rotation unless another injury (knock on wood) gives him an opportunity.

That's what is so great about this Magic team. Someone has a real tough night, the others pick up the slack. Rashard had a real rough performance in Seattle, but Dwight had a career night and guys like Bogans and Turk hit key shots down the stretch. With Lewis on the floor, teams will continue to respect his range and ability regardless of what kind of night he's having. It keeps the floor spread and this team continues to have plenty of weapons to go to, night after night. EVERYONE is contributing on this team, and that translantes into big W's. Dwight 39pts, 16reb, 5blk, Arroyo 14 assists, JJ 11 pts, Turk a double-double, things are looking good right now - this team is fun to watch . . . when they're on TV!

Found some relevant Magic photos in the bunch Rashard throwing down his best dunk of the year, against the Celtics . . . look at the disgusted look on KG's face: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_galle...unks2/content.1.html The Diesel abusing Foyle last Saturday: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_galle...unks2/content.2.html D12 dunks with his eyes closed against Charlotte: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_galle...nks2/content.24.html