When you’re Dwight your Dwight, and boy can that guy block some shots. Having his highest scoring game of the season – with 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots – the reigning defensive player of the year led the Magic to a physical 116-91 win over the Pistons Wednesday night.
With 3 blocks within the first 2.5 minutes, and a fast break 30 seconds after tip-off, the Piston’s aggressive defense did nothing to slow the high flying acrobatics of the Orlando Magic. Fresh off the All-Star break, Howard had consecutive alley-oop dunks in the opening quarter. To Detroit’s credit, the Pistons kept it close with Richard Hamilton putting up a quiet, season-high 36 points. After the game, Matt Burns told reporters, “It was like I was a running-back. If they got in my way, they got run over.”
Orlando’s attitude certainly kept the momentum in their favor, but like the Ying to their Yang, the Magics’ inconsistency allowed Detroit to maintain a close 3-point spread throughout the game. It wasn’t until Detroit began to dislike the taste of their own medicine that Orlando really break away. Looking more like a playoff game, the Magic called the Pistons’ bumps and slaps and raised them 2 flagrant fouls and a couple of elbows.
“They’re like bullies. You push back and they don’t like it. They like doing the pushing, but can’t handle it when it’s done to them.” Van Gundy commented after the game. One thing is for sure, Detroit’s Ben Gordon certainly didn’t enjoy the Magic’s plan, getting called for a double-technical foul and being ejected midway through the fourth quarter for using his arm to hit J.J. Redick near the face, then arguing with the official.
There was no turning back for Orlando after that point with Dwight Howard show-boating a bit, running the point for a drive and spinning away from Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince before passing the ball to Jameer Nelson. He’s no Magic Johnson, but he definitely showed more than a little magic tonight, and the crowd loved it. Its always great to see our boys having fun while holding down the fort at home.
Next on the list for the Magic are the Dallas Mavericks. Let’s see if Orlando starts playing some consistent basketball for both halves before the playoffs have them wishing they had nipped that issue in the bud.
By Charles Montoya, Career Services International.
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