Dwight Howard registered 25 points and 17 rebounds in a home victory against the Charlotte Bobcats… at least that’s what the stats say.
If you’re looking at the stats for tonight’s game you’re severely missing out on the true stars of the show for the Orlando Magic. Welcome to the Late 4th Quarter Show with Hedo Turkoglu.
Let’s start with our host, Hedo Turkoglu. He scored 15 points on the night—8 in the fourth quarter. Moving on, let’s talk to Von Wafer, the co-host, who scored an impressive 13 points by providing an energetic spark off the bench that the Magic sorely needed—also 8 points in the fourth quarter. Do you see where this is going?
Even Ryan Anderson, who was 0-7 from beyond the arc all night, hit a crucial trey with 1:31 remaining in the fourth quarter. Clutch.
This isn’t the first time the Magic have done this; in fact, the Magic have been coming alive in the fourth quarter all season long. Whether it was last night’s victory in New York, one of our first games against Toronto, or our all-game trailing upset against Golden State, the Magic are looking more-and-more like the ’08-’09 Finals team that were experts at the art of comebacks.
Dwight Howard claims this trend is due to the replacement of negativity with positivity by both coaching staff and players.
“One thing that me and Jameer are trying to do is keep everybody level-headed no matter what the situation is and whether calls are going against us or not. We’re trying to stick with it and stay together. We’re doing a good job of that so far,’’ Howard said.
Anyone who believes attitude doesn’t affect the performance of sports teams need only look at the Bobcats for proof.
You see, the Bobcats maintained the lead for a larger portion of the game. Their team was all smiles as they played toe-to-toe with the Magic, giving them a run for their money; however, come fourth quarter when the game slipped further and further from Charlotte’s reach, they turned on one another as their offense ground to a screeching halt.
You can credit the Magic’s fourth quarter lockdown defense that secured wins against the Knicks and Warriors but the frustration on Bobcats’ faces was evident as they bickered with one another and complained during time-out calls.
Both teams shot 48% on the night, so the fourth quarter determined this game as it normally does.
Unfortunately, tonight’s show also ended with a sad scene as Turkoglu landed awkwardly on his foot with less than a minute remaining in the game. He limped his way to the locker room as the crowd quietly looked on.
Will Turkoglu be present for tomorrow’s show against the visiting Spurs who are 0-5 on the road? Can the show function without its host? Tune in tomorrow for another exciting episode!
Closing jab: Turkoglu received another Technical Foul for arguing a foul call. Not one to be outdone and tied for Technicals in his home court, Howard promptly argued another foul call, picking up a T as well. Phew… that was close.
by Brandon Hayhurst
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