A new Magic, a new season, a new beginning. On paper, the Magic should have their hands full as Denver’s two Andre’s, Iguodala and Miller, have a history of wreaking havoc.
Two relatively undeveloped teams warmed up to a small crowd fourteen minutes prior to tip. Oddly enough, not a single “boo” chanted as the Nuggets hit the court. For a season opener, much too quiet with too few people… but the night was young.
Five minutes before tip, the seating section on my right chaired two, a father and a son. I’m starting to wonder what’s on the tube and if I should make for a quick commercial break. Hold off, two more seats occupied… this place is rocking now (is your satire gauge on?).
Tip off attendance and spectator blare became respectable in a hurry as the Magic’s starting five: Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis, Hedo Turkoglu, Nikola Vucevic, and Arron Afflalo parked center stage.
Immediately controlled by Orlando, the first points of the season (and game) came from a 15 foot swish by Davis. Magic took a quick lead while Davis committed his first foul seconds after the score. A quick tie and several misses later, Denver took a forceful two-point lead. Lacking leadership, the Magic acquired their first turnover at the 9:43 mark.
Second basket of the season happened with 8:00 minutes to go, thanks to a soft inside touch by new-comer Vucevic. Moments later, Davis tied the game with his fourth point of the season; Nuggets replied with a three. Going back and forth without consistency, the first quarter found the Magic handling a team lacking inside strength or a defensive plan.
Orlando jostled to a first quarter lead, 29 to 18:
- Magic shot one three pointer for the quarter, missing badly
- Denver hit 8 out of 25 attempts for a cold 32%
- Redick, off the bench, led all scorers with 10
- Magic stole the inside show for a total of 20 points in the paint
Before getting too excited about the lead, recognize the Denver Nuggets, thus far, seemed to have forgotten practice games ended a few days ago.
Back to the second, The Magic’s Redick hit a three for the first of the season. After running back and forth for close the 180 ticks, the Nuggets found themselves behind 38 to 22… far enough behind to merit a side-line chat.
Several misfires and five minutes later, the Magic’s three-point sling was back in full force as the Nuggets continued to struggled in all aspects of the game. If not for Andre Miller, the game would have been even more of an embarrassment for the visiting team.
Halftime confirmed Magic’s dominance, 58 to 37:
- Glen Davis pounded without abandon, making 7 out of 12 for a total of 15 points
- Magic rediscovered the three point shot, hitting 3 of 4
- Andre Miller led the Nuggets, making 4 of 5 for a total of 9 points
With Orlando feeling the makings of an undefeated season (though a bit premature), the third proved to be too much for Denver.
Up by 20 at the ten minute mark, the Magic slowed the pace hospitably. Several turnovers and missed shots later, the Magic found their lead shrink to ten, 62 to 52. After a quick timeout to recoup, Davis pushed the rim and secured two freebies at the line. Back up by 12, Davis grabbed the defensive rebound without competition.
After 36 minutes of dribbling, Orlando has yet to close a quarter in the red (all season), 78 to 68:
- Gallinary led the Nuggets in scoring with 20
- Davis and Redick combined for 41
Beginning the final 12 with intensity, the Magic hit two baskets to push an already bloated lead. Davis continued to handle resistance, taking it to home almost at will. Calling timeout with 9:37 to go and down by 16, Denver stepped to the side for a group hug.
Rumor has it: Hedo left the game with a broken left hand.
Not feeling the love, Denver played the final few with slouched shoulders and a self-fulfilled prophecy. The question wasn’t if they would lose, it was how badly they would lose.
Overall, the Orlando Magic played well, but I doubt this team will win more than 23 games for the season. Then again, at this moment in time and space, they are undefeated and lead the division!
Final score: Orlando Magic 102, Denver Nuggets 89.
Shout out for Magic’s head coach Jacque Vaughn: job well done.
Danny Huffman
West Orlando News Online
Education Career Services
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs
