With Vince Carter struggling, going 1 for 8 from the field, and Jameer Nelson leaving the game with a hyper-extended left knee – Orlando’s bench stepped up Sunday night to lead the team to a 91 -86 victory over Detroit.
J.J. Redick controlled the onslaught with 17 points while Dwight Howard (16 pts) had his hands full, fighting off double teams and a physical Ben Wallace who found himself in foul trouble early on.
The Magic set the tone with Rashard Lewis sinking the first 9 of his 15 points in first quarter. Detroit kept the game close with help from Chucky Atkins and Janos Jerebko who pulled through some last minute 3-pointers to drop the Magic lead to within 8 points after the first 12 minutes.
Determined to stop their six-game losing streak, Detroit turned on its afterburners in the second quarter, cutting Orlando’s 15 point lead down to 3 and outscoring the Magic 24-19 heading into half time.
The third quarter opened with Orlando up 48-45. Showing a renewed sense of urgency, Detroit took a 1 point lead (51-50) with 7:49 left in the third quarter. It appeared that Orlando’s spell was fading and Detroit would keep Van Gundy from winning the spot as head coach of the Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Seeing his team’s chances motor away, a frustrated Van Gundy told his team during a timeout, “It happens every time you walk into this building; the Pistons play harder than you do… all the time! They’re running right to the rim against you!”
It was obvious Detroit was out-hustling the Magic. Rodney Stuckey led Detroit’s counter-attack, capturing 18 points. Tayshaun Prince added 16.
Orlando’s attempts to regain control were frustrated, driving the team toward their season high in offensive fouls.
The score was tied with 3:30 left to play in the game, when Mickael Pietrus landed a 3-pointer, giving Orlando the lead. Unfortunately, Pietrus rolled his right ankle when he landed on Richard Hamilton’s foot and had to leave the floor with minutes left to play.
Taking the game down to the wire, Rashard Lewis found himself on the foul line with 9.5 seconds left in the fourth. Zeroing in and making both free throws, Detroit had one final chance to tie with a 3 point basket.
It was not to be. Anthony Johnson picked off a pass and Orlando capitalized, scoring again to make the final score 91-86.
This victory brings the Magic’s season record to 32-16 while Detroit’s suffering continues with only 15 wins and 30 losses.
During the postgame interviews, the Magic locker room gave much of the credit to Anthony Johnson, coming off the bench to fill in for the injured Jameer Nelson.
Van Gundy had this to say about Johnson, who hasn’t played in 17 of the last 19 games, “[Anthony Johnson’s performance tonight] is a testament to his professionalism and his preparation.”
Adding that he hoped Detroit failed to make the play-offs so his team would not have to return to this “house of horrors”– Van Gundy’s team can be happy for now, winning their first game at the Palace in the last 15 visits.
Charles Montoya
Covering the game for West Orlando News
Mr. Montoya, Thank you so much for keeping on the edge of my seat. I found your review to be entirely engaging. West Orlando news seems to be bringing in some exciting new talent. You have me enthralled!