In a game that was not as close as the final score indicates, the Magic continue their 4-game road trip on a 2-1 record by dismantling the lowly Nets. The outcome was expected to be honest but the methods used to achieve it weren’t.
Dwight Howard led the Orlando Magic against his potential suitor with yet another double-double, scoring 20 points in the process. Even more astonishing was the play of Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who came off the bench to score 16 points on 8 for 11 shooting.
Big Baby was a player who Dwight requested the Magic pursue in the off-season for his tremendous defensive ability and post presence. The idea was the pair would be an incredible pick-and-roll duo that would leave shooters wide open. The only problem? Ryan Anderson quickly established he was having a breakout season, which left Big Baby as a bench player.
Tonight, the NBA got a taste of the duo for the first time as they controlled the paint in both offense and defense, leaving the Nets without a working answer (as the score indicates). Do you choose to guard the on-fire post player or the league’s best center? What about the shooters? Don’t ask the Nets, they didn’t know. They let the Magic outplay them with a team total of 32 assists.
“When we move the ball like that it usually means we’re playing great basketball,” Anderson said. “When we win games and win by big margins it’s because everybody is active and aggressive. We played great team basketball.”
The Nets, on the other hand, were characterized by overall poor performances. Star Point-Guard, Deron Williams did score 23 points; however, he alone notched 7 turnovers and failed to score a single point in the 4th quarter. At no time is that acceptable for a single player. Much exaggerated center, Brook Lopez, scored 15 points, but it took him 16 shots to do it.
Don’t blame these stats on poor play alone. The Magic’s defense did its job on the night. So, why am I bringing this up?
Why, oh, why does Dwight Howard want to go to this team? Can someone please comment and answer me this? He says he wants a championship; does he really think the lowly Nets can provide him this? He had an on-court seat to see how talent-devoid the Nets are, and had this to say:
“Right now my only concern is winning games, playing the best I can every night…the only thing I can control is what I do on the court. That’s the only answer I can give.”
After the game, Howard was spotted talking to the Net’s new co-owner, Jay-Z, laughing and smiling. Before the game, Howard spent a majority of his time talking with long-time friend, Deron Williams. You see where I’m going here?
Regardless of Dwight’s obsession with this team, it’s hard to see the Magic making a deal with the Nets. They won’t give up their young sharpshooter, Marshon Brooks. They’re offering Lopez who is not a reliable Dwight replacement at all. They certainly won’t trade Deron Williams.
Either way, Magic fans will find out soon enough as the All-Star break and trade deadline rapidly approach.
Written by Brandon Hayhurst
Education Career Services
