The Magic have been playing better basketball as of late, winning 7 of their last 9 games–two of which were tough overtime losses. However, the Magic still need to address problems with their team in the coming weeks. Fortunately, the Magic addressed two of those concerns tonight in a decisive win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A balanced scoring effort from the entire Magic roster quieted worries that the Magic’s bench players–with the obvious exception of J.J. Redick–can’t put points up on the scoreboard.
Jason Richardson, who has been playing very well lately, led the team with 17 points and 6 rebounds. More importantly, six Magic players scored in double figures. And seldom-seen Earl Clark turned some heads by scoring 8 points (two of which were dunks) and an impressive 2 blocks. Clark also played impressive defensive on All-Star reserve, Kevin Love, limiting him to a measly 19 points on 8 for 17 shooting–none of those were his trademark three-point shots.
Another concern about the Magic is the rather poor performance of their guards for the large majority of this season and last season.
Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson come to mind as the obvious beneficiaries of these complaints. However, these two played extremely well tonight, registering 17 and 14 points, respectively. Even more interesting, the guards for the team out-rebounded the forwards and centers.
Richardson, specifically, is feeling good about his increased role within the team.
“I know that I missed two shots and that cost my teammates, but I’m going to continue to be ready when my number is called toward the end of the game. I’ll continue to take those shots and I’m not afraid to fail,” he said.
This should come as a relief to Magic fans because Richardson played this role well on his former team, the Phoenix Suns; in fact, he regularly closed games with game-winning shots, something that, at the time, was his trademark.
The Magic still have yet to address the concern that they lack a 4th quarter closer. Their two recent overtime losses are proof enough of this complaint.
Star player, and soon-to-be ex-Magic player, Dwight Howard commented on this recently, stating that he felt he should be the one closing games.
Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy, on the other hand, placed the ball in Richardson’s hands by design. His increased role in the 4th quarter does breath new hope into a team that desperately needs anything to cling onto. Especially considering the aging Richardson was recently signed to a five-year extension by much-loved (not really) Magic GM, Otis Smith.
Richardson, after all, was one of the key components of last year’s roster-shaking trades, but failed to produce anything meaningful. Are the last few games a sign of change for this aging high-flyer?
Currently, it’s too early to tell. Some cautious optimism is available for fans, though. Might as well cling onto it while there’s still something to be optimistic about.
Written by Brandon Hayhurst
Education Career Services
