Wonder which Magic team plans on showing up? Come to think of it, not knowing makes the trip a tad more fun… don’t you think?
It rained all day, but that’s outside and we have no control of such things. Inside, Dwight Howard was notified of winning the league’s player of the month (for an impressive fifth time in his young career) and in a spin, the Magic will have an opportunity to control the next 48 minutes by showering baskets against a team wet behind their ears.
First Quarter Dew:
After a long warm-up to tip, Philly controlled only to miss their first attempt. Orlando did a repeat, hitting the front rim. Back with a long rebound, Philly took the first lead while Redick evened the score on his initial attempt. The first six minutes of the set found both teams vying for place.
Personal observation: Philly is not a very good team… which is good for the Magic as the first quarter resembled an ant farm without direction. The play (both teams) was sloppy, defense weak. The only less entertaining part of the first six minutes was watching a group of middle-aged men pretending to dance during the first time out. And why are these dance mockers here anyway?
At the five minute mark and the Magic down by 2 (14 to 12), I caught a few yawns from the audience (and one from me as well).
At the one minute mark, the Magic secured a one-point lead (concluding the quarter 21 to 20).
First quarter resistor:
- Neither team played with conviction or control
- Howard played all 12 minutes, scoring 12 of the Magic’s 21 points
- Nine shot attempts made by the Magic, Howard hit five
Second quarter began and played much like the first, little team ball and even less defense. With Howard on the bench, Orlando appeared lost. The first timeout of the second quarter showcased the Magic Dancers… finally something to cheer about!
Looking for something to talk about? One week until Christmas, and I have yet to purchase anything. Good news is I don’t anticipate any gifts coming my way… call it an even trade or should I get Otis involved?
Back to the game: Howard returned at the 7:45 point and a tied game. Dwight picked up his second foul at the 6:01 mark; he best be careful as the bench looks thin. Lucky for the Magic they are playing a high school team. Oops, did I say that out loud? What does that make the Magic if they get beat? Did I say that out loud too?
With 3:05 remaining in the first half, the Magic found themselves down 36 to 33. For those lacking math skills, that means Orlando scored a total of 12 points in 9 minutes. By the end of the first half, the Magic trailed by one (40 to 39).
First half summary:
- Magic are an average team playing another average team
- Magic secured a 25% connect rate from the three point line and 35% inside the long line (down only by one? How can that be?)
- Dwight accounted for one second quarter point
Third quarter, and I’m thinking umbrella.
Personal observation: If the Magic make it beyond the second round of the playoffs, I will be surprised. I am not related to Scrooge!
Third quarter shower:
- Orlando down by 7 (71/64)
- Where have all the Magic shooters gone… oh, forgot: traded
- A dreary 12 minutes of play (notice the rain reference?)
- Magic Dancers in skimpy Santa outfits dancing on the court; what took them so long?
Final quarter and this has been one of the least impressive games of the year. Call it post-trade blues if you will, but the Magic had best get it together or call for a trade redo.
Howard began the final quarter on the bench. With no true center replacement available, his rest may be a quick one. Dwight reentered the game after resting 3 minutes and 24 seconds of game time, finding home down 80 to 70.
First possession and a non-contested slam by Howard. Philly found all net on their possession. Magic came back with a clunker and foul. Still down by ten, Nelson was called for his third foul. With penalty in effect, the Magic fell behind by 12 with 7 minutes to go.
Feeling dampness with three minutes remaining, Orlando reached for a towel and slipped on a wet spot. Lacking shooters, the Magic floundered down the stretch.
Audience exit began with 216 ticks left in the game and home down by 13. With 109 ticks remaining and the Magic down by 11, half the crowd decided dancing in the rain was the holiday way to spend a Saturday Night. Though this was not an impressive outing for Orlando, they showed dignity during the final few minutes (with the exception of a technical foul call against Stan Van Gundy at the 31-second point.). I believe things can (and will) only get better.
Final result: Orlando lost, like duh (Howard ended the game with 26 points and 20 rebounds, just thought I would share this bit of information).
On a final note, hope everyone has a safe and warm holiday (as well as a groovy New Year).
dhuffman
