Orlando Magic Blog

Group Blog talking about the NBA 2009 Eastern Conference Champions. Due to the amazing success of the 2009 playoff run comments are now frequently deleted to kill offensive comments, incoherence, or asininity. Comments can no longer be anonymous and require either a Blogger or OpenID account.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Magic pull off huge upset in SA

The Magic, playing the second of back-to-back nights and again without CArroyo, go into SA, who is playing for the best record in the West, and somehow manage to beat the Spurs... by 12 points no less, 92-80.

Another great team effort by the Magic, with 5 players in double figures. Coach Hill used an 8 man rotation. DHoward led the way with 22 pts and 13 rebounds. JNelson had an outstanding game with 19 pts, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. HTurkoglu added 15 pts, Darko with 14 pts, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks off the bench, and DStevenson added 10. Tim Duncan kept the Spurs in the game with 31 pts and 13 rebs. Michael Finley added 16 off the bench, and Tony Parker added 12, but with 7 TOs. Manu Ginobili was held out due to his injury. Brent Barry scored just 5 pts in his place.

Good team stats for the Magic. They outscored SA 78-71 from the field on 49.4% shooting. SA shot 45.2%. The Magic shot 14 of 19 from the FT line (73.7%), while SA was just 9 of 16 (56.2%). SA outrebounded the Magic 42-39. The Magic took great care of the ball with just 9 TOs, while SA had 16. The Spurs added 22 assists to 15 for the Magic. The Spurs bench outscored the Magic bench 27-20.

The Magic continue their incredible run (7 wins in a row, 11 of 12, and 15 of 19). They desperately need help from WAS and MIA Friday night to beat CHI and PHI. If that happens, the Magic will be only 2 games behind both teams. Even Coach Hill's harshest critics have to admit he's done a really nice job preparing his team for each game and getting them to believe in themselves.

posted by Mike from Illinois @ 11:45 PM  

18 Comments:

  • At 12:42 AM, Blogger Mike from Illinois said…

    Guys, if someone had told me a month ago that the Magic would beat Dallas and Detroit, and win at Miami and at San Antonio, in a 2 week period, I would have said what kind of drugs are you on!

    Unbelievable... this team continues to amaze everyone. What makes this win even more incredible is that the Magic were playing the second game of a back-to-back set, and were without a key member of the bench, Carlos Arroyo. And the Spurs had only lost 6 games at home all year.

    Who cares about the draft now? What a shame it would be for the Magic to not make the playoffs. If only WAS could help the Magic by beating the Bulls Friday night; and MIA the same over PHI.

     

  • At 3:30 AM, Blogger OVERWADED said…

    The Magic finally got some love nationally tonight. Sir Charles was praising the team, Otis Smith, and proclaiming Dwight a monster and the best young star in the game behind Lebron.

    It was one hell of a win tonight. Dwight went toe 2 toe with Duncan playing like he had been an all-star for years. He showed a fire and physical side that he doesn't often show. Nelson, like always, didn't back down to Parker and outshined him in the clutch. Darko showed no fear and played well. And the role players did exactly what they were suppose to do. Regardless what happens with the playoffs, the year couldn't end much better. I love this team. Go Magic!

     

  • At 4:48 AM, Blogger Ken said…

    UNFRIGGINBELIEVABLE!!!! Superb win, this team just keeps amazing me..

     

  • At 5:00 AM, Blogger Ken said…

    I just went to espn.com, clicked on NBA and ya know what? Not one frigging word about the Magic win over SA.. NOT ONE!!!! It mentions the Cavs beating NYK without LBJ, big god damn deal!! and Larry Brown leaving the game sick, again, who the hell cares? Not until you click on a link saying "Dallas takes a Dip" does it even mention the Magic win.. What a crock of shit!!! If the Magic had lost that game it would have been plastered all over ESPN about the Mighty Spurs and how invinible they are... Again, what a crock of shit!! Why can't the so called sports media give this team any recognition for what they have done? ok, i'm done ranting..

     

  • At 5:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I stopped paying attention to espn a long time ago.

    I feel the same way like Mike mentions in his first paragraph. This is unreal.
    And you know what? I really wouldn't be so down if we don't make the playoffs. I'm so goddamn proud of this team, they've proven they are a contender. They've proven it to the fans, to the other teams, to themselves. Who cares espn doesn't notice it? Next season, the moment will come espn and everybody else cán't turn their heads anymore.

    What a huge, huge win. I'm so proud.

     

  • At 5:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Oops, forgot to mention:
    even if I wouldn't be incredibly disappointed if we don't make the postseason, it'd still be a bloody heist and ripoff to see Philly or Chicago there and not us. This Magic team deserves a playoff spot like no other, obviously.
    But I'm just so happy with how this team is doing right now, that's all that's really important:)

     

  • At 8:57 AM, Blogger WeRDevos said…

    I'm officially giddy. Before the Minnesota game I said I'd be happy if Magic finish 6-5 and giddy if they won 7 or more. They are 7-1. 6-0 in April after 9-8 March.

    If they miss the playoffs I hope they figure out a way to bottle this up and keep it going next year.

    Kudos to Brian Hill for endorsing Otis for the GM job in yesterdays papers.

     

  • At 11:37 AM, Blogger Big Figure said…

    Is this for real? We've got to be dreaming! The magic's new look team,looks like one of the top five teams in the league,and can and will compete for the eastern title very soon!

     

  • At 11:57 AM, Blogger Big Figure said…

    I never thought when this team was 20-40,that we had a chance to finish with more wins this year,than we did with last years squad,but to be able to finish with more wins means this franchise is on the up and up and that feels good,we can expect for the win total to improve more next year,over 40 wins should be a guarantee,and in my opinion they could win 50 next year,the east isnt that great,and the magic is just the type of team to start exposing some of these so-called veteran playoff teams,b/c we're just getting started,can you imagine having to deal with this team after a training camp and pre-season under their belts together,i really dont expect this team to lose much next year,i really dont!

     

  • At 1:16 PM, Blogger OVERWADED said…

    I Magic have def. given us some bright and high expectations for next season. I really don't see how we can't win 50 next season. Even when we were in the pits this year with injuries and the Francis drama we were still a decent home team. Now, since Francis is no more, we're a great home team. The Magic should dominate their home floor next season. With another summer, training camp, preseason, added confidence and chemistry, the Magic will continue to grow and get better right before our eyes. They are such a young team, and I have a feeling this time right now is the turning point that will be looked back on for years to come. With all that said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Magic are in the 2 or 3 seed in the east next year.

    Another note on Dwight Howard... I was thinking this last night, because Dwight showed a side last night that he never has. Like I said in my first post, he went toe 2 toe with Duncan and didn't back down. If anything, he just went harder... His late post move where he back Duncan down, spun baseline, and scored with his left was just sick. He ended up falling to the floor, as he gets up, he pounds the floor, and starts running the other way. That was a legend in the making. No doubt he will be an all-star next season. I was reading Dante's Speak on orlandomagic.com this morning, and here is how he summed it up...

    But the biggest play in this game, maybe the biggest play of the year and quite possibly the biggest moment in Dwight Howard's young career came late in the fourth quarter. The Magic were looking for the knockout punch and they lobbed the ball into the post for Dwight. He shot a dismal 4-18 earlier in the year against Tim Duncan, but this is the new Dwight Howard and these are the new Orlando Magic. Dwight collects the pass, backs down Tim Duncan, drop step and lays it in with his left. Folks, that was the biggest bucket of this young man's career. Not only was it a pivotal bucket late in the game that originated with his back to the basket, but it was on Tim Duncan. Did you hear me? Dwight Howard put the game away, late in the fourth by abusing a healthy Tim Duncan in the post!

     

  • At 2:16 PM, Blogger Big Figure said…

    VERY GOOD POST INTRO!!!!!!!! I'm down right giddy about dwight howards future!!!

     

  • At 2:55 PM, Blogger Mike from Illinois said…

    Another pleasant surprise is that Brian Hill is proving that he can coach this team to success. We all know about his past, his faults, his lack of communication skills; however, it sure looks like he is learning from his past mistakes, and the players seem to be rallying around him. This is a new team and a new beginning for everyone.

    Sure, the players deserve tons of credit for the way they're finishing the season, but it would be foolish to say that Coach Hill doesn't deserve any credit also.

    No one can argue against a 15-4 record, including wins over several top NBA teams.

     

  • At 3:14 PM, Blogger Mike from Illinois said…

    CHI is a 4 pt favorite over WAS tonight, and MIA is a 4 pt favorite over PHI.

    WAS still has a chance to beat the Bulls. Luol Deng will miss the game, Chris Duhon may not play, and Ben Gordon and Kirk Heinrich are battling nagging injuries.

    However, I expect the Bulls to win this game, because it means so much to them and the Wizards have lost 4 games in a row and are playing poorly.

    The game is on ESPN... lots of Magic fans will be rooting for the Wizards.

     

  • At 4:31 PM, Blogger OVERWADED said…

    WAS is in CHI tonight. I expect it to be a tough game to win. At the same time, WAS has lost 4 in a row, so you know they're going to break out of their slump eventually. WAS is the better team, and have better individual players such as Arenas and Jamison. All we can do is hope for a win. Go Bullets, I mean Wizards!

    MIA is playing at home against PHIL. It shouldn't even be close. If the game is close, MIA might as well start planning their summer, because their in trouble if they can't handle PHIL with ease. PHIL is a threat to no one, regardless of AI's greatest.

    What is the longest winning streak in the history of the Orlando Magic? I'm pretty sure they've hit 9 twice. Wouldn't it be something if the Magic could win out the season. It'll be tough to do, but anything is possible with this team right now.

     

  • At 5:54 PM, Blogger Ken said…

    I love watching these guys play together, the ball sharing, the confidence in their teamates, the comradirey, it almost seems like a dream sometimes. I'm watching them and its like they have played together as a team for years. Everyone brings something special to the table and when you blend it all together, i can't explain it, it just works.. And other teams are struggling to match up US, instead of us always looking for just the right matchup.. Dwight Howard is such a breath of fresh air for the entire NBA. Heres a kid not far removed from high school, and he's performed admirabley against the best veteren players in the league, and he does it with intelligence and class. I have loved his last 2 post-game interviews, he sounds like he's having the time of his life, he is wise beyond his years.

    I've been one of the biggest critics of BSH, but i've got to say, he seems to be making the right substitutions at the right time and anytime one of the players mention him they credit much of their success to him, so as long as the players are happy with him and enjoy playing for him, who are we to critiziz?
    And on a final note, I'm almost afraid of drafting some high profile college player or aquiring some high priced free agent, If i were incharge i'd be afraid of tinking with the chemistry we have.

     

  • At 6:19 PM, Blogger Big Figure said…

    Great point omar,if it aint broke dont try and fix it attitude,yep i agree,we should just let this team go into next season and see what they can do,with or without a healthy grant hill,i think this team can host the first and second rounds of the playoffs in ORLANDO,oh and the draft pick (whoever we pick) will have to be unbelieveable in practice/someone gets injured to crack the two deep line-up,so this will be a great place for a young player to learn!

     

  • At 8:13 PM, Blogger OVERWADED said…

    Grant Hill is an interesting topic, because this team didn't start doing what they are doing until he was out. Hedo was not the player he is now when Grant was around. I'd love to see Grant stick around and ride these young guys backs, but if he comes back, he absolutely cannot be a starter. As for adding anyone else, the only guys you have to worry about replacing are guys like Augmon, Kasun, and maybe Garrity. I don't think this team should add a "superstar". Matt always worried about this team not having a "superstar", but this group has something many others do not; they are a TEAM! Still, we also have a couple superstars in the making with Howard and Nelson. Speaking of, where are you at Matt?

     

  • At 12:27 AM, Blogger Mike from Illinois said…

    Intro, Matt decided to take some time off from the blog. He didn't appreciate some of the comments that were being made, and thought that some of the comments made were putting too much of a twist to what he was saying.

    I do hope that Matt decides to rejoin us soon! Just like the rest of us, he's a great Magic fan.

     

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