Posts Tagged ‘Orlando Magic’

Hack-A-Howard Fun

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Posted 13 Jan 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Golden St. Warriors, NBA, Orlando Magic

The Golden St. Warriors have a weird way of playing basketball. When the going gets tough, the Warriors foul, and foul, and foul again. They continue fouling until they eventually lose the game. In a strategy born from the days when Shaquille O’Neal missed free throw after free throw, the Golden St. Warriors for the second time this season decided to foul the poorest free throw shooter on the floor and hope he missed enough to ensure victory. The Warriors attempted the strategy against the Los Angeles Clippers and DeAndre Jordan was more then happy to miss tons of free throws.  Unfortunately for the Warriors being an undersized team and pretty awful defensively they are forced to go Gregg Popovich on teams. Good luck Mark Jackson.

Dwight Howard went 21-39 from the FT line, the most free-throw attempts in NBA history and tied for the 3rd-most MISSED free throws in an NBA game. Only Wilt Chamberlain (22, 19, 18) has ever missed as many free throws in an NBA game.

Howard finished with 45 points and 23 rebounds, to propel the Magic to their third straight victory. It also marked the first time a player had at least 40 points and 20 rebounds since Shaquille O’Neal – another poor free throw shooter — had 48 points and 20 rebounds against the Celtics on March 1, 2003, according to STATS LLC.

This was Howards 1st career game with 40+ points, 20+ rebounds. He’s the only active player to accomplish that feat. Take that Kobe.

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Recap+Top Plays From Last Night(Nov.22)

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Posted 23 Nov 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Tony Parker had 24 points and 10 assists, and the Spurs continued their best start in franchise history with a 106-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night, improving their NBA-best record to 12-1 while surviving their stiffest test yet.

“The first five, six games were not against great teams,” said Ginobili, who scored 25 points. “But now we’ve beat Utah, Phoenix and now Orlando at home, which is always a tough matchup for us.”

Dwight Howard 26 points (11-16), 18 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks in the loss.

Beating Orlando was a validating win on this streak for the Spurs, none of whom were about to declare themselves the NBA’s best team afterward.

  • The Only team to beat the Spurs the New Orleans Hornets, loss their second game of the season to the Clippers.  Clippers rookies Al-Farouq Aminu, and Blake Griffin combined for 40 points on 15-26 shooting.

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Meanwhile down on South Beach:

The Miami Heat heard the boo birds from the home crowd as they were blown out by the Indiana Pacers 93-77.

Indiana outrebounded Miami 48-39, forced 22 turnovers while committing 13, outscored the Heat 38-18 in the paint, and had more assists (26) than the Heat had field goals (24). Dwyane Wade scored 3 points on 1-13 shooting. OUCH!

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Magic blowout Wizards on opening night

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Posted 28 Oct 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The NBA still upset with the Washington Wizards from lasts years mishaps scheduled them against the Orlando Magic on opening night for both teams. Like throwing the lambs to slaughter. The Orlando Magic made short work of the Washington Wizards leading by as many as 35 points in their 112-83 blowout to kick off the 2010/11 campaign in the new Amway Center. Dwight Howard led four Magic players in double-figure scoring with 23 points, Vince Carter scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half. The Wizards top overall draft pick John Wall shot 6-of-19 in his NBA debut, which didn’t impress, but his speed and playmaking (9 assists to 3 turnovers) showed promise for a dismal Washington team missing crucial offensive options Josh Howard and Gilbert Arenas.The Wizards 29-point defeat in his debut is the largest ever by a No. 1 pick in the common draft era. Cartier Martin(undrafted) lead the Wiz in scoring with 17. Ever wonder how Dwight Howard so big. He has to do push-ups after he misses free throws…and he misses ALOT of free throws. After missing two free throws late in the blowout against Washington, Howard performs his punishment:

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A sneak peek of the Orlando Magic’s new black alternates

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Posted 27 Sep 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category NBA, Orlando Magic

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Michael Jordan wears #12!(time capsule)

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Posted 01 Sep 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Chicago Bulls, NBA, Orlando Magic

The Truth Sports takes a trip back in time when the NBA was a tad rougher, and some players wore shorts we now call “daisy dukes”!

February, 1990-Reggie Miller’s jersey was stolen from the Eastern Conference dressing room after the 1990 All-Star Game at Miami Arena. Then a thief pulled off the coup de grace at Orlando Arena on the following Wednesday, when he/she swiped Michael Jordan’s famous No. 23 before the Chicago-Magic game.

Someone slipped into the Bulls’ dressing room about 5:30 p.m. and stole Jordan’s jersey for the first time ever. An alert was sounded, and drastic measures taken. Orlando Arena officials sealed off the building about 6 o’clock, and departing employees were searched. The jersey was not found.

Then someone spotted a kid in the stands wearing a Jordan jersey. He had a likely story: He was a Bulls fans and bought the jersey at a sporting-goods store. The authorities apparently believed him, but they took the jersey to Jordan anyway. It was too small, so His Airness was given the a jersey with the number 12,  and had the name removed off the back. Michael scored 49 points, a Bulls record for players wearing that number, but the Bulls lost in overtime. I have read that Sam Vincent gave up his jersey, but he wore the number 11, and even more interesting, Sam was traded to Orlando before the trade deadline… weird!

Jordan was none too pleased about the heist. After the jersey was stolen, he sent out word that he would not sign any autographs in Orlando, and he held true to his word. “It’s pretty irritating because you’re accustomed to certain things and you don’t like to have things misplaced,” he said.

The jersey has yet to appear to this day, and if located could be worth a small fortune. A pair of legitimately obtained Jordan game shorts sold for $15,000 at an Orlando auction back in 1990.

Peep the video of the game:

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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Game 6 Recap

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Posted 28 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, Orlando Magic

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Celtics had a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Magic fought back to take the series to Game 6. Unfortunately for Orlando their “Magic” ran out. Celtics win big 96-84, to earn their 21st Finals apperace in franchise history.

The Celtics came out early looking to crush the Magic lead by their Playoff MVP Rajon Rondo. Rondo had the first 7 points finishing with 14 points. Rondo took a hard fall in the second quarter, leading to Doc Rivers putting Nate Robinson in the game. In 9 minutes Robinson had 13 points increasing the Celtics lead in the 1st half, and through the remainder of the game.

Celtic captain Paul Pierce had a slight drop in his numbers in the last two games. He rebounded with a 31 points, 5 dimes, and 13 boards game on 60% shooting.

Orlando had caught fire from deep in the last two games, and as the saying goes “Live by the 3, die by the 3!” Magic shot 6 of 22 from beyond the arc for 27.3% shooting. Dwight Howard appeared to be the only Magic player to show up. He finished with 28 points and 12 boards, while hearing boos and jeers the entire night from the Boston crowd.

Vince Carter showed a flash of why he was brought to the Magic in the second quarter scoring 13 points cutting the Celtics lead to 13 at the half. Carter returned to Playoff form scoring only 4 more points finishing with 17. Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson combined for 18 points on 8 of 25 shooting. Not the numbers you want from three of your starters in an elimination game.

The Celtics now await the winner of Laker-Suns, and regardless of the winner the Celtics will be heading to their court for Game 1 on Thursday.

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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Game 5 Recap

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Posted 26 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, Orlando Magic

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Orlando hadn’t caught fire from deep against the Celtics all series. That quickly changed in Game 5 as the Magic hit 9 of 15 threes in the first half tying a Playoff record. Orlando finished with 13 of 25 from deep, helping them to end Boston’s four game road winning streak,  111-92.

When the Magic get going from deep as they did tonight they are tough to beat. They shot 52% from deep.  Jameer Nelson was big for the second game finishing with 25 points and 5 dimes. Dwight Howard was solid finishing with  21 points, 10 boards, 5 blocks, and 2 knockouts.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Helping the Magic in the win were the double technicals called on Kendrick Perkins in the first half resulting in his ejection. If losing Perkins wasn’t bad enough, an elbow from Dwight Howard gave Glen Davis a concussion and knocked out one of his teeth. Marquis Daniels also left the game with a concussion….it was that bad for the Celtics.

Boston looked a tad lethargic early, appearing if they were conceding the win and focusing on Game 6 back in Boston. Paul Pierce remained in the game when Doc Rivers decided to empty the bench. He finished with 18 points. Rondo was unable to get the ball into the rim, shooting 7 of 15 from the field and 5 of 11 from the free throw line. He finished with 19 points, and 6 dimes.

The Celtics were out rebounded 43 to 26.

Game 6 is Friday in Boston. Celtics lead series 3-2.

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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Game 4 Recap

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Posted 24 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, Orlando Magic

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Orlando finally showed up to the Conference Finals. In a game where they make 10 three-pointers, and miss 13 free throws the Magic defeat the Celtics in Overtime 96-92.

The Boston Celtics, one win away from the Finals started Game 4 in cruise control. Paul Pierce was the majority of the offensive load early and the defense wasn’t at the same level of intensity. Pierce had 32 points, and 11 boards.

Ray Allen hit 5 threes, and Garnett had 14 points. Rondo left to the locker room before halftime for muscle spasms, and had to have an effect on his play. He finished with 9 points on 3 of 10 shooting, and 8 dimes.

Orlando had everything to lose, and the finger pointing had already begun after losing the first two games in Orlando.

Dwight Howard had only 7 points in Game 3 and seemed to be in another place mentally. Tonight he finished with 32 points,14 boards, and 4 blocks. He was more active and focused then he had been all series. Jameer Nelson stepped it up finishing with 23 points and 9 dimes.

Vince Carter had 3 points, and was benched late for Matt Barnes. JJ Redick’s contribution off the bench has been the only bright spot for the Magic during this series. He had 12 points, making key shots in the 3rd quarter to keep the Celtics down.

Game 5 is Wednesday in Orlando. Celtics lead series 3-1.

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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Game 2 Recap

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Posted 18 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, Orlando Magic

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Paul Pierce wants back in the Finals and displayed to the Magic in Game 3 that they are merely a road bump along the way. “Our fans won’t let us relax,” Pierce said. “We’re going to try and close it out in four games.” Pierce scored 28 points(22 at the half) and the Celtics hung on against another late run from Orlando to win 95-92, taking a 2-0 lead heading back to Boston.

Pierce knocked down two clutch free throws before fouling out sending Vince Carter to the line. Haunting Vinsanity’s dreams tonight will be the image of him blowing two clutch free throws. Rajon Rondo had 25 points, and 8 dimes.

Ahead 11 points to start the fourth quarter, the Magic once again went on a last second attempt at victory. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen didnt play as well offensively as in Game 1, but Garnetts fall away and conifent Rondo jumpers sealed the game.

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and Vince Carter and J.J. Redick scored 16 apiece.  The Magic’s were held to 39% shooting and were outrebounded. Game 3 is Saturday night in Boston. Celtics lead series 2-0.

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NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Game 1 Recap

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Posted 16 May 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Boston Celtics, NBA, Orlando Magic

(Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic have yet to face any true adversity this postseason, going undefeated and making at least nine threes a game. During Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics delivered more adversity then all of Orlando’s games this Playoffs. In a messy, defensive  game the Celtics prevail 92-88 to steal home court from Orlando. Orlando finished with 10 assists and 18 turnovers.

Ray Allen scored 25 points, 7 of 7 from the free throw line and Paul Pierce finished with 22 points. In his finest Playoff performance so far, Rasheed Wallace  scored 13 points in 17 minutes while helping Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis frustrate Dwight Howard. Howard going up against the best defensive backcout he has faced all Playoffs finished with 13 points on 3 of 10 shooting, 12 boards, and 5 blocks.

Celtics were the more focused and intense team, whereas the Magic waited till the 4th to match the Celtics effort. JJ Redick helped 10- o late run cutting the  lead to 3, but clutch free throws closed the deal. Game 2 is Tuesday at 8:30pm/ET (Draft Lottery at 8pm/ET). Celtics lead series 1-0

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