Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 15, 2008 9:00 AM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintOrlando Magic at Golden State Warriors, Dec 15, 2008 10:30 PM EST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 18-6 | 7-17 | |
| December 15th, 2008 | ||
| Oracle Arena | ||
| 10:30 PM | ||
| Sun Sports | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Jameer Nelson | PG | C.J. Watson |
| Keith Bogans | SG | Jamal Crawford |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Kelenna Azubuike |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Stephen Jackson |
| Marcin Gortat | C | Andris Biedrins |
The Orlando Magic finish a 5-game, West Coast road trip tonight against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland. The Magic are 3-1 on the trip so far, including victories in the notoriously unfriendly confines of the Rose Garden and EnergySolutions Arena. The Oracle Arena, where the Warriors play, earned the nickname "The Roaracle" for its raucous fans in the Warriors' improbable 2007 playoff run. It's quieted down considerably since.
After missing the playoffs last season, Warriors Nation watched their team let franchise point guard Baron Davis bolt for his hometown of L.A. over the summer; give 5 years and $50 million to free-agent swingman Corey Maggette, whose brittleness and reluctance to pass already have him on the trade block; give shooting guard Monta Ellis a well-deserved contract extension, only for Ellis to shred his ankle in a mo-ped accident and risk voiding his contract; and trade jilted power forward Al Harrington to New York, where he's happy and averaging 25.5 points per game on 47.2% shooting. Golden State of Mind, SB Nation's Warriors blog, says the WE BELIEVE era is dead. Sad. I always liked the Warriors.
Strange as it may seem, the Dubs stand a fighting chance against the Magic tonight. Dwight Howard, who routinely blasts the Warriors due to their lack of an interior defender--a lack they may have addressed with their signing of Ronny Turiaf this summer--is listed as doubtful due to the sore left knee which kept him out of Saturday night's impressive victory in Utah. Even if he can play, it's a good bet that running at the Warriors' frenetic pace will bother his knee, so his effectiveness will be compromised. Meanwhile, although Stephen Jackson and Jamal Crawford take some awful shots, they're liable to catch fire at any time. Transition defense has been a problem for Orlando lately, and the Warriors have the personnel and skill to exploit that weakness.
Then again, they have absolutely nobody who can stop any of the Magic's offensive weapons. If Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, or Hedo Turkoglu find the range tonight, Orlando should cruise to victory. Maybe Keith Bogans can add a three-pointer or four; he tied Nelson as the Magic's leading scorer in their lone visit to the Oracle last season, dropping four triples in the process. Also, does anyone else think Courtney Lee could have a career night against the Warriors? Given how well he reads the passing lanes and how lethal he is on the break, I think it's safe to assume Lee will reach double-figures for the second time in his career.
Anyway, the top's at 10:30. Dubs fans tuning in to see Howard, as well as former Warriors Mickael Pietrus and Adonal Foyle, may be disappointed. Too bad. Go Magic! Make threes!
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awww
I went over to their SBN site and read a lot of stuff about him. He was (and still is) very much loved out there.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
If Turk gets traded, could we see Pietrus slide to the (starting) 3 and Lee to the (starting) 2?
Leading up to the draft all the experts had Lee pegged to come here. In hearing this I started following him and man, he is better than advertised.
Probably not.
If Turk gets traded, it’ll be for a PF, which slides ’Shard down to the 3. Jameer, Peaches, Shard, New Guy, DH12.
I hope not
I think the team chemistry is just too good right now to trade Turk before the deadline. He and Lewis pose many problems at the forward spots for the opposition. Hopefully they can work something out with him so he doesn’t become a free agent after the season’s over.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
Off-Topic
Ben, I sent you an e-mail about a week ago to your 3QC Gmail account. Did you receive it?
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Yes, I got it, I've been too busy to respond
Finals last week, some family events early this week. I haven’t forgotten.
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 15, 2008 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Ok, great. Thanks for the response, I appreciate that. Just wanted to make sure my e-mail went through fine. I understand if your busy, etc.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
Hey TGS glad you're back tonight :-) missed you the other night
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
I missed you all too lol
I was in Winter Haven, dying a little inside. Had to keep myself updated by watching the ticker on ESPN XD I can’t believe I missed the game! Sounds like the second half was pretty amazing.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah it sure was
I wish the Magic could bottle that third quarter where they outscored the Jazz 34-12 and use it every game.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
haha I know, right?
Poor Jazz. They lost again tonight.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
They played respectable, though
The Celts won by only 9… Paul Millsap of the Jazz scored 32 points and had double figures in rebounds.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
I saw that.
I was really hoping the Jazz would pull an upset :( So close!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
The Celtics are 23-2 now
… but they would have to go 18-1 to equal the ‘95-’96 Bulls amazing 41-3 start. I highly doubt the Celtics can do that.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I hope they don't :-/
If their momentum keeps up, they might…but I doubt that, as well. Someone will come along, itching to knock them off their pedestals. I only hope the Magic are that team.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
He's really made the most of his time with Dwight out.
I hope to see him as a regular part of the rotation even after Howard is back. (Assuming, of course, that he maintains this level of play)
Warriors have a boatload of turnovers
… 7 turnovers already.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 10:57 PM EST reply actions
I wonder when SVG is going to unleash our secret weapon off the bench...
… Brian Cook? He scored 9 points in just 15 minutes the other night against the Jazz… all on threes.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:01 PM EST reply actions
But the rebounding is even at 13 and Magic have just 4 turnovers to the Warriors' 7.
… we do have to improve our shooting though.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:04 PM EST reply actions
Fortunately, the Warriors aren't setting the world on fire either
… only 8 of 22 shooting.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
AJ with the slam
… assist from Lee.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:12 PM EST reply actions
Wow... Nelson took 9 shots in 12 minutes
… only making 3 for 6 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:14 PM EST reply actions
better decision-making skills, Jameer...
work on them
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah another coach but the dust today
… former Magic G Reggie Theus got fired from the Kings.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:15 PM EST reply actions
it's not always the coach's fault
I mean…the Kings aren’t exactly going to be winning a lot of games this year with their current line-up regardless of coach. It’s crazy.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
I also partially blame the 07-08 Bulls
for firing Skiles last year. Seemed to be the tipping point throughout the league.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I guess when a team starts out poorly...
… the coach will always get the blame no matter what; especially a team that isn’t doing as well as expected.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
true
heaven knows the Magic have had their share of coaching woes throughout the years
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
Some of the firings I think make sense (Phil, Tor), but for a team that isn’t going anywhere anyways (Sac, Minn) what is the point?
Toronto I can kind of understand too
but yeah, these recent ones just seem so knee-jerk
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
omg McHale is awful lol
he’s a poor man’s Isiah Thomas
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
I'm pretty sure Ben would be screaming BOX OUT by now
Come on, Magic. Stop allowing those second-chance points.
Turk on the board
… his first two points of the game.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:17 PM EST reply actions
Gortat again!
… 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks in 9 minutes… fantastic efficiency!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:19 PM EST reply actions
great
4 minutes left, and the Magic are over the foul limit. Warriors are a great FT shooting team. WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE, MAGIC >:|
Thank goodness the Warriors are shooting so poorly from the floor...
… just 35 pct. (14 of 40).
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:25 PM EST reply actions
I hope so, too.
Can he play the 4 at all, or is he limited just to center?
He's listed as a 4/5 most places
So I imagine he can play alongside Dwight
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 15, 2008 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
Bogans scoreless so far
… 0 for 3 from the field.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:27 PM EST reply actions
:-/
how about Rashard? Has he scored?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
lol really?
where the hell have I been? o.O
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Magic 3 of 5 FT shooting
… all in the second quarter
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
we've only taken 5?
that’s really low, but I guess it’s expected with Dwight out. Still…we should have a few more than that.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Magic lead 46-40 at the half
Magic shooting 21 of 44 from the field (47.7 pct). Warriors shooting an icy 15 of 49 (30.6 pct).
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:34 PM EST reply actions
omg it was even worse than I thought!
pleeeeeeeease let us pull away in the third
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Magic only 1 of 6 from three pt range
Warriors 2 of 9 from long range
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:36 PM EST reply actions
the Warriors are by no means a three point shooting team
I expect we’ll make up for it in the second half.
I hope I hope I hope.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Magic are being outrebounded 29-26
Magic have 7 TOs, Warriors have 8.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:37 PM EST reply actions
we have a good assist/TO ratio, at least
11 assists, 8 TOs, compared to the Warriors’ 5 assists and 8 TOs
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
Around the league...
Hawks beat the Bobcats 83-79, in which the Cats scored a measly 11 points in the 4th quarter. Sad.
Bucks beat Miami (!) 98-83
And the poor Wizards lost to the Pacers 118-98
Lewis with 11, Gortat with 10, Nelson with 9 lead the Magic
Biedrins leads GS with 10 pts. Stephen Jackson is only shooting 1 for 11!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:40 PM EST reply actions
Jackson and Jamal Crawford shooting a combined 3 of 20 for GS
… but for 13 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions
but they have 7 FTs between them
convenient
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
because I'm feeling chatty tonight
I’m going Christmas shopping tomorrow \o/ This is the first time in….er, a while that I haven’t waited until the day before to buy presents. Look at me being all responsible and not lazy!
And you have such nice weather to do it in!
If you lived in the Chicago ’burbs, you would have to go shopping in 20 degree temps with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
I like the cold and snow though
… but looking forward to my winter vacation to Orlando in Feb. or March and seeing a few Magic games in person!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
lol that'll be such a change in temperature XD
but yay Florida! Vacations rock :3
Lord I’m punchy tonight.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
yeah I so don't miss snow lol
why I’m considering going to University of Chicago for grad school is beyond me! :D
I talked my best friend into going with me, as an early bday present. haha I’m a bad person. But I hate shopping, especially during the holidays. People are mean.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Kinda surprised the Magic haven't shot more threes
Then again, the Warriors are leaving the lane wide open, so it’s probably a good idea to take advantage of that.
yeah, I'd rather them drive than jack up a bunch of threes
though it can create TOs, since we’re not really getting the benefit of the whistle tonight.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
The 3s are starting to fall.
Just in time, too.
Nelson has 8 points since the last time my Yahoo! page refreshed
Make it 11 after that three-pointer
Amazing how he heated up...
6 of his last 7 from the field.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 15, 2008 11:58 PM EST reply actions
he's really struggling
I wonder if something’s wrong
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Nelson has 13 points this quarter,
so why take the ball out of his hands? I don’t get it. Instead of sticking with the hot hand, we get a few failed Hedo drives instead.
Battie... 0 for 4 for 2 points
… he’s got 6 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 2 TOs.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:01 AM EST reply actions
Gortat a double/double
10 pts 11 boards!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:02 AM EST reply actions
Lee with 7 off the bench
… after that last three.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:06 AM EST reply actions
Leads our bench in scoring.
And is our fourth overall scorer right now behind Jameer, Lewis, and Gortat!
Jameer wants to come out of the game
After hitting that driving layup over Turiaf, he pointed to the bench and asked for a substitution. Hope everything’s okay.
Maybe a 30 pt night for Jameer tonight
… with 24 points already. Oh yeah, I forgot, we don ’t have any guards according to the so-called “experts” like Bill Walton.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:08 AM EST reply actions
Battie has quietly racked up decent rebounding numbers.
10 boards already.
I cannnot believe they did not make every attempt to re-sign Baron Davis
I really enjoyed watching their great playoff run in 2007 when as an 8 seed they shocked number 1 seed Dallas.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
beating Dallas was the most amazing thing evaarrr
but yeah, big mistake on their part, I think. Shame, I like the Warriors.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of cookies, where's the Cookie Monster tonight?
No action yet after his 9 points against the Jazz.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
good question
I guess Stan figures we’re doing well enough without him
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
He tips a lot out to other guys, too
We need an offensive rebounder in the rotation….
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 16, 2008 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
I thought it was the other way around.
Johnson to Lee. But I may be mistaken.
Johnson assisted Lee on a dunk
Didn’t know they reciprocated
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 16, 2008 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
SI didn't credit AJ with any assists last time I checked there
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
I was looking away.
Heard the announcers call Johnson’s name and assumed it was a mistake.
Redick got the assist for Johnson's basket
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:21 AM EST reply actions
Hedo's real first name is Hidayet
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
I know
but it’s weird hearing his nickname said any other way besides “Hee-do”
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Lee... 13 points on 5 of 7 shooting
… he also has 2 steals.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Johnson has his shot blocked.
That’s more like it.
Hey guys... just got home from Dallas, saw the Magic beat the Jazz while I was away too.
Most importantly, how long is Dwight out for?
And how bout my boy Lee!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:26 AM EST reply actions
Resting him for Thursday against the Spurs
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 16, 2008 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
Resting him Thursday? Or he'll be back Thursday?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
Awesome! Thanks
only disappointing that the streak is over. :(
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
Welcome back DSK
Dwight is day-to-day from what I understand.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:27 AM EST reply actions
Thanks, I heard the Jazz game was
“among the best the Magic have ever played” in SVG’s tenure?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
"One of the best wins I've ever been a part of."
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 16, 2008 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Nice! Too bad I missed it.
That night I was actually at the Mavs game, saw Dirk drop 47 in a thriller against…. Oklahoma State, lol. Durant and Mason tore it up.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
Lee is three points away from his season high
… he’s got 16.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:31 AM EST reply actions
Nelson has a season-high
His career-high is 32. Hs a chance to meet or exceed that total depending on how long Stan leaves him in.
Nelson... 27 points in 30 minutes
He’s 8 of his last 11 from the field.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:34 AM EST reply actions
Tony Batie say goodbye to your Dwight Howard backup minutes
we’ve got a new MONSTER in the house.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:37 AM EST reply actions
Great block from Gortat there to ignite the break
Hedo tried to feed Nelson to set a new career-high, but Netson missed the layup, Turk tips it in, Orlando leads by 16 with 2:21 to play, Nelson calls timeout.
PUT FOYLE IN.
aww that's a good idea
I think the crowd would like that. Maybe. I dunno, crowds are fickle beasts.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
Under 221. Too easy tonight. No Dwight, no way these teams average 110.5 a piece.
Well, magic held up their end of the bargain. What is Hedo doing??
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:41 AM EST reply actions
He got the career high. He was referring to a "new career high" if he hit that 3
I think?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
Yerah he tied his career high with 32
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
ohhh my fault. I thought that was his new career high.
Thought he was going to break that again if he hit that 3 at the end. My bad.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 16, 2008 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
Magic stats
51 rebounds, 26 assists (!), 47.9% from the field, 50.0% from the three, 9 steals, 13 TOs, 5 blocks.
Magic only 9-13 on free throws
to the Warriors’ 17-23.
They had ten more attempts! >:(
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
The Magic outscored the Warriors from the field 100-81
… to make up for the free throw discrepancy.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:48 AM EST up reply actions
Five Magic players in double figures!
Four of the starters (all except Bogans) plus Lee off the bench.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:48 AM EST reply actions
Another tough match coming up Thursday though.
Have a good night all.
Aren't you going to have your celebratory ice cream tonight TGS?
I know… you’re tired… have fun Xmas shopping tomorrow!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:50 AM EST reply actions
no ice cream tonight
too late :D maybe tomorrow while shopping ;)
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
Hope we have a good homestand to follow this great road trip
You all have a good one… Spurs coming up Thursday night in Orlando!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 16, 2008 12:52 AM EST reply actions
just came in...
was checking the score and some stats from my phone.
i take it neer and lou stepped up in howards presence
gortat too eh?
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
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