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Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors

Squareuserpicjpeg_tiny by Ben Q Rock on in 2008/2009 Previews Comment 315 comments

Orlando Magic at Golden State Warriors, Dec 15, 2008 10:30 PM EST


2008/2009 NBA Regular Season
Orlando Magic main logo
 @
Golden State Warriors main logo
18-67-17
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!

0 recs  |  Comment 315 comments |

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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.

by hevchv on Dec 15, 2008 7:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by TragicMatt on Dec 15, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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

by erivera7 on Dec 15, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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

by erivera7 on Dec 16, 2008 1:46 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

haha I know, right?

Poor Jazz. They lost again tonight.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Marcin Gortat

Has 5 rebounds, 4 points, and 2 blocks in six minutes.

by josh99 on Dec 15, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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)

by lil penny on Dec 15, 2008 10:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

justin.tv always has the comments...

that I want to stab my eyes out after reading

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:57 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dwight's lookin' niiiiiiice in that suit :D

The GS commentators called him the manchild. Lulz.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 10:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

so...

who here thinks these coaching changes in the league have gotten a little ridiculous? _o/

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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?

by lil penny on Dec 15, 2008 11:19 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure Ben would be screaming BOX OUT by now

Come on, Magic. Stop allowing those second-chance points.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Marcin is keeping us in the game

never thought I’d type those words…

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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 >:|

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

"I'm impressed with Gortat,"

said the Warriors commentator.

Damn straight! :D

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think Anthony Johnson took two and missed both.

by josh99 on Dec 15, 2008 11:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

Battie is 0-4 from the field

one of his worst nights this year

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 15, 2008 11:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

hey the game's back on!

oblivious squid is oblivious

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 15, 2008 11:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by lil penny on Dec 16, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

okay seriously

what FT is this for the Warriors?

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:02 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Leads our bench in scoring.

And is our fourth overall scorer right now behind Jameer, Lewis, and Gortat!

by lil penny on Dec 16, 2008 12:08 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 16, 2008 12:07 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

thank you, Courtney. I like you.

but not you, JJ. No cookie for you.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:15 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

did Johnson steal that?

…and…and then score?!

my heart…

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:20 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I was looking away.

Heard the announcers call Johnson’s name and assumed it was a mistake.

by lil penny on Dec 16, 2008 12:21 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

okay guys

the threes aren’t falling now. Time to drive to the basket.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:29 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

it's 12:32

when did that happen? *yawns *

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:32 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 16, 2008 12:32 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 16, 2008 12:37 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Magic stats

51 rebounds, 26 assists (!), 47.9% from the field, 50.0% from the three, 9 steals, 13 TOs, 5 blocks.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:46 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

good game, especially in the second half

fun to watch :) off to bed now. ’Night, all!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:49 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

no ice cream tonight

too late :D maybe tomorrow while shopping ;)

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 16, 2008 12:58 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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

by mhetrick14 on Dec 16, 2008 1:21 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

fuck me

gortat had a monster game judging by that boxscore.

www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04

by mhetrick14 on Dec 16, 2008 1:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

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