Tonight's Game: San Antonio Spurs at Orlando Magic
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 18, 2008 6:10 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
Email
PrintSan Antonio Spurs at Orlando Magic, Dec 18, 2008 8:00 PM EST
Note: it's getting close to game time, so I'm bumping this post back to the top of the main page. - BQR
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 15-9 | 19-6 | |
| December 18th, 2008 | ||
| Amway Arena | ||
| 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Tony Parker | PG | Jameer Nelson |
| Roger Mason Jr. | SG | Keith Bogans |
| Michael Finley | SF | Hedo Turkoglu |
| Matt Bonner | PF | Rashard Lewis |
| Tim Duncan | C | Dwight Howard |
UPDATE: Dwight Howard will play tonight. Just to get it out of the way: Dwight Howard isn't sure if he'll play for the Orlando Magic tonight against the San Antonio Spurs. He sat out the Magic's last two games--both victories--due to a sore left knee. An MRI yesterday revealed inflammation. If he's unavailable, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy will have to decide if he'll continue to start second-year pro Marcin Gortat in Howard's place, or if he'll instead use twelve-year pro Tony Battie to contend with Tim Duncan, the Spurs' surefire Hall-of-Fame center.
I really want to proclaim tonight's matchup between the Magic and the Spurs the biggest one of Orlando's season so far, its greatest test. But I won't, because the other three games on this long homestand also loom large. The Magic, who are fresh off a five-game Western road trip, have to battle the Spurs tonight, the Lakers on Saturday, the Warriors next Monday, and the Hornets on Christmas Day. Three of those four opponents are legitimate title contenders, and the other one is dreadful, yet unpredictable and certainly capable of pulling off an upset. So the pressure for Orlando is only just beginning to mount. The Magic's 4-1 showing on that trip turned a few heads, and they appear to be the consensus fourth-best team in the NBA behind the otherworldly Celtics, Cavaliers, and Lakers. Now is the time for Orlando to make its case for inclusion in that group.
But the Magic, for their part, are hardly in the same make-or-break mindset. Anthony Johnson isn't, anyway, according to this Associated Press report posted on the New York Times' website (brackets mine):
"I don't think these two games [against the Spurs tonight and the Lakers on Sunday] cement us as pretenders or contenders," Johnson said. "Nothing matters in December, January, February. No matter what goes down in these two games, we still have a lot of work ahead of us."
Van Gundy echoes that sentiment:
"The cautionary thing is that in this league, things change overnight. What you've done in the first 25 games doesn't mean anything in the 26th game, or 27th game. You just have to be ready."
If that refrains sounds familiar, it's because a certain silver-and-black-clad NBA team also subscribes to it. Graydon Gordian of 48 Minutes of Hell, a Spurs blog, wrote these words yesterday prior to the Spurs' duel with the New Orleans Hornets last night:
A founding tenet of Spurs dogma is the principle that regular season games should only be seen as a preparatory exercise for a deep post-season run. For the team's emotions to wax and wain too heavily with each rivalry game is to allow us to lose sight of the fact that the wins that truly count come in May and June.
Indeed, the Magic could certainly pick a worse philosophy to emulate.
More thoughts on the game after the jump.
The Spurs have a modest record relative to their own lofty standards. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili missed time with nagging injuries, but Tim Duncan and the Spurs' role players, especially rookie combo guard George Hill and veteran free-agent signee Roger Mason Jr., were able to keep San Antonio afloat in their absence. Ginobili and Parker are back, but that didn't help the Spurs in their game against the Hornets last night. San Antonio missed more than its fair share of wide-open three-pointers, and Tyson Chandler kept Duncan in check (16 points on 5-of-14 shooting), as the Hornets rallied in the fourth quarter--the only quarter in which they outscored the Spurs--to defeat the team that's come the closest to attaining dynastic status since the Lakers teams of the early aughts.
While the matchup between Howard and Duncan, should be fun to watch if Howard's able to play, I believe most significant and compelling individual matchup will be at point guard. Parker and Jameer Nelson are similarly quick, but play completely different offensive games. Parker uses his quickness to get to the rim, finish, and draw fouls; he also draws defenses away from the Spurs' shooters. In contrast, Nelson prefers to do his damage by pulling for jumpers off the pick-and-roll with Howard, or by spotting up and waiting for a Hedo Turkoglu dish to come his way. The team that wins the point guard matchup will probably win the game.
I'm especially curious to see what Rashard Lewis does tonight. Usually, he's able to exploit mismatches against opposing power forwards, who are loathe to chase him out on the perimeter. However, the man who will likely draw Lewis' assignment tonight, Matt Bonner, is similarly perimeter-oriented and will thus not be as flustered as the defenders Lewis usually draws. Hopefully, Rashard will be able to use his superior quickness--Bonner has no chance of beating him in a footrace--to get to the basket. I suspect there won't be many open three-pointers tonight for Rashard.
To accommodate TNT, the tip's at 8 PM, one hour later than usual for home games. Additionally, the game won't be available on any of the local networks. Despite the appeal of this game, Turner will send its B-Squad of announcers: Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins have the call for this matchup, while Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, and Mike Fratello will call the later Suns/Blazers game. Freaking bummer, man.
Maybe the broadcast/basketball gods will make it up to us by willing Orlando to victory. Go Magic. Yay.
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No excuse for losing tonight
Spurs are on the wrong end of back to back away games and the Magic are some what rested at home. Orlando is the better team, I’m convinced, so there is no excuse for losing tonight.
Well, I don't know if we're the better team without Dwight.
We’re talented no doubt, but so are they AND they have a future HOF’er who will not be contained by Gortat or Battie. If Dwight does indeed play, we should handle them. I don’t know about being on the wrong end of a back to back, they only traveled from NO to Orlando, very short plane ride, plus look what we’ve done on roady back-to-back’s this year. Regardless, I’m JUICED for this game! Go Magic!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Collins is a personel fav
And I agree with fanatic that this is a game we should win. It will be close though and I think you nailed it Ben, it could come down to the pg match-up. If Parker has his jumper working than it will be a long night.
'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12
Of coure TNT is sending their B-Squad
anytime a network see’s “Orlando Magic” on a nationally televised spot, they’re required to send their b-squad, nobody cares about a small market club like Orlando? Right??? Ugh!!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 1:50 PM EST reply actions
For those interested...
You can vote for which player you want to be followed on the player cam and follow the game on the TNT website. I chose Hedo, but Gortat is running away with it, having 59% of the votes!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
This one might be a better link
http://www.tnt.tv/sports/nba/overtime09_preview/#
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I've never seen this before. Is this only online that they follow a player?
I also voted for Gortat, I love my boy Hidayet, but you gotta admire the heart and hustle displayed by Gortat this year. I’m also a jordan-head (sneaker fiend) and admire the jumpman he has tatted on his calf.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I believe it's only online
I think they did the same thing last year during the playoffs. You’ll notice that Howard’s name is not in the list to vote for…I am going to assume (though not safely assume) that he’s not going to play tonight. I could very well be wrong!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I was wrong
According to the update, Dwight will play. I guess he just won’t be followed around.
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
people can't possibly be interested in seeing JJ sitting on his arse for 15 minutes
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
But he could do something exciting
Like tie his shoe, perhaps, or unbutton his jacket, only to button it back up again! Riveting…
But seriously, it sucks for JJ that he blew his chance when he actually had some good minutes. Maybe that’s due to all of those games when he was inactive…it’s like he lost his touch as he rotted on the bench.
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
We are just as good
What else do we have to prove to show that we can run with everyone else? Dwight or no Dwight tonight, I have faith in our starters and in our second unit, plain and simple. GO MAGIC!
hey yall
greeting from PtR (SB Nation Spurs blog). Hope to see a great game. Glad Dwight is going to play as well, I haven’t been able to see much of him this season, but from his stats, I think his time representing the USA in the Olympics has stepped his game up a lot. He has a bright future with you all.
What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)
the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post
We're attacking the basket, which is great
Now if only they’d call the fouls…
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
What an ugly start for the Magic!
… shooting 1 for 9 from the field and getting outrebounded 9-5. Thank goodness the Spurs aren’t lighting it up either, shooting 3 for 10.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:28 PM EST reply actions
Tough shot by Bogans
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Just like that, the Magic with the lead!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:32 PM EST reply actions
Great job by the Magic
Pop will talk it over
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
SVG is dressed up for the occasion
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
obvious foul by Bowen... don't know what he's complaining about
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions
They're the Spurs
They complain about everything and believe they are immune from fouling
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Spurs are still cold, shooting just 5 of 18
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:38 PM EST reply actions
I am nearly done
I have to wrap my exchange gift for tomorrow’s staff party, and I am waiting for something from Amazon that needs wrapping…but I am done shopping, thank goodness!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I just buy a gift bag and stick it in there :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Smart
This year, and last year, I wrapped my presents in newspaper so that it can be recycled…my fingers were smeared with ink afterwards, understandably
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Hey, that's smart too; at least you're recycling
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
I'm killing trees D:
my god what have I done??
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
alllllmost all of mine is done
just need a few more things. Yay! I’m usually a notorious procrastinator :3
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
What a stupid turnover
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
That nearly went in
Not a bad start
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Those shooting %’s are U-G-L-Y though.
.320 and .286, eugh.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
Magic shooting 8 of 25 from the field
… just 32 pct. Spurs are 6 of 21 for 29 pct. Spurs have a 14/13 rebounding edge
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:45 PM EST reply actions
Great D by Marcin
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
"Cook looks a little thicker..."
Haha
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Spurs are on pace to score just 52 pts this game
… I’m sure their pace will pick up.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions
And 1 for Lee!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
His body position on that layup was great, really protected the ball and made the Spurs guy reach around for the foul.
Lee and Bogans each have 5 pts to lead the Magic
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions
Imagine how good we'd be if we did!
Wait, what?
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
According to Chuck Barkley...
the Magic need a pass-first point guard.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
Off of the Rocket
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Dwight to the line
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
G. Hill in the game
I have to admit he’s also a good rookie
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Yeah, they're really good at finding those sleepers in the draft
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
It'd be funny if...
He had a photo, but the caption underneath said “not pictured”…Arrested Development reference :)
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Cheap move by Tim
But effective
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Magic have outscored the Spurs 34-11 since falling behind 9-3
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions
Wow
I did not know they made a movie about Biggie Smalls
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
He wasn't my favorite back then
When rap music was actually good
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Spurs still ice cold from the field (just like the chicago weather here)
… shooting just 9 of 32 for 28 pct.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:03 PM EST reply actions
Heck yeah I love snow shoveling
… we’re gonna get 5 to 9 inches of snow tonight!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions
true!
at least tell me you make a snow fort or something out of it! :D
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
build a snowfort next time
then throw snowballs at passersby. IT WOULD BE AWESOME.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
Geez
Over here it was like in the 70s today…I think we’re the only state not suffering from that huge cold front right now
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Yeah even Las Vegas got over three inches of snow yesterday!
…. The Arctic cold fronts aren’t going as far south to FL like they were in November.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
there was a huge snowstorm here
like….over a hundred years ago, but it can happen!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
At least it feels like Christmas where you are
The only place cold here is my office and the halls at UCF
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
lol I work with a menopausal woman
needless to say, it’s an iceberg in my office
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah...
it’s great walking in the forest preserve every day and seeing all the snow-covered trees and lakes… very picturesque!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
It was just a 2
He was inside the line, or had a foot on it
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
... but we're not an elite team according to all the experts :-/
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
Neither are the Spurs
So beating them won’t prove anything.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 9:11 PM EST up reply actions
Rashard with another block
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Spurs with the offensive boards
SVG looks like he’s going to have a heart attack
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Who were you passing that to, Jameer
Pop?
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I like it, actually
It’s Phil Jackson’s new look that’s a little weird
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Yeah he wants to look younger
… I guess for his girlfriend Jeannie Buss.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
29 points for the Spurs a season-low
That’s more due to their bad offense than our good defense, but it’s still cool.
Not often
8 points and 6 rebounds = solid. He’s very active tonight.
If only he could make more than a third of his shots from the field…
Halftime stats
..Magic shooting 18 of 46 for 38.1 pct; the Spurs just 13 of 46 for 28.1 pct (Parker 1 for 10).
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:19 PM EST reply actions
is does look awful hahah
now Watchmen on the other hand *covets *
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I can't wait for Watchmen
I was just re-reading the book last week. Can Rorschach be any more bad ass?
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
he is so badass
and completely mental XD
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
I love him
Actually, it’s hard not to like the other characters (Dreiberg, Osterman, Blake, etc.), but Laurie and Veidt bug me
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I love Dreiberg too
and his ship :3
and who doesn’t love Dr Manhattan?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Doc is awesome
He’s totally void of emotions, but he tries (like that one part with Laurie and he split himself in two…)
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I know!
he has such a sad face :( I would live on Mars with him…
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure I'll watch that one
I haven’t read the book or books, and it seems like they’re using hot girls like ScarJo and Eva Mendes as the draw.
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
wtf is Webber doing?
“Rondooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”
Jameer due to break out in the second half
… he’s got only 3 points on 1 of 5 shooting.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions
You called it
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I assume you're talking about the last Magic TO
… you’re right.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions
Nelson heating up
6 points already in the quarter
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions
Nice move by Dwight
Should have been and 1 though
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Jameer getting national tv love!
Funny, in the pregame show Kenny was saying “he’s a back up point guard”
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions
Indeed
If you ask me, Nelson’s not going to be the big assist guy you need, but he’s the perfect point guard for this team, and his jump shot is looking much improved.
we'll never get love, until we get to the NBA Finals
even then, I’m convinced it’ll be because of some kind of fluke, or injuries to the celts or cavs, or blown calls by the refs. The media will find a way.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
We'll get love
When we beat the Cavs, Celts or Lakers.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
You sure?
Cus we beat those teams PLENTY last year and we didn’t get any. Not until we beat them in the PLAYOFFS.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Let's build this lead
So Dwight can rest and take it easy
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
just heard SVG on the surround sound yell something about Ginboli
something like, “you’re an actor ginobli!” haha, not too sure though.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions
Again... Collins making excuses for Parker
he played 34 minutes last night… he had to chase Chris Paul around… blah blah blah
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions
it seems everyone's realized the Spurs' time in the sun is over
except sports commentators
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
I believe Stan just referred to Ginobili as a f---er.
As he grabbed Courtney Lee to tell him to sub in for Bogans.
Nice play by Hidayet
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Getting hacked!
Man, if we could only shoot tonight!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions
Wow... how is that a foul.
Man, I really wanted to keep this team to under 60 points tonight.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions
Great job, Rashard!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Lewis! With a KG moment, slamming the ball against his forehead!
Don’t see the emotion too often from him!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions
Lewis makes the steal, goes right at Duncan, gets the bucket, and-1 opportunity.
Priceless shot of Pop on the Spurs’ bench.
nothing more priceless then his look after the Dwight game winner over Timmy.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
Pop has the best exasperated face
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I've got my ice cream out early tonight.
You ever try Ben and Jerry’s Dublin Mudslide? A+
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
mmmm sounds good
… never tried it
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
I love Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
me too!
that’s my favorite, next to Phish Food and the mint cookies n cream
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
I haven't had Ben & Jerry's in ages!
I was just at Publix too D:
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Edy's is my favorite
especially the Cookie Dough flavor :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
my parents usually get Breyer's or Publix brand
I like anything with fudge in it :D
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Ah.. there ice cream are the only kinds I eat, the kinds with the candy chunks.
Dublin Mudslide:
Irish Cream Liqueur Ice Cream with Chocholate Chocholate Chip Cookies & Coffee Fudge Swirl.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Don't do them all at once; do them over a couple of days
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
I can't though
I’m performing tomorrow night, Sunday afternoon, and Monday night again.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
yeah :-/
tomorrow’s my bday too and I have to dress up like an idiot and perform handbells in front of a lot of tourists at Disney. I’M THRILLED.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
I wrapped my gift at halftime
The stipulation at our party is that the gift can’t be bought; it has to be something that you own and you don’t want it
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
So what did you give for a gift that you didn't want?
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
War of the Worlds DVD
Tom Cruise version
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
And the gift can be as crappy as you want it to be
I was going to search for something in the garage, but I’m too lazy
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
This is the NBA; every team makes a run at some point
… hopefully the Magic can regain control (wouldn’t want your head to explode).
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Still dangerous
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Dwight can't be out of this game this long.
Why do they insist on calling Gortat, “polish born” everytime he’s involved in a play? Is that really necessary?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:58 PM EST reply actions
It's because they don't know anything about him
So they just rely on what’s on the media guide
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Good D by Marcin!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Wait a minute...
How was Bogans not fouled by Mason!?!??!?!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 9:59 PM EST reply actions
TNT just mentioned why nobody talks about us, and it’s true – we’ve not really done anything in the playoffs. Celtics have a title, Lakers made the Finals, even the Cavs have made a conference finals – but we’ve had one playoff series win in what, 8 years?
We can beat everyone we want in the regular season but until we prove we’re a playoff team, nobody is going to take us seriously.
we proved we were a playoff team last year
by smoking the raptors and we were a bad call away from going up 2-1 on the Pistons.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
The Raptors were nothing
And beating them proves nothing.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
I like the gecko
Both incarnations of him (the first one with the Cockney accent and this one with the more proper British accent)
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
the gecko's cute
it’s the cavemen I want to stab with a spork
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he tells it straight
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Take Cook out of there, please
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Not a great night for Hedo
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Horrible pass!
Hedo was totally out of position
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I think it's time to take our Brian Cook and Anthony Johnson.
Can someone tell me what no neck is doing other than standing in the corner? Seriously? What position is he even playing?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions
That's Dwight's 5th
I didn’t even see a foul!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Not a good shot, Jameer
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
We were, for like three and a half quarters
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Not against the Spurs, they’re too good and too proud.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 18, 2008 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
I hope that goes on SportsCenter, and they do one of those freeze-frames and count how many guys he dribbles around
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 18, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
Jameer's not a real point guard
of course he won’t be on SportsCenter
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
wait Ben, wait...
It’ll definitely be on sportscenter, I mean this is the Cavs and that was Lebron! errr wait.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
But he's not a true point guard according to the Chuckster
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
he's a back up point guard - kenny smith
wonder how they’ll cover up their words on the post game? I’ve got an idea…
“If Jameer plays like that every night, they’ll go far, but he won’t”
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
a "true" point guard is one who looks first to pass
jameer doesnt for the majority of the time, but it doesnt make him any less of a player
Pop is ticked
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
and slapping hands with the fans after nailing that shot!
If he was an MLB player, god forbid!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:16 PM EST reply actions
This is Jameers team
With Dwight out he is carrying the load quite nicely. Anyone who watches the Magic a lot knows we get very streaky. They had their run, now it’s time to have ours and close this game.
Five Magic players in double figures
… led by Nelson’s 17.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:18 PM EST reply actions
Hedo was going to posterize!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Hedo bricks the first free throw
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
"Jameer Nelson has OWNED the second half"
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:22 PM EST reply actions
Geez, Hedo
Nearly turned it over
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Hook by Gortat!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
And he follows that up with good D
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
"Popovich is going to pull the plug now"
-Popovich will appreciate the valiant effort. They’re in their second night of a back to back, flew in late last night.
EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions
VALIANT EFFORT?
um they’ve scored 70 points through 45 minutes????
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
Well they did cut a 23 pt deficit down to 8
… but now it’s back up to 17 :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
yeah yeah
that’s only b/c they went from sucking tremendously to playing kinda bad. It’s still crap.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Shouldn't Dwight be out of this game? 17 points with 2:45 to go.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:25 PM EST reply actions
Stan's so funny about rest
sometimes I think he rests them too long, and others I think he doesn’t pull the players out when he should.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
seriously, more often than not I'm questioning why no neck is still in the game and Jameer is resting.
Tonight he may have proved to me why he is the coach and I’m not, but when a player is injured, c’mon now!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
We all know how much you love J.J. TGS
… just teasing :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
My ex-girlfriend loves him too.
She would say how she wanted his jersey, but never understand what I was talking about when I told her how he’d probably get traded.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
oh I hate him
don’t want you to get the wrong idea ;)
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
According to Collins, "pop put up a valiant effort and now he'll pull the plug"
really? so you’re saying he’s giving up with 3:30 left and thats ok with the media Gods that are TNT? If any other NBA coach “pulled the plug” they’d be crying for him to be next to receive the pink slip!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
If I'm Stan, I keep the heavy hitters in until the next dead ball, then sub them out so the crowd can give them an ovation
Paul Porter can do his “rrrrrrrrreplacing Jameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer Nellsssoooooooooooooon” thing
I love Porter
he’s got to be the best announcer in the league
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Don't kill me here.
But the pistons dude is pretty much cash money.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
I mean, "B-B-B-B-illups!!!" will forever haunt me in my sleep.
Just think if we haunted opposing fans the same way. It’s big.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
>:|
I don’t remember what he sounds like…I remember laughing at the Miami announcer last year, though, as he tried valiantly to get the crowd involved.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Nelson with 21 second half points
… on 10 of 13 shooting
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:33 PM EST reply actions
Cheryl is taller than Jameer
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
haha poor Jameer
I think my dad’s taller than he is too
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
I am, just half
Since I have work tomorrow…I’m heading over to Blazer’s Edge
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I might
since I’m ignoring the gifts now
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Not I
getting up at 4:30 tomorrow so I can get a head start on the road to Orlando. Got tx for the game Saturday’s game, can’t wait. Night all.
by magic fanatic on Dec 18, 2008 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Jameer getting mad love from the anal-ysts.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 10:39 PM EST reply actions
they're all so shocked that he did well
jerks
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 18, 2008 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
You can tell they don't watch the Magic a lot
Or follow the team
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Goodnight from a very cold, about-to-be very snowy Chicago area
You ladies (Marie and TGS) and guys have a good rest of the night… can’t wait til we hopefully beat the Lakers Saturday night!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 18, 2008 10:40 PM EST reply actions
Good night, Mike
Stay warm!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Jinx, haha
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Final stats
Magic: 44 rebounds, 16 assists, 44.7% FG, 80.0% FTs, 24.0% on threes, 9 steals, 12 TOs, and 5 blocks
Spurs: 39 rebounds, 15 assists, 37.5% FG, 76.9% FTs, 40.0% on threes, 6 steals, 15 TOs, and 3 blocks
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