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Tonight's Game: Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic - UPDATE: Mickael Pietrus Will Play, Will Not Start

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic, Dec 20, 2008 7:00 PM EST


UPDATE: Mickael Pietrus will be active for tonight's game, will play, but will not start, according to Kyle Hightower of the Orlando Sentinel. Pietrus told Hightower, "I'm feeling good," earlier today. Fantastic. Let's hope his minutes don't come at Courtney Lee's expense.

UPDATE 2: As one guard re-joins Orlando's lineup, another will exit Los Angeles'. According to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com), Jordan Farmar, the Lakers' backup to Derek Fisher, is out with a knee injury. Farmar has played 41% of the Lakers' PG minutes this year, meaning Fisher will have to pick up some slack. Fortunately for L.A., the Triangle Offense doesn't rely on any one player to distribute the ball. What's more, it has no shortage of non-PG players with good handles: Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom come immediately to mind, and Luke Walton is a capable passer as well.

2008/2009 NBA Regular Season
Los Angeles Lakers main logo
@
Orlando Magic main logo
21-420-6
December 20th, 2008
Amway Arena
7:00 PM
Sun Sports
Probable starters:
Derek Fisher PG Jameer Nelson
Kobe Bryant SG Keith Bogans
Luke Walton SF Hedo Turkoglu
Pau Gasol PF Rashard Lewis
Andrew Bynum C Dwight Howard

Tonight, and for the second straight game, the well-rested Orlando Magic will host a legitimate title contender on the second night of a back-to-back set. The Los Angeles Lakers suffered an 89-87 defeat in Miami last night. The 87-point total was a season low for the Lakers, who also turned the ball over 21 times in a 90-possession game; nearly one in every four Laker possessions ended in a turnover. Kudos to Miami.

The last time the Lakers came to town, their new pairing of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol proved too much for the Magic to handle. The twosome scored 66 of L.A.'s 117 points. The Magic's attack was more balanced, as 7 players scored between 11 and 19 points, but the Lakers' blistering shooting and advantage at the foul line carried them to victory.

Of course, the Magic are better now than they were last year. Jameer Nelson is playing brilliantly, Dwight Howard is dominant as usual, and the bench is rounding into shape. I expect this contest to be much closer. Although the Lakers won the previous meeting by a scant 4 points, they enjoyed a comfortable lead during the second and third quarters; in other words, the game was not as close as it may appear based on the final score.

Most Magic fans will direct their attention to Lakers forward Trevor Ariza, whom the Magic sent West last November for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans. Ariza did not play in either of the Lakers' meetings with the Magic last season, so Magic fans will have the first chance to see him play against their team since the trae. Although Evans proved to be a valuable starter last year, and although Cook has made his share of timely three-pointers for the Magic, Ariza is making a much bigger difference for the Lakers than either of those players have made, or ever will make, for the Magic. His activity and energy helped the Lakers put away a stubborn Knicks team on Monday, as Howard Beck of the New York Times observes:

The Knicks took their last lead, 112-111, on a [Nate] Robinson 3-pointer with 1 minute 16 seconds to play. Trevor Ariza gave the Lakers the lead back for good on an alley-oop layup from Lamar Odom. After Robinson missed a point-blank runner, Ariza grabbed the rebound, leading to a pair of free throws by Derek Fisher and a 115-112 lead.

Additionally, in last night's game, Ariza grabbed a key rebound after Miami forward Udonis Haslem missed the second of two free throws. The Lakers called time out. On the ensuing possession, Kobe Bryant made a jumper to bring them to within 2 points with 41 seconds to play.

I think everyone in the Magic kingdom misses Trevor, even the people who ultimately approve of the trade that sent him away. I think we'd all feel a heckuva lot worse about it if Courtney Lee weren't developing so nicely, though. Lee's smaller and slightly less athletic than Ariza, and thus doesn't get as many rebounds. But his stellar defense and willingness to attack the rim remind me of Trevor. As a bonus, he has a fairly reliable jump shot, something Ariza did not have during his time in Orlando blue-and-white. Yay.

Lee may turn out to be Orlando's X-factor tonight. Even if starting two-guard and defensive ace Mickael Pietrus returns from his thumb injury, Lee will draw the assignment of covering Bryant down the stretch. But that's not why I'm making this claim. Rather, it's his ability to force turnovers and score in transition. The Heat aren't a fast-paced team--23rd heading into last night's game--but they scored 17 points off the Lakers' 21 turnovers. If the Magic can capitalize on the Lakers' miscues, they could be headed for their fourth straight win. I single Lee out because he might be the only Magic player who both forces turnovers and scores easily off them.

Kurt of Forum Blue & Gold thinks the Lakers' biggest advantage over the Magic is their ability to move the ball:

What kind of team gives the Magic fits? Ones that move the ball. As you would expect with their record, they play well against everyone but have won only 33% of their games against the top 10 teams in assists in the league. The Lakers are capable of that, they are a fantastic passing team when they want to be.

He adds that Pau Gasol is in for a big night, because the Magic have no one who can defend him.

As usual for a home game, the tip's at 7. You can watch the game on Sun Sports.

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I have a really bad feeling about this game

the Lakers are gonna be pissed after losing to the “lowly” Heat. :-/ They’ll want to set an example, and it’ll be at our expense D:

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 2:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

L.A. Lakers - Orlando Magic (HD)

L.A. Lakers – Orlando Magic (HD)
 live broadcasted

http://www.iddaliyim.tr.gg/Canli-Mac-izle-_-salon-3.htm

www.iddaliyim.tr.gg

by milleniumprince on Dec 20, 2008 2:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Is it true that Bogans is not playing

And that Lee will start?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I was texted that info

That’s what was said on the radio, due to a death in the family

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Okay, so Bogans will play

He just got back from the funeral

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Check that

Bogans spent most of the day at a friend’s funeral (:-() but he got back in time to play tonight.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm surprised you're not at the game

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

$ is tight

I’ll be there for GSW on Monday and NOH on Christmas. And that’s it.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

There were two tickets available this morning/afternoon

From StubHub…but by the time my brother and I stopped deliberating, they were gone. They were expensive for where they are; 50 bucks in the 200s, L or M.

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Puke Walton with the start

I guess Vlad Rad is still in the doghouse

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Rough start for Bynum

Short-arms his first shot, then fouls Dwight while battling for the Magic’s first miss.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Two quick fouls on Bynum

So does Pau move to the 5?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That'd make for a better matchup for Rashard...Pau is so tough to cover

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Can't believe the Lakers lost to the Heat last night

They haven’t been as dominant lately…they lost to the Kings recently, too

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

No collared shirt for SVG tonight

Guess because we’re not on national TV :)

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Packed by Puke Walton

How embarrassing!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:17 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lakers getting offensive boards

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:17 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That's a very quick timeout by SVG. He's usually more patient.

Probably a good one, though. The Magic look flat and can’t afford to give up more ground.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:19 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good point

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Last season against the Lakers...

… didn’t the Magic score something like 44 points in the first quarter, but then went flat the rest of the game and lost.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hedo bricks the first

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

We lead

Thanks to Rashard

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Geez, hustle, guys!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He fouled him on the last possession

Dwight missed his shot horribly

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:25 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Dwight gets his second foul. That's awful.

Pretty bad call. Dwight jumped straight up, but Fisher sold the call

Here comes the Polish Hammer.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Great job by Hedo, keeping the possession alive

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Stupid Walton

That’s exactly what Howard did and he got called for the foul…so what makes him think he’ll get away with it?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ariza in the house

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I say Trevor, haha

He’s greatly missed, I think

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, kind of a slow and sloppy start

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Fisher again

Taking the charge this time

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The Lakers do the verbal flop every time they get to the basket

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Gortat blocks Pau

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Pietrus got fouled there

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Nice feed from Johnson to Gortat

All alone for that dunk!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Interesting point from the announcers

That teams don’t respect Gortat rolling to the basket, so he gets left alone for plays like that.

by lil penny on Dec 20, 2008 7:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Joey Crawford had to lecture both teams

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

lol Joe Crawford is cranky

Visted both benches during the timeout and told them to pipe down.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully he won't toss anyone for laughing

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Cook hesitated a bit before he took that shot.

Dude needs to have an instant release. None of this bothersome “thinking” business.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 7:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Cook had the right move there

He just missed

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Borat with a steal and slam

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Battie is in

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Nice move by Lee

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The Lakers verbal flop so much

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hidayet!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:55 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I was just going to say that

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:58 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Great job, Hedo

Now if we can just show some semblance of defense…

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 7:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good job, Jameer

And 1 opportunity

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Come on!

Jameer has missed three free throws now!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Crawford is not putting up with any crap tonight

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He never does

… even if you just look at the guy the wrong way, he’ll T you up.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

This lead feels a lot bigger than it really is

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Fisher got loose for a wide open three

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:05 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Five straight points from Fisher

Lead is back to 9

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

They are totally missing their free throws

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Way to play defense

We cut it to four but now it’s double digits

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lakers 12 of 19 shooting this quarter

… much improved over the first quarter.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Kobe with 23 pts

You’re right Ben, he may be on his way to a 40 + point nght.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Kobe gets his second foul

Resounding cheers ensue

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wow, that was continuation

I thought it was on the floor…and 1 for Rashard

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I noticed that too

I thought that maybe someone wrote on them, actually, but I think it’s dirt

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Great second quarter for the Lakers

34 points on 15 of 24 shooting even with that last miss.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I didn’t think either team played well in that first half.

Lakers have no scoring going outside of their backcourt. Kobe has 25, Fisher has 14. No other Lakers player have more than 5. They’re not going to be able to keep this up without someone stepping up.

Bynum looks out of it, not into the game mentally. Same as in Miami.

Things look good for Orlando. Howard re-entering the game to start the third should spark the side and even things up on the backboards.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 8:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Kobe will get his numbers

But it hurts when other guys like Fisher get hot, too

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Nick making that three-pointer might be one of my favorite Magic memories

The ensuing dance was great, too.
They just showed the bench’s reaction while he was shooting. Penny was wearing a white t-shirt and khaki pants.

What was life like before the dress code?

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 8:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I love the dress code, personally

These guys can all afford to dress like they are GQ models, so they should. I mean, it is part of their job, and they are going to work. Gone are the days of Rip Hamilton’s personalized “Rip City” jerseys in random NBA team colors, Iverson’s football jerseys, or Marquis Daniels’ Scarface/Tony Montana T-shirt.

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I love how the Magic players have to wear suits

Rather than just throwing a jacket over a shirt and jeans.

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't realize the Magic had a no headband rule

Why is that?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Lewis and Turk leading the way for the Magic

… Lewis with 14 points, Turk with 10 on a combined 7 for 11 shooting. 5 rebounds, 5 assists.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Rashard for three

He’s keeping us in this game

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:35 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

SVG's expressions are priceless

Rashard should have shot that one

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Three from Jameer

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer is heating up!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I thought they were going to call that foul on Keith again!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Foul on Puke Walton

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why is that a foul on Bogans again?

Kobe was out of control!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Fisher sucks!

He’s the one initiating the contact, lowering the shoulder and everything

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh, that was nice.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Both teams are in the penalty

Please make your free throws, guys

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lakers still haven’t gotten anyone else going offensively.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 8:48 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer is totally heating up!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:50 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, he went over the back

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

One point game, baby!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Damn it, Bean

He’s too good

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Bean from the same spot again

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why do you have LA commentary?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

How come?

You don’t have a TV nearby?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I can either comment here and listen to a feed

or watch tv and not comment. I don’t have a tv in my room

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 8:57 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Pau is T'd up

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Tie game!!!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

my headache's coming back :((

noo…I want to finish the game

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 8:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

No Neck for the lead!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:57 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Bad call

They got 10 minutes out of him before the 4th foul. As long as he doesn’t pick up that quick fifth foul, he should be fine to play a lot of minutes in the fourth quarter.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 8:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

stupid ass call on Dwight

I’m shocked, shocked I tell you!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Gortat in the game

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Battie with the second chance bucket!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Charge on Odom!

Great job by Gortat!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Damn it, Fisher again!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

We lead!

Yay!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Great quarter for the Magic

… 36 points on 13 of 23 shooting!

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

It’ll be interesting who’s out there in the Lakers second unit to start the fourth quarter. They need some scoring while Kobe/Fisher sit down.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Turk doesn't have any fouls

He should play the entire 4th. No reason to rest him. Especially in a game of this magnitude.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

How is that a foul on Bogans?

What did he do, breathe on him?

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh my God, an airball from Pietrus

Get him out of there! Put Lee in!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Pietrus shoots an airball

Another pump-fake-and-step-in-then-step-back-and-shoot-a-fadeaway move.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 9:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That’s an awful shot from Pietrus

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hidayet

Time to come alive!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I don't see a foul there

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HORRIBLE inbounds pass

But the Lakers blew it somehow…Pau was over Jameer and he missed a layup!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer!!!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

God, seeing Dwight hit those hooks makes me happy

It’s not just that they’re going in… it’s that they’re going in softly. None of this lucky bounce crap.

He’s developing touch around the basket.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The rebounding has evened up at 32 apiece.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Fisher again

I hate that guy

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:17 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

On every possession, the ball goes to Dwight

And he’s going right to the basket to draw fouls.

I like this strategy. Even if he only splits the free throws each time, he’s getting the Magic into the bonus… and hanging fouls on Gasol.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 9:19 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Howard is only 4 of 8 from the FT line

Magic are a mediocre 17 of 30 from the line for the game.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lakers are 20 of 21 from the line

… I hope we don’t look back on all the FT misses this game if the Magic lose.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I can't believe Odom got that board

When he was surrounded by white jerseys

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Five fouls on Dwight

Gotta be careful

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Radmanovic has given the Lakers a nice lift tonight. Surprised they dropped him from their rotation.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Three point play for Dwight

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

What the hell!

Odom was like piggybacking on Jameer!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why no foul? That was weird.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That's two traveling no-calls on Bean now

And that could have been called a foul on Pau rather than a jumpball

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

the calls in this game are so freaking stupid

ticky-tacks called all over the place, but Odom piggybacks and nothing!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hedo!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hedo and/or Dwight had that rebound already!

Argh!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Good luck with that

Dwight can take him

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And the second

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Dwight manages to get a double double

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Odom gives a lot of odd reactions after HE gives a hard foul.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Odom is fouled out

Good riddance…no more verbal flops from you!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Come on!

Offensive foul on Jameer!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

oh my god

the Magic are at home, and they call that foul against us

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Fisher had to sell that ish

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer offensive foul after Fisher gets hit in the eye.

Great acting. He was hit in the face, for sure, but he did exaggerate it a bit there.

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 20, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That was unlucky

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Machine misses!

Dwight with the board and he gets fouled!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Make them both, Dwight!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dwight!!!

Swishes the second!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Not sure about the quarter

But he’s 10-15 the whole game

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:43 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

We win!

Magic win! Yay!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer is the man of the night

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Great win for you guys!

by Jeffrey on Dec 20, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Lakers never got anyone else going offensively. It’s hard to win playing 2-on-5 on one of the court.

Very good win for the Magic.

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Magic stats

40 rebounds (including 11 offensive!), 20 assists, 48.6% FG, 61.5% FTs, 40% on threes, 6 steals, 15 TOs, 5 blocks

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The Lakers were 24 of 25 from the free throw line

Magic missed 15 free throws but made them in the clutch late!

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That's when it counts

What a great come from behind win

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That’s an impressive stat

http://nbaroundtable.wordpress.com/

by NBR on Dec 20, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Laker stats

40 rebounds, 14 assists, 41.4% FG, 96.0% FTs, 33.3% on threes, 8 steals, 9 TOs, 2 blocks

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Jameer for East player of the week, hopefully

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He deserves it

He’s been on fire since coming back from the injury

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Bogans played good defense against Kobe

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

and has the fouls to prove it

his offense wasn’t there, but he played his heart out

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:54 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Is this on the radio?

They’re not showing him on Sun Sports right now

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 9:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if...

Phil Jackson will use the back-to-back games as an excuse like Popovic did the other night.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

he will, I'm sure

and so will sports commentators. But I’m not gonna let that bother me. We won!! \o/

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

excuses

Yeah, and that was the reason they lost last night too?

If you're not having fun, stop participating.

by redandblue on Dec 20, 2008 10:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

He sounds senile from time to time

I forgot the game, but he started talking about Saddam Hussein somewhere in there, it was so weird

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting...

Lakers were 24-25 from the line, and the Magic were 24-39.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:03 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I slept all day, actually lol

I’ve had a massive headache, though, and that’s what is wearing me out :-/

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Awww I hope you feel better...

Hope the ice cream does you some good!

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

aw thanks :)

I think it’s just a stress headache. Hopefully moar sleep will help ;) And ice cream, of course!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Golden ST is up next on Monday...

and they lost to Charlotte tonight 113-110.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

How did that happen?

I was watching that during the commercial break and CHA was down 9 with like 2-3 minutes to go, I think

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 10:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Whoopps... my bad

I read the score wrong… it was GS 110 CHA 103.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

according to the AP...

“The Magic hadn’t beaten the Lakers at home in four seasons.”

:O That just makes this win all the more awesome

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

You'd be correct

I think they mentioned that earlier in the broadcast

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 10:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I remember a Lakers-Magic game a few years ago...

where the immortal Smush Parker scored something like 30 pts to help beat the Magic in Orlando.

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I hate that guy

I don’t think he’s even in the league anymore

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 10:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

oh wait!

don’t want to forget this!! From the AP:

Orlando’s been the beneficiary of a generous schedule. They caught San Antonio on the second of back-to-back games, and enjoyed the same advantage against the Lakers. Los Angeles lost to Miami on Friday.

Hahaha *stabbity *

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

You all have a great rest-of-the-evening

… TGS, Marie, and Ben and everyone else… enjoy the rest of the weekend and your warm weather in FL… It’s gonna be 5 above here tomorrow in the Chicago area with 25 below wind chills!

by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:19 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Stay warm, Mike!

And hope you’re done with your holiday shopping…I’d hate to brave that kind of weather…see you Monday against Golden State!

"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki

by Marie on Dec 20, 2008 10:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Being a mets/cowboys/magic fan

I have a lot of disappointment in my sporting fan career, including tonight, boys basically eliminated from playoff contention. BUT the Magic with a big win! My only hope…

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 20, 2008 11:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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