Tonight's Game: Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic - UPDATE: Mickael Pietrus Will Play, Will Not Start
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 20, 2008 6:27 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintLos 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 21-4 | 20-6 | |
| 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:
L.A. Lakers - Orlando Magic (HD)
L.A. Lakers – Orlando Magic (HD)
live broadcasted
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www.iddaliyim.tr.gg
by milleniumprince on Dec 20, 2008 2:27 PM EST reply actions
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
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
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
Check that
Bogans spent most of the day at a friend’s funeral (:-() but he got back in time to play tonight.
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
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
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
Rough start for Bynum
Short-arms his first shot, then fouls Dwight while battling for the Magic’s first miss.
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
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
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
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
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
Lakers getting offensive boards
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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.
Good point
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Yeah, 44 in the first (punctuated by a BCook 3)
and 43 combined in the 2nd and 3rd. Fought back in the 4th, though.
Hedo bricks the first
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
We lead
Thanks to Rashard
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Geez, hustle, guys!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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.
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
Great hustle on the boards off the Lewis 3, Turk gets the rebound
Walton fouls Bogans on the shot, and gets T’d-up. lol.
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
Ariza in the house
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
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
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
It's pretty clear that the Lakers are going to get their share of calls tonight.
Not surprising, given their reputation. Gotta play through it.
Gortat blocks Pau
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Pietrus got fouled there
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Rough start for Pietrus
… 0 for 3 from the field.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:38 PM EST reply actions
Gortat's defense just killed the Lakers' possession
Swatted a shot out of bounds, then got the loose ball.
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
Interesting point from the announcers
That teams don’t respect Gortat rolling to the basket, so he gets left alone for plays like that.
AJ doing good so far off the bench
… a three and a nice assist.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:41 PM EST reply actions
Magic shooting 8 for 20 from the field...
… the Lakers just 7 of 24 for 29.2 pct.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions
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
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
Cook hesitated a bit before he took that shot.
Dude needs to have an instant release. None of this bothersome “thinking” business.
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
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
Wonder if Battie will see any action
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:49 PM EST reply actions
He's not injured or anything as far as I know
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:51 PM EST reply actions
Battie is in
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Nice move by Lee
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Hidayet!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Magic have taken 4 shots in the period. Lakers have taken 10.
Too many turnovers, yielding too many offensive rebounds.
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
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
Where would we be without the three-ball tonight?
5-of-11 from deep. Lakers haven’t made a single deep ball.
The Lakers keep answering every time we get within 7 or 6
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 7:59 PM EST reply actions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lakers have 27 points already this quarter
… after just 24 points in the first.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions
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
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
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
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
More like a missed Borat three
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
It's kind of a miracle the Magic are only down 9, given how awful their defense has been
Lewis and Gortat are the only guys playing well.
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/
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
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?
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
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
I wish Otis would let some of the guys wear headbands
The no-headband thing is silly.
Pietrus is a great headband candidate.
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
I forget. But it's there. DeShawn Stevenson was the last Magic player to wear a headband.
Otis also asked Jameer to trim his goatee last year after it got a little scraggly.
Some coaches and GMs believe players look more "professional" without headbands
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
I think it's a silly rule but...
… if I was making millions a year playing basketball, I would happily abide by the rule!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it looked like of those Hanes/Fruit of the Loom white T-shirts, haha
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Lakers have only 3 first half turnovers
… compared to the Magic’s 9 TOs. Lakers continue to soundly outrebound the Magic 25-17.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:28 PM EST reply actions
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
glad I've been asleep for most of the game, then
like I said, I have a bad feeling about this one
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hey TGS a belated happy birthday!
Hope you had a nice one :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
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
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
Three from Jameer
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Jameer is heating up!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Foul on Puke Walton
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Tough game for Bogans...
3 points with 4 fouls.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions
I know, right
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
my feed must be behind
b/c that hasn’t happened yet :(
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
That alley oop should get them fired up
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Ariza... 5 points with 5 rebounds
… and a +/- of plus 14.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions
Magic an awful 13 of 24 from the FT line
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:45 PM EST reply actions
That wound up costing them the game
… losing by just 2 pts.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
Magic are hanging in there...
… down by just 68-64.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:47 PM EST reply actions
Jameer is totally heating up!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
One point game, baby!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
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
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
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
The fans in Orlando may have come to see their team, dude. Which is 20-6.
Maybe the fans in, like, Minnesota come to see Kobe. The fans in Orlando? Not so much.
Pau is T'd up
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Tie game!!!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
I like that cute gecko
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Is there any guard anywhere shooting better than Nelson?!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 8:55 PM EST reply actions
Doesn't seem like it.
Maybe others have higher FG%, but they’re the penetrating types. Nelson just tees off.
No Neck for the lead!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Gortat in the game
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
Yeah, I don't mind the corner 3s he's missed, because those were in the flow of the offense.
He should not be trying to create off the dribble, under any circumstances.
Damn it, Fisher again!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
We lead!
Yay!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Turk doesn't have any fouls
He should play the entire 4th. No reason to rest him. Especially in a game of this magnitude.
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
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
Hidayet
Time to come alive!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Dwight needs to get the ball more
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Magic haven't done a good job of getting the ball to Dwight
Maybe that will improve now that Jameer’s back in the game
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
Jameer!!!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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.
Nelson is leading us again!
25 points now!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions
I kept screaming GET BACK TO PAU, DWIGHT!!! on that last play.... and then he came out of nowhere to block the shot from behind
Wow. I thought Gasol was going to have an open layup.
Pietrus has yet to find his touch
… just 2 of 10 from the field for 5 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Three point play for Dwight
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Shows you how strong Jameer is that he could even carry Odom like that
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
the calls in this game are so freaking stupid
ticky-tacks called all over the place, but Odom piggybacks and nothing!
Hedo!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
And the second
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
Magic doing to Kobe what they did to Roy. 2x-tm every time he touches
Kobe to the line after Lewis fouls him
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
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
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.
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
Make them both, Dwight!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Dwight!!!
Swishes the second!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
WOW... Howard in the clutch big-time!!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions
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
I'm glad they didn't foul
I’d rather they rely on good D
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
We win!
Magic win! Yay!
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Don't forget the ice cream TGS :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
heee XD
I’ll be adding extra chocolate sauce tonight!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
Magic stats
40 rebounds (including 11 offensive!), 20 assists, 48.6% FG, 61.5% FTs, 40% on threes, 6 steals, 15 TOs, 5 blocks
yeah, very nice
they got the ball under control
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
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
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
Laker stats
40 rebounds, 14 assists, 41.4% FG, 96.0% FTs, 33.3% on threes, 8 steals, 9 TOs, 2 blocks
Our bench outscored the Lakers bench too
…22 to 19.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions
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
Put on a LeBron James mask?
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
Four Magic players in double figs...
… all the starters except Bogans.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:52 PM EST reply actions
I'll take your word for it since I couldn't watch the game...
he always puts forth the effort, thats for sure.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
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
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
that always happens
he tries to do everything, and it backfires spectacularly
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he didn't get a lot of help from Pau tonight
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Oh yeah, and Bynum was not a lot of help, either
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
Two nights in a row Bryant has missed the final shot
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions
Thats great Howard had the confidence he would make the FTs
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
glad to see that Dwight is slowly getting phased out
by a more mature guy
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Andrew Bynum seems to have that Sad Dwight thing going on.
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 20, 2008 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
LOL
is it similar to the Duncan sadface?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Bynum was awful tonight...
3 points and a rebound in 11 minutes.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I agree
I love how he’s taking on the responsibility
"We know we're right there, but 'right there' in this league doesn't get you anywhere." -- Dirk Nowitzki
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
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
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
excuses
Yeah, and that was the reason they lost last night too?
If you're not having fun, stop participating.
lol, radio guys are joking the reason we won is Richie Adubato's purple velour jacket.
I love Richie. He’s a homer, but he’s also a lot of fun.
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
interesting b/c both teams scored the same, not that we missed 14
I’m tired :-/
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 20, 2008 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
How can you be tired? you took a long nap in the first half :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 20, 2008 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
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
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
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
haha, the Bucks are beating the Clippers, 71-40, in the 3rd quarter. Clips shooting 28%.
Not a good night for L.A. basketball.
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
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
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
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
The last time they beat the Lakers in Orlando was the game Kobe dunked on Dwight.
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 20, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
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
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
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
Don't remind me
Two seasons ago. I was there, in the lower bowl.
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 20, 2008 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
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 *
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
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
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
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