Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons - Rashard Lewis (ankle) Will Play; Richard Hamilton (groin) Will Not
by Evan Dunlap on Dec 29, 2008 7:25 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintOrlando Magic at Detroit Pistons, Dec 29, 2008 7:30 PM EST
UPDATE 3: Matt Watson of AOL FanHouse has been in the locker rooms tonight and reports, via Twitter, that Rashard Lewis is in and Richard Hamilton is out. Amir Johnson will start in Hamilton's place for Detroit.
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 24-6 | 17-11 | |
| December 29th, 2008 | ||
| The Palace of Auburn Hills | ||
| 7:30 PM | ||
| Sun Sports | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Jameer Nelson | PG | Rodney Stuckey |
| Keith Bogans | SG | Allen Iverson |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Tayshaun Prince |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Amir Johnson |
| Dwight Howard | C | Rasheed Wallace |
Quick injury notes: Richard Hamilton has a strained groin and is listed as day-to-day. UPDATE: If he can't go tonight, Kwame Brown will start at center, moving Rasheed Wallace to power forward and Tayshaun Prince at small forward, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. expect Amir Johnson to start at power forward, which would shift Tayshaun Prince to his more natural small forward position. Also, Rashard Lewis is a game-time decision due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. He sat out today's shootaround and wants to play, telling Schmitz, "I'm going to play if I have to drag my leg out there tonight."
UPDATE 2: Moments ago during a pre-game radio interview, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said the chances of Rashard Lewis' playing tonight were "50/50".
That Allen-Iverson-for-Chauncey-Billups trade hasn't done much good in Detroit. Kevin Sawyer breaks down the myriad reasons why at Detroit Bad Boys. Here's what should make Magic fans happy: Allen Iverson can't guard anyone. I don't think anyone seriously expected him to defend as well as Billups, but I also don't think anyone thought he'd be this bad--seriously, read the post--either.
Some things haven't changed, though. The Pistons still are quite, um, demonstrative with the officials. They're earning technical fouls at an alarming rate. Tayshaun Prince wishes they'd pipe-down. (So does everyone else, Tayshaun. Believe me.) And their last win, 87-76 over Milwaukee on Saturday night, was vintage 2000s Pistons style. Detroit controlled the tempo, with 86 possessions; played excellent defense overall, forcing the Bucks to shoot 30.4% from the field and 8.3% from beyond the arc; and exceptional defense on the opponent's star player, holding Michael Redd to 4 points on 2-of-11 shooting. I still doubt that a Pistons team with Iverson can do a ton of damage in the playoffs--the value of intangibles is overstated, but it's nonetheless hard to argue that the team won't miss Billups' leadership--but they're certainly dangerous. Rasheed Wallace can limit Dwight Howard; ditto Prince with Hedo Turkoglu. If Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis can have their way with Rodney Stuckey and Amir Johnson, the Magic stand a fighting chance.
The Magic will have a very tough time keeping Stuckey, whom the Pistons drafted with the Magic's pick in 2007, which they sent to Detroit in 2006 to acquire Carlos Arroyo and Darko Milicic, out of the lane. He's a solid finisher at the rim, but more dangerously, draws a ton of fouls. Dwight Howard is going to need to keep his hands to himself tonight, lest he get in foul trouble. Then again, given how well Marcin Gortat played against Detroit in the playoffs--I will never ever forget his drilling a turnaround jumper over a stunned Rasheed Wallace in the otherwise dismal Game 4--maybe his getting more burn wouldn't be so bad after all.
Tip's at 7:30 on Sun Sports. Game's in Detroit. Let's make it 8 straight wins.
Go Magic.
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Rodney who????
What’s Rodney going to do wants he gets to the Rim? Get the benefit of a foul? I don’t think so. With Dwight being a force in their teams can’t drive to the basket and get layups on us. CP3 found that out on Christmas day. Look if we can contain CP3 we can handle Rodney Stuckey!!!!! He’s another guy that in my eyes is a little over hyped…..
Stuckey does draw a lot of fouls
the game is in Detroit, and Dwight’s picked up a lot of dumb fouls lately.
Just saying.’
can we cement ourselves as
#3? pistons have been a thorn in our side for way, way too long.
www.last.fm/user/mhetrick04
The Magic already cemented themselves as the #3 team .. they don’t need a win against the Pistons to suddenly validate themselves. I think the wins over the Lakers, Spurs, Hornets, Jazz, etc. .. has already done that.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Iverson says the Pistons are the underdogs in this one
“It will be one of those fun games, especially because a lot of people will count us out. As a competitor, these are the games you want to be in, the games people don’t think you can win.”
Can’t say I’m surprised .. because A.I.’s speaking the truth.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Rashard Lewis lost out on player of the week honors
To Mr. LeBron “I get 24 hours of programming on NBA TV since I’m turning 24” James.
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
WOW! 5 comments before tip-off!! The Magic must really be 24-6 and the 3rd best team in the East
Haha… just playing all.
I’m ready to devote my 24-7 sports fandom to the Magic after my beloved :cough: :cough: cowboys :cough: :vomit: were eliminated last night.
I’m pumped for this game tonight, I hate the pistons after the past 2 years and the shady officiating in game 3 last year absolutely lit a flame underneath me. Bury them! Jameer will be looking at 20+ easy with AI’s defensive performance.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 4:42 PM EST reply actions
Eagles sure gave the ’Boys a whooping ..
As for the Magic, I’d be shocked if they lost tonight. Detroit’s three-guard lineup is real effective, offensively at least, but A.I.‘s defensive deficiencies are too glaring to ignore and I think SVG will make sure to exploit that. We’ll see what happens .. for the Magic to win, ’Meer needs to go off.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Stan doesn't want to mess with the lineup right now
From this news roundup after the win over Minnesota:
Bogans stays starter
Van Gundy said he does not plan on making a change at shooting guard despite Mickael Pietrus’ return from injury and the shooting struggles of starter Keith Bogans.“We’re just playing too well to screw around with what we’re doing,” Van Gundy said.
Bogans has gone as cold as the Minneapolis weather. He was 5-of-29 in his past five games heading into the game against the Timberwolves.
He is shooting 37 percent, and 34 percent from 3-point range. He is replacing J.J. Redick, who had also struggled with his shot after subbing for Pietrus as the starter. Pietrus played his fourth game Saturday night since returning from a thumb injury, coming off the bench.
Love this quote from Schmitz with the game minutes from starting
“For the second consecutive postseason, the Pistons eliminated the Magic last season, this time in the second round 4-1. After being swept by Detroit in 2006-07, the Magic finally won a game to end a nine-game playoff losing streak against the Pistons with a 111-86 rout in Game 3. As a sign that maybe the Magic are maturing, they aren’t looking at tonight’s first meeting since the playoffs as a forum to settle a score or make a statement. They are merely a rising heavyweight taking on a decorated contender, working their craft.”
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Oh my god. The above poster wasn't joking about the '24 hours of lebron thing'
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 7:40 PM EST reply actions
I don't watch NBA TV unless the Magic are playing so I don't see their ads.
Don’t care for their commentators.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
I found on NBA.com
Besides, everyone assumes that LeBron must be worshipped. He’s a great player, don’t get me wrong, but I am so sick of him: the NY crap, the chalk stuff, etc. I can’t wait until we play the Cavs and beat them.
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
I think we've beat them in the season series the past 2 years, but of course the national media doesn't remember that
or care. It won’t matter until we beat them in the playoffs, sadly.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
Man what a look on SVG's face after 70 seconds of action.
Anyone here tonight??
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 7:45 PM EST reply actions
'Shard's leg is looking fine to me.
Sheed answers.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 7:52 PM EST reply actions
I'm watching the game on NBA TV...
… with the Pistons announcers. They have been very complementary towards the Magic so far, saying what a tough team the Magic are to cover defensively because Lewis and Turkoglu have so many ways they can hurt you offensively.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 7:56 PM EST reply actions
Anything is better than the Celtics commentators (Heinsohn, especially) ..
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I actually purposely watch Celtics broadcasts, just to hear Heinsohn talk .. it’s pure comedy.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
He's such a total homer
He goes on rants and tirades, then heaps lavish praise on Boston players that probably don’t deserve it (like their mascot Scal)
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
It’s hilarious. I love it.
Once in a while, something cataclysmic will happen where Heinsohn is forced to praise an opposing player .. like when Nate had that sick put-back jam against Boston a few weeks ago. It’s great listening to Heinsohn because he doesn’t want to say anything ..
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Ha
He probably throws up in his mouth a bit every time he has to compliment someone on the opposing team
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
.. sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised. Funny just thinking about it.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Yeah, we've all got the Pistons announcers, NBA TV uses the home announcers for their feed.
Poses the question, what do Guokas & Steele when a road game is handled by NBA TV? They don’t make the trip?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
No, they make the trip and broadcast .. just not for NBA TV.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Magic shooting 6 of 16 so far... 37.5 pct
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:02 PM EST reply actions
Sheed... 9 pts, 2 boards, 2 blocks so far
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions
Yeah, the offense always sputters when he’s on the court. It’s like … playing 4 against 5.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Johnson did have 5 steals in less than 20 minutes the other night
He’s not great by any means, but I think he’s an adequate backup.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
WHAT A DUNK!
Pietrus may be hurt bad. Ouch!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:16 PM EST reply actions
Ok, I'm starting to get sick of "he fills it up!" outta these pistons announcers.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:20 PM EST reply actions
Jameer salvaged that possession after nearly blowing it with that pass
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
I believe you're thinking of Courtney Lee.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
Oops
Though I really thought it was Jameer who passed it to Dwight and then he somehow got it back for a layup
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Nah it was Courtney, he's a bit more explosive than Jameer off the dribble... IMO
earlier on the other end it was also Lee who ripped it away from Iverson in congestion…
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Magic just need to cut the lead to 5 before halftime
.. if they do that, they’ll win.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Fills it up! You can't defend that Tayshaun turnaround.
The Pistons announcers just proved their knowledge…
“Tayshaun wanted to take advantage of the defense of the rookie Lee”
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:25 PM EST reply actions
SIT DOWN IVERSON!
pretty move by nelson!!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:28 PM EST reply actions
He needs to be more aggressive … A.I. is a defensive liability, exploit him.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Maybe that'll get Jameer going
…he’s got just 4 pts so far.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:29 PM EST reply actions
He’s not the problem … the Magic need to exploit Nelson’s matchup more.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
not the sole problem...
but Dwight scoring 1 point in the first 2 quarters of play surely is A problem.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
Sure, but games are all about match-ups. Dwight isn’t going to go off tonight against Detroit, but Nelson certainly can.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
It's nice knowing that DH doesn't have to carry the Magic offensively all the time
… with Nelson, Lewis and Turk to pick up the slack.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
Right
.. that’s the point. Dwight having 1 point right now isn’t really a problem. Sure, it be nice if he had like 10+ points but that shouldn’t be the main concern for the Magic right now.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I can't agree. We're looking at a 10+ point deficit at halftime.
Shard, Lewis, Jameer, Hedo aren’t going to score 17+ every night, Dwight is your rock. You need at least 10 points out of him in the first half and that would give us a tie game at intermission.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
Again, you need to look at who we’re playing. Nelson having only 4 points at halftime is a problem, especially considering how terrible of a defender A.I. is at this point.
I guarantee you that if he goes off in the second half, the Magic will win.
Most nights, games are centered around Dwight but this isn’t one of those nights.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
That's great and I respect your opinion, but I still disagree.
I’ve seen Dwight drop 20+ on the Pistons many times.
I guarantee you that if Dwight makes up for his putrid first half with 20+ in the 2nd, the magic win.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
Eric Snow talking about how Dwight Howard has been stopped thus far.
0-4 with 1 point is excessively bad, I think Gortat has more points. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not getting on Dwight, just stating the difference in the game is the lack of Dwight being involved.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
AJ is a minus 11 in just 6 minutes of play
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions
Lewis and Turk keeping the Magic in it
… 24 combined points!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:38 PM EST reply actions
Yep, but I doubt he can play anymore tonight
…The Magic will miss him in the second half
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
Well, it could be worse
Dwight really needs to establish himself in the second half…he’s not even in foul trouble. I hope it’s not a mental thing against Detroit
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
After watching the first half
I think we’re going to lose. We’re not getting any calls, Dwight’s letting freaking Rasheed Wallace into his head, and the Pistons just have a way of getting under our skin.
I f#$%ing hate the Pistons.
Hey, did you read the latest on Watchmen
I think Fox is trying to prevent the release of the movie
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
yeah :(( I mentioned it here the other night
I don’t think Fox’ll go that far, because ultimately it’s all about the money. They’re not stupid—they know this movie will make a crapload of money. The real question is how much Fox will get in return for allowing the movie to be released, and what, if anything, they will to do the film itself.
It’s very frustrating. I know, technically, they’re “right”, but it doesn’t stop them from being giant dicks about the whole thing. Why wait for the movie to be completely filmed/edited/etc? Why not MAKE the freaking movie after holding the rights for 20 years? Ugh. Screw you, Fox.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
All I know is...
After watching both versions of the trailer multiple times, that movie better come out in a timely fashion…graphically, it looks awesome. I just hope they stay true to the story, ending and all
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
the trailers are amazing
gah. This movie better come out.
Though should I mention that the ending has been slightly altered? D:
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
*Gasps*
Seriously? It better not be a cheesy Disney ending (please don’t tell me how they change it)! The impact will be ruined.
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
the same principle is there, of course
the “villain’s” motives still hold true, the events still occur the same, just. There’s no squid. There’s a different method he uses, apparently, but it gets teh same results.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
If there is no squid...
Does that mean they cut out the whole thing with the scientists and artists on the island? I mean, that’s key for The Comedian’s storyline
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
I'm not sure
I know the actual comic is cut from the movie (but is included in a type of special addition for the DVD), but I don’t know if they’re in the movie or not. I haven’t read anything about that. I just know there’s no squid, and that the explosion happens a different way, though it still has the same effect on the superpowers as it did in the original story.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I got you
That one will have Gerard Butler in it
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
oh yeah :3
I think…is he the narrator or the castaway? I don’t remember.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
heh
his clothes half ripped from his body couldn’t hurt either
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Well, of course :)
Though I shudder to think about him tying the dead bodies to make a raft and eating the shark…
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Magic shot better in the second quarter
… 10 of 19 from the field after 6 of 20 from the field in the first
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions
Key tonight is 'Meer
I’m sure SVG will give his players an earful, and that he’ll tell ’Meer to be more aggressive. Having only 4 points against Iverson is too easy for Detroit .. especially considering how big of a liability defensively he is.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
A big advantage at the FT line for the Pistons, too
They are 13 of 17 from the line, while the Magic are just 5 of 9.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions
Pistons taking good care of the ball, too
They have just 3 first half turnovers.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:45 PM EST reply actions
Rashard and Hedo: 9 of 14 for 24 points. Rest of team: 7 of 25 for 19 points
One of the worse first-half efforts we’ve seen from the Magic this season.
Actually, I'm glad the Magic are only down 9
Pistons are outshooting the Magic from the field and FT line, outrebounding the Magic, and have the better assist/turnover ratio.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:47 PM EST reply actions
Didn't the Magic trail Utah at the half 56-46 before the Magic went off in the second half?
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:51 PM EST reply actions
I hope the same thing can happen tonight
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
If the Magic want it that bad, they certainly can make lightning strike twice.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I hope Jameer can go off in the second half
… how many games this season has he had a spectacular second half after a slow first half!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
Magic halftime stats
17 rebounds (3 offensive), 9 assists, 41.0% FG, 55.6% FTs, 42.9% on threes, 2 steals, 5 TOs, 2 blocks
Dwight is +2. Gortat is -11. They've split the center minutes. There's the story.
Pistons went on that big run during the 4:50 Marcin played. Not all of that is on him, of course, but the Magic are actually “winning” with Dwight in the game.
The bench has just killed the Magic tonight.
Right
Both benches combined have 9 points, but the Pistons reserves have the much better plus/minus ratings.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
Pistons halftime stats
20 rebounds, 10 assists, 48.6% FG, 76.5% FTs, 50.0% on threes, 4 steals, 3 TOs, 4 blocks
I know the Magic don't want to admit it
.. but I’m sure they really want to win this game tonight, especially since it’s Detroit.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I think every Magic player feels like that
I was at the last Pistons-Magic game, where we lost. It was awful. We need retribution! /Rorschach
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
I think Lewis said something like that before the game
Saw it on the TV broadcast. Didn’t catch all of what he said, so he may have prefaced it with the “Every game is a big game” platitude.
There we go Dwight...
gotta get him started… SVG must have ripped them for not forcing him to get involved in the 1st half.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions
Wow
Two offensive boards for Dwight then a 3 for Hidayet
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Oh no, Jameer has 3. This means SVG will go with no neck for the next 8 minutes :(
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:02 PM EST reply actions
Leave him in .. coaches are too anal about fouls sometimes.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Keep Dwight involved!!!
just like that 1 point game
2nd half is ours!!!!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:02 PM EST reply actions
I told you Dwight would make up for those mere 5 rebounds the other night
he has 12 so far in the game :D
what happened? Missed it...
Dwight pouts after every missed shot questionable foul and I don’t like how he sometimes shows up his teammates, but I’m not one to complain.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
I hate it when Dwight ballhogs
because crap like this happens!
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Who would you recommend? SVG isn't comfortable with Lee running the point.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Although, I'd like to see some point forward from Turk.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Bring Lee in and just play Turk at point forward. There’s ways of being creative.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I’ll add Lee is a better defensive matchup against Stuckey than No Neck is.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Pistons announcers marking the importance of Howard's teammates getting him involved in the 2nd half
which they did not do in the first half.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions
Someone called that foul on Rasheed, when it was clearly on Johnson
I mean, Amir grabbed Dwight with 2 hands from behind.
Rasheed
Always talking…but the foul was on Johnson, not him
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Sheed: "Hey, HE DON'T KNOW!!! That's a damn shame ya'll dont know! All three of ya'll out there, I'm just saying!!"
Gotta love surround sound.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions
He can be hilarious
I love how he was telling the one ref at this game how he’s not scared of him or whatever
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Can’t fault a guy for being a competitor. I admire his intensity.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I'll add
.. that EVERYONE who has played with him absolutely loves him as a teammate. He’s the consummate teammate.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
And of course, we can't forget the classic
“Both teams played hard” comment. Though I love his CTC one.
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Sheed telling refs, "watch the replay"
what a moron!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:11 PM EST reply actions
Ref: "we can't go to the replay"
Sheed: “ya’ll don’t know”
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:11 PM EST reply actions
I want to hit him half the time
Nah, that’s not fair.
I want to hit him all the time.
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
Dwight with 11 points in the 3rd quarter and we're tied.
Anyone care to tell me who the difference maker is thus far ?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions
Magic are really making a concerted effort to get the ball to DH this half
Dwight 5 for 8 this quarter.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions
Not nearly as bad as Tommy Heinsohn from the Celtics
like erivera said before… no one is as bad a homer as Heinsohn.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
He’s laughably terrible .. I could rant about him all night.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
they still getting to the line more often?
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, good recovery after the team managed to blow a simple fast break
Rashard Lewis throws some awful outlet passes. Find the point guard! Don’t throw the ball to Bogans. Wow.
.. dude is -10 for the game. Terrible. Only Gortat is worse, but at least he’s cooler.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Hopefully he'll play the whole fourth
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:22 PM EST up reply actions
We should have been leading by now
Oh well, it was a great third quarter…Dwight came to life
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
If it wasn't for Jameer getting four fouls, Magic probably would be winning by now.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
aw mann you don't give up do you, just credit Dwight man. It's okay.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Hah, Dwight’s the man .. I already admitted that! I’m just saying if Meer was in there, certainly the Magic would be winning.
We’re both right in this instance, don’t worry!
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
lol... don't know about that, because of Dwight we were tied (briefly) in that quarter, Jameer hasn't done a thing tonight.
Let’s just win anyway we get there.
By the way, NO NECK still in…
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
Jameer still stuck on 4 points
If he can’t get going in the fourth, this game will be very difficult to pull out.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:25 PM EST reply actions
A lot of dribbling by No Neck
I don’t think Dwight even touched the ball
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Iverson pulled the old leaning in while shooting trick
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Courtney bit. Game getting out of hand again.
Sad thing…
SVG won’t put Jameer back in until 7min left in the quarter, regardless of score!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions
Dwight needs to keep getting the ball
McDyess is on him
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Magic force the shot-clock violation.
It’s gotta be Nelson time now. 8:17 to play, Detroit’s offense is awful, the Magic are beginning to stagnate….
Now is the time.
It's time for him to rise from the ashes and claim his glory.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Hah, just a bit. I like to make exaggerated statements for fun.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Speaking of
I loved Kevin Harlan’s “No regard for human life!!!!!” exclamation when LeBron dunked on KG last year
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Great
Don’t Stop Believin’ is going to be stuck in my head now
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Hate the celtics but these KG commercials are DOPE
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions
I don't know why... I don't like the celtics or anyone on that team outside of Ray-Ray (UCONN!)
but, when you see the last clip of KG yelling, “what can you say now, WHAT CAN YOU SAY NOW!” you can’t help but get chills.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
I don't, sorry
I’ve stopped liking KG over the years
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
It's not about KG or even the player for me.
Just a collection of those clips, seeing the ups and down of a season for the ultimate prize at the end, what it must feel like. I don’t know it’s the NBA fan in me more than anything.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
I can see that
there’s a clip on youtube about the greatest sports moment or whatever. It always manages to bring a chill down my spine
by TheGiantSquid on Dec 29, 2008 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
KG USED to be dope .. when was humbled every year in Minnesota.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Sheed's an idiot!
Consummate teammate eh?
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:42 PM EST reply actions
Sheed just called someone "a f'in b----"
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:42 PM EST reply actions
Nelson still stuck on 4 points
… 2 of 8 from the field with 0 assists.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions
Dwight keeping his fair share of balls alive
The Magic just can’t connect from the outside.
Not looking good.
No more touches for Howard... difference maker in the game.
Not getting him involved in the first half did them in.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:50 PM EST reply actions
Hey, Detroit beat L.A. at their place so this isn't a bad loss, if the score holds up.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Unfortunately this is a bad loss.
We abandoned the game plan in the 1st half and didn’t involve DH, by the time we did in the 2nd half it was too little too late, they ran out of gas after a valiant effort.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
This is sad. Real sad. I hate the pistons. They are still our Kryptonite until we prove otherwise (in the playoffs)
—I’d feel the same way if we won tonight.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions
They could end up being the #6 seed, never know.
Miami is only 1.5 games back at the moment from taking the #5 seed away from Detroit.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Dagger
FILLS IT UP…. i hate this idiot.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:53 PM EST reply actions
If you did the drinking game, that guy might be more tolerable
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Almost a great play by Jameer.
Hope this loss doesn’t send them into a tailspin, need to rebound and start a new streak like we’ve been doing all season!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:53 PM EST reply actions
McDyess keeps the ball alive after it looked like the Magic might get a transition bucket
Iverson cans it in the clutch. Door shut, barring a miracle.
Balanced scoring for the Pistons
… they have 5 players in double figures, Magic have only three in double figures.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions
Yeah, it would have helped if Jameer was the fourth player
But not his night, I guess
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Sadly... yep
Too little too late there
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
Nelson steps out of bounds.
Boy, if there’s one thing I didn’t want to hear tonight, it was another DEEEEE-TROIT chant
Ah well, not a bad loss. Can't win 'em all.
Magic will bounce back.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Not a bad loss? They didn't even have their leading scorer and starting SG... we abandoned our game plan the entire 1st half... terrible loss.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
Losing to Memphis (albeit on a buzzer beater), that's a bad loss. Losing to Detroit? I wouldn't consider that a bad loss, even with Rip out.
Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
It's more about wins and losses, you need to evaluate why they abandoned their game plan in the 1st half.
This team is built around DH, you feed DH, if he can make a play or take a shot he does, if not he kicks it back to the perimeter and they shoot away. They weren’t running this in the first half, for what reason? We won’t know…
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
They were trying to foul
But couldn’t catch the players
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Magic need a three, a steal, and another three
… I don’t like the odds.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 9:58 PM EST reply actions
I keep thinking of the 3rd quarter
When we were just down by 1 and had chances to take the lead…could have made a difference
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
I kept thinking of the 1st 2 quarters when Dwight only had 1 point.
He has 10 and we stick to the gameplan, we win that game.
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
By the way Marie ... a belated Merry Christmas...
hope you were able to enjoy the day!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks, same to you!
I did…how was yours? Was it still snowing?
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Would you believe...
it hit 61 degrees here Saturday with heavy rain !? All the snow is gone!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, 61 in the winter
Practically in the tropics, haha. It was in the 80s here! Even at night when we went to mass…felt like summer.
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
It was really a crazy week here weatherwise...
from 6 below zero on Sunday, to 3 1/2 inches of snow on Tuesday, to zero on Christmas morning, to 61 two days later!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:12 PM EST up reply actions
That's the midwest for you
My friend is from Indiana and continues to visit there, and she tells me about their crazy weather all the time. I think she said that the other day, it felt like a tornado was about to happen
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
It finally settled down now...
It was 42 today and it’s going to be 40 tomorrow… then much colder by Wednesday with highs barely reaching 20. No snow in sight til maybe New Years though.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
I've only seen snow once in my life and thought it was so awesome
Of course, if I have to deal with it every winter, I’d hate it, haha. To me it’s just a novelty
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
Believe it or not...
I love snow. Shoveling it is great exercise, and it’s fun to romp around in. Actually, I really enjoy the four seasons, which you don’t get in Florida. But Florida is great for vacations! My sister and brother-in-law live there, and I always have a free place to stay :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, they are in Orlando
… and my Dad used to live in Winter Park.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
I always make it a point to see the Magic in person when I go down there
…that’s why I’m such a huge Magic fan!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
That's awesome
Do you pick certain games? Like I try to see them when Dallas is in town (I’m not from Dallas, but I love Dirk and the Mavs).
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
To answer your question...
i try to come down during a ten-day period when the Magic are home for at least three games. I really don’t care who they play, I just enjoy watching the games so much.
I hope to come down the early part of February when the Magic play three home games the first part of the month in a ten day span.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
In need of a laugh... firing up Hulu & It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
until next time guys!
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 29, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions
Sub of the game
…is No Neck, with 2 pts. and 2 assists. I guess he was the default choice? He’s -11!
Recommended listening: "Little Joy" by Little Joy
I guess he was the least evil off the bench
Pietrus had 5 pts to lead the bench before his injury.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Pistons shot just 14 of 39 in the second half
… but the Magic could not take advantage, shooting just 15 of 38.
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:25 PM EST reply actions
Magic/Bulls on Wednesday afternoon
Time to start a new winning streak then. Marie… have a Safe and Happy New Year if I don’t get a chance to talk to you before then :-) Have a great night!
by Mike from Illinois on Dec 29, 2008 10:34 PM EST reply actions
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