Jameer Nelson's 14-point, 7-assist showing against Dallas has Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel believing a championship is possible. But there's a catch:

The problem is that Jameer doesn’t — or can’t, physically — bring it every night. If this can change and Nelson plays more consistently, Orlando can beat the Lakers and the Cavs.

Rob Mahoney of The T Woman Game The Two Man Game explains how the Magic took control of the game after halftime.

In the second half, members of the Magic just took turns exposing various aspects of the Mavs’ defense. Orlando utilized its numerous perimeter alternatives on the pick-and-roll, exploiting the Mavs’ tendency to double down on Howard following his strong start to hit three after three.

Philip Rossman-Reich of Orlando Magic Daily came away impressed with Dwight Howard's work on the defensive end. "If there was ever a game that would show the true effect Howard has on defense," Rossman-Reich writes, "this was it."

... while Dime Magazine came away impressed with his offensive output, because at this time last season "it might take him all day to get a bucket" that wasn't a dunk.

LJRotter of Mavs Moneyball credits Vince Carter and Mickael Pietrus for making key baskets to put Dallas away.

Every time Dallas would get a big shot, Carter didn’t waste a moment getting back to open up the gap. Between Carter finding his rhythm and Pietrus having a career night, the Mavericks couldn’t climb back into the game

Schmitz reports that Orlando is paying attention to the L.A. Lakers' record and still hopes to surpass them for the NBA's second overall seed.

"We have mentioned it," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said, when asked if his team has kept track of the Lakers, who are 54-21.