Orlando Magic 121, Washington Wizards 94: The Morning After
by Evan Dunlap on Apr 8, 2010 8:00 AM EDT
in The Morning After
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Print- Bench Propels Orlando to Easy Win over Washington
Philip Rossman-Reich of Orlando Magic Daily credits the Orlando Magic's bench, particularly J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus, for coming up big against the Washington Wizards on a night "Orlando lacked an edge the team will need in two weeks."
- Vince Carter: T-Mac wants to come to Orlando – Orlando Magic BasketBlog
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel also focuses on the Magic's second unit, because "[t]here are going to be some playoff nights where the cavalry will be needed." He passes on this bit of information on which reserves may see increased roles in the postseason:
Coach Stan Van Gundy has the most trust in Redick, [Jason] Williams and Pietrus.
- MAGIC: Denton: Magic-Wizards Postgame Analysis (Full)
Though the bench's great play of late is encouraging, Van Gundy isn't pleased with his team's defense, reports John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. Van Gundy stressed defense during the Magic's two off days prior to last night's game.
"I would've hoped I would've seen better (defensive) numbers," Van Gundy said. "We couldn't guard their wing players. I don't think we gave them much easy stuff, but it was just jump shots over the top. I don't think it's a lack of effort, but it's concerning to me. I'm not mad at anybody, but it's concerning to me that we can't limit those good perimeter players better than that."
He's probably referring to Nick Young and Mike Miller, who combined for 37 points on 70.6% True Shooting.
- Magic Blow Out Wizards 121-94 | Howard the Dunk | An Orlando Magic Blog
Andrew Melnick of Howard the Dunk notes that Van Gundy was indeed pleased with Orlando's defense on Andray Blatche, who's averaged 22.8 points per game since the Wizards' mid-season trades made room for him to become the team's focal point on offense. "We did do a very good job on Blatche," Van Gundy said.
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T-Mac was a great Magic player
and if he wanted to play here again, AND was willing to accept a lesser role and a small paycheck then I would be all for it. The guy, even in his present state, is way better than Hedo was on both sides of the ball. T-Mac was villanized by everyone in O-Town, and his opinion to trade the pick that got us Dwight was used as ammo. Any super talented player is going to push for better players around him, T-Mac was wrong, as was Kobe when he did it, as was Carter when he did it to Toronto. But not being on a good team does that to great players, they want to win AND make lots of money, and unfortunately the better the player, the more their sense of entitlement. I loved T-Mac’s game then, and I would love it if they brought him back now.
Now that I have said that, I do not believe that Tracy will play for the pittance of money that we should pay him (aka Barnes type dollars), and I think he will go to the highest bidder. I mean he does have that expensive jet to maintain…
Have you seen him play since being moved to the Knicks?
He hasn’t shown anything that validates your statement about him being way better than Hedo was on both sides of the ball. Sorry, I don’t see it. He’s scored 5 or less points 8 times already, including two games where he went scoreless! On a Mike D’Antoni-coached team!! He’s only averaging 9.8 ppg and 26.5 min/game on 24.1% 3PT shooting…
NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!
Yeah, T-Mac right now has shown flashes, but isn't a solid player currently.
Of course this is after coming back early from microfracture surgery. But still, what he will be next year is all hearsay at this time.
I hate Varejao.
Yeah okay
and Carter was horrible in January after coming back from injury as well. McGrady is better than Hedo is right this minute, and barring another major injury be much better than him next year. I am saying that McGrady is the play making forward like Hedo, but has better shooting ability and better play making ability. He may be rusty now, after a year off, but that year off just gave his back and body a vacation and I think he will bounce back nicely. I am not saying McGrady will be “the man”, I am just saying he will give us that point guard forward that can play backup SG and SF, so wouldn’t be a bad pickup. And remember, the Knicks suck, big time, so McGrady surrounded by Magic players is going to be better than him surrounded by Knick players.
Even as bad as Carter played in January, he still played MUCH better than McGrady has in the now 28 games he's played since being traded.
Maybe he can turn things around next year, but he has to prove that he’s back to some type of form before I’m willing to agree with anything you’ve said. Your statements seem to be based on past history instead of current status. Hedo’s had a rough year for sure, but he is still playing better than TMac and it’s not even close.
NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!
Also, when has TMac ever shown that he's willing to accept anything other than being the primary playmaker?
With the Knicks? And how is that working out for him and his team? He has the opportunity to be “the man” with the Knicks based on the lack of playmakers on the team and he’s struggling mightily! What makes you think he’ll come aboard the Magic and be able to contribute? Is there anything he has shown since returning from surgery that makes you believe he is anything other than a shell of his former self?
NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!
No
I would hope you can safely assume I am basing my statements on what I perceive T-Mac’s level of play will be next year. Amare was a slacker right after micro fracture surgery as well, and he was on a great team with a an all time great PG.
And I hope I never said I think TMac will take a lesser role or a vet. minimum contract, as I would have been wrong. I believe I said he will do neither as he will go for the money. But I am not trying to push for it, I am just saying he would provide a good veteran presence that I “believe” will have quality abilities similar to what Redick provides IF we lose Redick. Also he can fill the backup SF spot behind Pietrus if needed IF we lose Barnes as well. I am only saying that he would be a decent option for a minimal contract.
I got a chance to see the Knicks play in MSG over spring break
and was lucky enough to have floor seats behind one of the baskets. I was so excited to see T-Mac in action for the Knicks but he ended up playing 24 minutes and went 1-6. I should also mention that they were playing the Nets and New York went 0-18 on 3pt attempts. Even though both teams were terrible that night (and pretty much all season) I was really hoping to see McGrady take over the game like he did so many times when he was in Orlando. I wouldn’t mind seeing VC’s “shirttail cousin” as the Sentinel put it back in a Magic uniform but it has to be for the right price.
"One thing about knowing that you're dying is that it keeps reminding you you're alive so it's no time to pass up a party."
- Warren Zevon
by Wally Balls 407 on Apr 8, 2010 12:10 PM EDT reply actions
T-Mac still is a great passer for his positions and has good basketball IQ. He can control a team and has a legit triple-threat
With Dwight in, he could be something else. Much more room than what he has now in New York. If he could work in the summer on his legs (Vince should do the same, by the way) and shooting, you don’t really need anything else from him than good decision making.
Awesome game to go to
Everyone went wild when J. Will hit those 2 3’s in 2 seconds.
“Why Even Try”
"It can be done, you can just crush somebody"
That Peaches photo would be good for a caption contest...
Just sayin’
"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"
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