The Magic's Keyon Dooling drives to the hoop past the Lakers' Jordan Farmar in Orlando's 104-97 win over Los Angeles.
Photo by Noah Graham, NBAE/Getty Images
Wow. Not bad news to hear after coming back from a meeting.
While I was out, the Magic stormed into Los Angeles and beat the Lakers at the Staples Center for the first time in that building's history. Here's the boxscore for tonight's game. And here's a photo of Lindsay Lohan sitting courtside. Maybe we should have her attend Lakers games more often.
The Magic's futility against the Lakers on their home floor dated back to 1996, when the 60-win Magic team featuring Horace Grant, Penny Hardaway, and Shaquille O'Neal eked past the Lakers by a score of 98-97.
Just a few boxscore-related observations before I head to bed:
- My friend Lane informs me that Keyon Dooling threw down a pretty nasty dunk on Kobe Bryant. If anyone has photo or video of this play, please post it. I want to see it.
- Kobe needed 26 shots to score 28 points, 19 of which came in the first quarter. Credit Keith Bogans, who I assume guarded Kobe, for shutting him down after that eruption.
- We got solid performances from everyone tonight. Scoring 104 points is great, but I especially like that no one had more than 18. Maybe it's just me, but I think balance wins basketball games.
- Maurice Evans had a Trevor Ariza-esque 9 points and 7 rebounds in his return to Los Angeles. Ariza, whom we sent to the Lakers to acquire Evans and Brian Cook, did not play.
- Speaking of Cook, he had 3 points in a team-low 9 minutes. He won't see more playing time until he gets into better shape.
- Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu lead us with 7 assists apiece. Actually, it appears that everyone moved the ball well; we posted 25 assists on 38 field goals.
- J.J. Redick was relevant for the third straight game, popping off for 8 points in 11 minutes. Very nice to see the youngster contributing when he's given the opportunity.
For more on the game, check out the game thread at MagicMadness; Forum Blue and Gold's game thread; John Denton's halftime notes; and Brian Schmitz's recap for the Orlando Sentinel.