Darrell Armstrong used to hit big shots for our team. Last night, he hit big shots for the other team, single-handedly defeating us.
Photo by Nick Wass, the Associated Press
I'm posting this entry in the morning while eating a bowl of Life cereal when I could be eating a free Dunkin' Donut had the Magic not stunk up the Amway Arena in the final quarter of last night's game. Not that I'm bitter or anything.
- Last night's GameFlow, courtesy of Popcorn Machine, really tells the story of the game better than any recap could. Check out how quickly the lead swung New Jersey's way. Also, make note of how long Carlos Arroyo and Dwight Howard sat to begin the fourth quarter, when the Nets made their run. What the heck was that, Stan?
- Brian Schmitz discusses the Magic's point guard situation on his blog. Carlos Arroyo and Keyon Dooling are both free-agents this summer, and Schmitz doesn't think it's a coincidence that their play has improved in a contract year. Despite the fact that Arroyo has outplayed Nelson lately, Schmitz believes Nelson will have the starting job back by the end of the year. He also has some quotes from an NBA scout who does not think too highly of Nelson.
- More point guard stuff: Schmitz reports in the Sentinel that Jameer Nelson was officially held out of Friday's victory over Charlotte because of back pain, but Nelson admitted the real reason might have been mental exhaustion.
- Dwight Howard won Player of the Month honors for the Eastern Conference for his stellar performance in December. Congratulations, Dwight!
- During a visit to Philadelphia last season, Dwight Howard took batting practice with Ryan Howard (no relation) of the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, the Phillies blog Bugs & Cranks has uncovered a short highlight reel. Let's just say Dwight's better off in the NBA than he would be in the Big Leagues. (Hat tip: Ballhype)
- Amusing headline from John Denton: "BRIAN HILL STILL BITTER, EMOTIONAL OVER MAGIC FIRING". I got a chuckle out of that one. Say what you will about his coaching, but Brian Hill is one of the best-dressed men in the NBA. Too bad I can't say the same for Stan Van Gundy, who seems to have three different outfits. Still, I'll take a great coach with poor fashion sense over a mediocre coach with impeccable fashion sense 10 times out of 10.
There's one more thing I wanted to link to today, but I'm not going to have the chance; I'm booked solid. In any case, keep your eyes peeled for Basketbawful's latest Worst of the Night feature.