This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.
An odd schedule last week gave the Orlando Magic a two-day break before playing back-to-back games, and then another three-day break. That irregularity didn't throw them off by much, as they drubbed the San Antonio Spurs and held off the Miami Heat in overtime to improve their record to 49-21. Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis were each so good that I couldn't pick just one to win T-Mobile Player of the Week honors. So, for the first time, I'm letting two players split the award.
Vince Carter |
Pts | Rebs | Ast | Stl | Blk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
25.5 | 3.5 | 7.0 | 0.5 | ||
FG% | 3FG% | FT% | |||
50.0 | 37.5 | 86.7 | |||
eFG% | TS% | ||||
59.4 | 66.1 |
Rashard Lewis |
Pts | Rebs | Ast | Stl | Blk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
22.0 | 7.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | ||
FG% | 3FG% | FT% | |||
55.6 | 57.1 | 100.0 | |||
eFG% | TS% | ||||
70.4 | 74.2 |
Star center Dwight Howard spent much of last week's action on the bench due to foul trouble, and with Jameer Nelson's shot failing him, Carter and Lewis were the Magic's only reliable offensive options. Both delivered, as their per-game scoring and off-the-charts efficiency can attest. Carter led the Magic in scoring in both games, while Lewis scored at least 20 in consecutive games for the first time since November, when he topped 20 in 3 straight games against the staunch defenses of the New York Knicks (twice) and the Golden State Warriors.
Carter and Lewis contributed more than just points, though. Carter upped his playmaking skills, while Lewis stepped in for Howard with impressive rebounding and shot-blocking numbers.
Fittingly, the two players hooked up on the clinching basket against Miami, as Carter drove and found Lewis in the left corner for a three-pointer which gave Orlando a 6-point lead with 28.4 seconds remaining. NBA Playbook took a closer look at that bucket here.