Orlando Pinstriped Post - Magic at Rockets: Texas trip concludes in HoustonAn Orlando Magic blog with news, rumors, analysis, and commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21281/orlando-fave.jpg2013-10-16T22:35:57-04:00http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/rss/stream/46087092013-10-16T22:35:57-04:002013-10-16T22:35:57-04:00Three-happy Rockets sink Magic, 108-104
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<img alt="Dwight Howard and Victor Oladipo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TkL47alGmicipCZ6RYTycH97NhM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21282055/20131016_kkt_ac6_226.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dwight Howard and Victor Oladipo | Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>James Harden needed just 18 first-half minutes to score 21 points, leading Houston to a victory over the Magic.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> used smart offensive play and their overall superior talent level to dispatch the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> on Wednesday, 108-104, with relative ease. <span>James Harden</span> shot 4-of-6 from three-point range in the first half for 21 points--including a well-contested heave to end the first quarter--and then took the rest of the night off for Houston, which shot 15-of-36 from deep on the night.</p>
<p>Orlando struggled to establish much offensive rhythm after the opening few minutes, which saw a few promising sets, including one in which a double-team of <span>Andrew Nicholson</span> on the left block led to a ball-reversal which found <span>Arron Afflalo</span> in the right corner for an open triple. Houston isn't a strong defensive team, despite <span>Dwight Howard's</span> interior presence and <span>Patrick Beverley's</span> perimeter ball pressure, and while Orlando moved off the ball with purpose and poise, it struggled to actually get the ball where it needed to in order to create good shots.</p>
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<p>The Magic indeed missed <span>Tobias Harris</span>' offensive creativity in this game; the team's leading scorer from the 2012/13 season <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4846364/tobias-harris-magic-starting-lineup-nba-preseason-2013-rockets/in/4608709">sat out with a sore ankle</a>, leaving <span>Victor Oladipo</span> to shoulder more scoring responsibilities. The second overall pick in June's Draft looked every bit the part of a rookie as he looked tentative in his attempts to create offense--for himself or for teammates--off the dribble. Apart from some impressive drives to the rim, Oladipo looked lost, settling for off-balance jumpers in the top of the key area. He finished with nine points on 3-of-12 shooting, three rebounds, three assists, and one turnover in 20 minutes, and he did not make a single basket outside the restricted area.</p>
<p>Oladipo is a better player than he showed on Wednesday. It's better for him to endure these struggles now than in, say, March. </p>
<p>One bright spot for Orlando in its Wednesday defeat was <span>Nikola Vučević</span>, who ably and stoutly bodied Howard one-on-one in the post. Howard, as Magic fans know from his eight-year tenure in Orlando, is a load with his back to the basket, and coach <span>Jacque Vaughn</span> took a bit of a risk Wednesday by not doubling him. Vučević used his 240-pound frame and his long arms to bump Howard off his preferred spot on the left block, and he even rejected Howard on a hook attempt before Howard even reached full extension with his arm. If Vučević can become a reliable one-on-one defender, he'll take some pressure off his teammates on the perimeter and enable them to defend with more freedom.</p>
<p><span>E`Twaun Moore</span> also stood out in Wednesday's loss. The Magic's commitment to Oladipo as a core piece leaves the Purdue product in some uncertain territory; though his contract his fully guaranteed, he may not have a long-term future with the team if Oladipo establishes himself as a franchise-level player at both guard spots. Moore, who never quite returned to fom after an injury to his left elbow in 2012/13, scored 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to spark a Magic comeback.</p>
<p>Though Moore is known as a spot-up shooter from the outside--and, if we're honest, specializing in three-pointers will be Moore's ticket to an NBA future--he showed in the loss to Houston a more confident in-between, off-the-dribble game, particularly with floaters going to his right. That floater became a signature, of sorts, for him in his first year with Orlando, but he's able to get it off more easily now, and it gives him another option when opponents run him off the arc.</p>
<p>Moore, Nicholson, and a trio of Magic camp invitees led a fourth-quarter comeback moments after Rockets color commentator Clyde Drexler had just likened Orlando to an NBA D-League team. That group certainly didn't play like one from there on out, and a Nicholson triple--his second of the game--brought Orlando to within two points with 48 seconds to go. Houston countered with a pull-up jumper by <span>Aaron Brooks</span>, but he missed the mark. Moore's go-ahead triple-try with 11 seconds to go went hard and to the right, bricking off the backboard. A brief free-throw exhibition later and the game was in the books.</p>
<p>Orlando returns home for games this Friday and Sunday at Amway Center.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Pinstriped Post</a>:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4844668/houston-rockets-orlando-magic-2014-nba-preseason-schedule?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Magic at Rockets: Complete coverage</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4845060/nba-odds-2014-orlando-magic-over-under-bovada?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vegas sets Magic over/under at 24 wins</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/15/4842662/dwight-howard-interview-houston-rockets-john-denton-orlando-magic?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Dwight Howard: "No regrets" about Magic exit</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/15/4841860/2013-nba-preseason-corey-maggette-spurs-waived-dequan-jones-kings?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Former Magic players Jones, Maggette cut</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4846930/orlando-magic-houston-rockets-2013-nba-preseason-final-score-statsEvan Dunlap2013-10-16T19:19:26-04:002013-10-16T19:19:26-04:00Magic at Rockets: Tobias Harris won't play
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> won't have combo forward <span>Tobias Harris</span> available for Wednesday's preseason game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, coach <span>Jacque Vaughn</span> said, <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuabrobbins/status/390607712670597120" target="blank">according</a> to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. Harris has a "mildly sore ankle," says Robbins, so Orlando will sit him as a precaution.</p>
<p>Harris is averaging 12 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for Orlando in its 1-2 preseason, shooting 40 percent from the field. He made his first start of the preseason Monday in the Magic's win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a>, filling in at small forward.</p>
<p>Houston will make some lineup adjustments of its own, Robbins <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuabrobbins/status/390611128109510656" target="blank">says</a>: point guard <span>Jeremy Lin</span> and small forward <span>Chandler Parsons</span> will not play Wednesday. Lin is ill, while Parsons has a routine night off. <a href="https://twitter.com/johndenton555/status/390605437759791104" target="blank">According</a> to John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com, <span>Patrick Beverley</span> and <span>Omri Casspi</span> will start for Lin and Parsons.</p>
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<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4845060/nba-odds-2014-orlando-magic-over-under-bovada?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Vegas sets Magic over/under at 24 wins</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/15/4841860/2013-nba-preseason-corey-maggette-spurs-waived-dequan-jones-kings?utm_source=orlandopinstripedpost&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Former Magic players Jones, Maggette cut</a></li>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4846364/tobias-harris-magic-starting-lineup-nba-preseason-2013-rocketsEvan Dunlap2013-10-16T18:00:06-04:002013-10-16T18:00:06-04:00Magic at Rockets GameThread
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<img alt="Dwight Howard" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w6XqAw6fVd4gXcF0FhaAqb5IMao=/0x117:4000x2784/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21261573/183953556.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dwight Howard | Mike Young</figcaption>
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<p>A familiar face welcomes the Magic to Houston on Wednesday in preseason action.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> continue their preseason campaign Wednesday when they visit the Dwight Howard-led <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> at Toyota Center.</p>
<p>Game time is 8 PM Eastern on NBA TV nationally. The Orlando radio broadcast is available on ESPN 580 AM.</p>
<p>Register all your pre- and in-game comments in this GameThread.</p>
<p><strong>Do not <u>ask for</u>, <u>mention</u>, or <u>link to</u> any sites or services that provide video streams for this game</strong>. Doing so will result in a disciplinary action.</p>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">2013/2014 NBA Preseason</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/3QC/Logos%20non-gifs/ORL__zps606f5ea5.jpg" width="120" height="80" alt="Orlando Magic main logo"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/3QC/Logos%20non-gifs/HOU__zpsfc1e6459.jpg" width="120" height="80" alt="Houston Rockets main logo"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>1-2 (1-1 road)<br>Won 1</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>2-1 (1-1 home)<br>Won 2</center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>October 16th, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Toyota Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>8:00 PM</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>NBA TV / 580 AM</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Possible Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Jameer Nelson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Patrick Beverley</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Arron Afflalo</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240" bgcolor="gold"><span>James Harden</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Maurice Harkless</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Omri Casspi</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Andrew Nicholson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Terrence Jones</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Nik Vučević</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240" bgcolor="gold"><span>Dwight Howard</span></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">92.2 (T-14th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">96.1 (1st)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">101.6 (27th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">109.7 (6th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">109.1 (25th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">106.1 (16th)</td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"></th></tr> </tbody></table>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4845272/magic-at-rockets-game-time-tv-schedule-and-moreEvan Dunlap2013-10-16T11:22:00-04:002013-10-16T11:22:00-04:00Magic at Rockets: Texas trip ends in Houston
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a>, hoping to build off Monday's preseason win in Dallas, head to Space City on Wednesday for a matchup against <span>Dwight Howard</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>..</p>
<p>Tipoff between Orlando and Houston is set for 8 PM Eastern on NBA TV and ESPN 580 AM in Orlando. The Orlando Pinstriped Post GameThread will appear at 6 PM in this StoryStream and on the cover.</p>
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<p><strong>Orlando's last time out</strong>: With a strong effort from its mostly anonymous players--the camp invitees scrapping for an NBA job--the Magic earned a 102-94 victory against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> on Monday. <span>Maurice Harkless</span> scored a team-high 16 points, while <span>Victor Oladipo</span> finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in his first NBA start.</p>
<p><strong>Houston's last time out</strong>: The Rockets played the second of two exhibitions against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> on Sunday, prevailing by a 107-98 final at Taipei Arena in Taiwan. <span>James Harden</span> led Houston with 21 points, while <span>Jeremy Lin</span> added 17 on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor as the Rockets improved to 2-1.</p>
<p><strong>In 2012/13</strong>: Houston swept, but narrowly, the season-series from Orlando with two eight-point victories. In the first game, the Rockets rallied behind Harden in Orlando; in the second meeting, the Magic scrapped back--they trailed by 18 after the first quarter--to get to within five points of Houston in the final 90 seconds.</p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/16/4844702/houston-rockets-orlando-magic-2014-nba-preseason-scheduleEvan Dunlap2013-10-15T18:54:27-04:002013-10-15T18:54:27-04:00Dwight Howard: "No regrets" about Magic exit
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<img alt="Dwight Howard" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CwyRPp46p1Xbpmmu56sErAt8ct4=/765x59:3337x1774/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21223229/20131005_mje_at5_424.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dwight Howard | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In an interview, the former Orlando center says he's happy with the Rockets.</p> <p>In advance of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic's</a> preseason game Wednesday against <span>Dwight Howard</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com <a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-howard-impressed-new-magic" target="blank">interviewed</a> the Rockets superstar, who is Orlando's all-time leading scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker. Howard forced his way out of the Magic after a tumultuous 2011/12 season, culminating with a trade to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a>. A less-than-100-percent Howard went on to lead the league in rebounding, but elected to leave L.A. in free agency to team with <span>James Harden</span> in Houston, where he believes the roster is similar to the Orlando one which he helped take to the 2009 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA Finals</a>.</p>
<p>Though Howard misses Orlando--"getting out in the community" is one thing, he told Denton--he believes he made the right choice in leaving the City Beautiful. "I have no regrets and I’m happy that everything happened the way that it happened."</p>
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<p>Howard is over the Magic, but there is one point of contention that he has with the franchise. "His only remaining beef with the Magic," Denton says, "is that they gave away his No. 12 last season to <span>Tobias Harris</span>." Orlando acquired Harris from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> at the NBA trading deadline in exchange for <span>J.J. Redick</span> and others.</p>
<p>"I’m still a little upset about the No. 12," Howard said. "I just think despite whatever happened, there were a lot of things that I did and we did as a team. That number is special down there."</p>
<p>As Denton notes, Harris selected 12 to honor Morgan Childs, a former teammate who died of leukemia at age 17. Howard was not aware of Harris' inspiration when he made those comments.</p>
<p>Denton's full <a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-howard-impressed-new-magic" target="blank">interview</a> with Howard is available at OrlandoMagic.com.</p>
<p>The Magic and Rockets square off on Wednesday, October 16th, at 8 PM Eastern. NBA TV is set to provide television coverage.</p>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/10/15/4842662/dwight-howard-interview-houston-rockets-john-denton-orlando-magicEvan Dunlap