Orlando Pinstriped Post - Magic vs. Heat: Preseason continues with Sunshine State rematchAn Orlando Magic blog with news, rumors, analysis, and commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21281/orlando-fave.jpg2015-10-14T00:40:27-04:00http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/rss/stream/92820962015-10-14T00:40:27-04:002015-10-14T00:40:27-04:00Gordon returns as Dedmon, Frye play well again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hKbblLbdJs2IVa0xS_-4RYqOxsQ=/0x19:3876x2603/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47417298/usa-today-8860215.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In this notebook, Zach looks at a trio of Magic men who impressed Tuesday and could make large impacts during the season.</p> <p><em>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> improved to 3-2 in preseason play Tuesday with their 97-94 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a>. Our Zach Oliver empties his notebook from the evening here. - ED</em></p>
<h4>Gordon stellar in return</h4>
<p>After missing the Magic's first four preseason games recovering from a fractured jaw, second year forward <span>Aaron Gordon</span> returned to game action in a big way. In 17 minutes of action Tuesday, Gordon made his presence felt, altering shots on the defensive end, and wowing everyone with high-flying plays on the offensive side. The gadget forward finished the night with 10 points, three rebounds, and a pair of steals, while showing off all of the key aspects he can bring to the young Magic bunch.</p>
<div class="pullquote">
"He's a guy we believe is going to be able to come into games, if not start the game, and get after those wing players in the league, and he showed that tonight."
<span>Scott Skiles on Aaron Gordon</span>
</div>
<p>Following the contest, Orlando coach <span>Scott Skiles</span> raved about Gordon's play. When asked if he liked what he saw from his combo forward, Skiles said yes. "We put him in to guard <span>Gerald Green</span> in the first half, [and he] did a good job on him. He was active. He's a guy we believe is going to be able to come into games, if not start the game, and get after those wing players in the league, and he showed that tonight."</p>
<p>Gordon was also pleased with his performance. "Tonight went really well," he said. "I had a lot of fun out there. A little bit of rust just kind of on my pitch shots in the lane. It was a lot of fun. I missed playing and I'm glad to be back."</p>
<p>The Arizona product brings a much-needed defensive aspect to the Magic, as well as more versatility and high energy. Through their first four preseason games, Orlando had spurts where they fell flat, desperately needing someone to come in and give them a spark. Gordon, along with big man <span>Dewayne Dedmon</span>, were able to do that against the Heat on Tuesday night, aiding the team in their victory.</p>
<p>Gordon will play a key role on the team moving forward, and Tuesday's performance was just the start. While there's going to be rust to knock off, and an adjustment period learning new defensive and offensive schemes, Gordon's first preseason action is a good building block moving forward with the start of the regular season on the horizon.</p>
<h4>Dedmon brings energy, defense off bench</h4>
<p>Entering his third season in the league, Dedmon put in a lot of work on both ends of the floor during the offseason. Needing to expand his offensive game, the high-energy big man added a mid-range jumper, something he said he feels confident shooting. Defensively, he worked on his timing and slowing down, something that would allow him to not commit as many fouls as he used to.</p>
<p>With his team needing an energy boost, Dedmon came in and immediately began impacting the game. In his first stint against Miami, he gave the team five points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots, while altering several others. When all was said and done, Dedmon nearly finished with a double-double, scoring eight points to go along with 13 rebounds and the three blocked shots.</p>
<p>Much like he did with Gordon, Coach Skiles raved about how the big man played. "Yeah, he was great," he said of Dedmon. "I thought Dewayne was great tonight. He really stood out doing the things he does. He was around the rim, rebounding the ball, blocking some shots, changed a couple, ran the floor, I mean all the things he has done well, he did."</p>
<p>Dedmon, one of the team's more comical players, is a man of few words when speaking with reporters, but knows what his role is going forward. When asked about his energy making a difference, Dedmon said, "That's definitely how I see myself fitting into this team. It's my strategy and what I need to do for this team."</p>
<p>The jokester was amped up when asked about his improvement on the defensive end. "Fouling, bro," he quipped. "You saw it tonight. Two fouls, baby," with a wide smile on his face. Dedmon got very serious, though, saying, "It's just patience, letting the game come to me more and knowing when to be aggressive is basically it."</p>
<p>While he remains a relative unknown to many people across the NBA, Dedmon could play a key role off the bench for the Magic. He's going to be the anchor for the second unit defensively, and his energy can be contagious to give his teammates a much-needed lift in tough spots. He still needs to become slightly more consistent on the offensive end, but Dedmon's defense is there, and will be a key for the Magic moving forward.</p>
<h4>Frye continues strong preseason</h4>
<p>Coming off of a disappointing year, <span>Channing Frye</span> looks to be reenergized with the Magic's new coaching staff. Being used much like he was in his days with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>, Frye appears more engaged, and bought into what the coaches are preaching. While he still has his shortcomings on the defensive end, the scheme the team is running seems to fit him more and not exploit him as much as the previous regimes did.</p>
<p>After missing all of training camp and preseason with a knee injury in his first Orlando season, Frye got off to a slow, sluggish start and was never able to rebound. Now fully healthy and in what he has categorized as the best shape of his life, the veteran sharpshooter appears ready to help the Magic begin to turn the corner.</p>
<p>Coach Skiles has been pleased with Frye's progression in the new system to this point as well. "He has been great," he said. "He has bought into what we're doing and he had eight defensive rebounds tonight. He has shot the ball and has been able to put [it] on the floor and do some dribble hand-off things we like to do and I know he feels kind of good about the way he came back and his conditioning and everything. He has played very well for us."</p>
<p>Frye's bouncing back is going to be huge for the Magic. If they're able to use him as they have offensively consistently, and he isn't as big of a defensive minus as he was last season, he could contribute a lot this season. It's only five preseason games, but it appears as though the Channing Frye the Magic signed last offseason is finally here and ready to make a huge impact.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="ff-promo-snippet">
<h3>Keep up with all of our Magic coverage</h3>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-social">Twitter</i><a class="twitter" target="new" href="https://twitter.com/oppmagicblog">Follow on Twitter</a>
</div>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-social">Facebook</i><a class="facebook" target="new" href="https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoPinstripedPost">Like on Facebook</a>
</div>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-icon">check</i><a class="more-content" target="new" href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=snippet">Check out all of our Magic content</a>
</div>
</div>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/10/14/9528469/orlando-magic-miami-heat-2015-nba-preseason-aaron-gordon-dewayne-dedmonZach Oliver2015-10-13T21:48:25-04:002015-10-13T21:48:25-04:00Magic top Heat in overtime
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5C6FnbQ_vxFwewZMa38fMa3ZPhg=/0x54:1455x1024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47416932/usa-today-8859961.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Magic showed some good signs on Tuesday night against the Heat, winning in overtime. </p> <p>Returning home following a three game road trip, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> welcomed the in-state rival <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> to the building on Tuesday night. Despite a poor effort on the offensive end, the Magic were able to eek out a victory, winning 95-92.</p>
<p>Following their come from behind victory on Sunday in Houston, the Magic came out with an increased attention level early. While they were unable to get much going on the offensive end, shooting a dreadful 6-of-19 in the quarter, their defense was strong, stifling seemingly everything the Heat tried to do. Reserve big man <span>Dewayne Dedmon</span> came in and sparked the Magic on the defensive end, blocking three shots, and impacting many more.</p>
<p>Offensively, the Magic were unable to get any rhythm going, not properly spacing the floor and being forced into shots late in the clock on many possessions. Seven of the Magic's ten players who played in the first scored, led by Dedmon's five point, six rebound, three block performance. Resting all of their key rotational pieces, the Heat were led by <span>Keith Benson</span> and <span>Tyler Johnson</span>, each scoring four in the opening 12 minutes.</p>
<p>After their somewhat sluggish first quarter, things began to turn slightly for each team. The Magic continued to look dialed in on the defensive end, making every possession a challenge for the visitors. Meanwhile, their offense began to see some improvement, with stagnation and poor spacing still an issue throughout possessions.</p>
<p>Second year man <span>Aaron Gordon</span> saw his first action of the preseason, playing eight minutes across the end of the first quarter and early portion of the second. Gordon, who figures to be a key piece for the Magic especially on the defensive end, looked like he hadn't missed any time, jumping in and defending at a high level. Coming off a strong game on Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a>, <span>Channing Frye</span> led all Magic men with seven points at the half. For the Heat, rookie swingman <span>Josh Richardson</span> led the way with nine points, as the Magic led 45-40 after 24 minutes.</p>
<p>Coming out of halftime, the Magic kept their energy up, something they had struggled with in their previous preseason games. The defense continued to look strong, hounding the heat and forcing them into poor shots and the occasional turnover. Much like the first half, however, the Magic's offense struggled, lacking flow in many of their offensive possessions.</p>
<p>As the quarter wound down, Aaron Gordon and <span>Mario Hezonja</span> wowed the crowed with a fast break alley-oop, giving the Magic a six point lead, 62-56 heading into the fourth quarter. Orlando's starting frontcourt of Frye and <span>Nikola Vucevic</span> led the way offensively, with the duo combining for 24 points, 12 coming from each. Josh Richardson continued to lead the way for the Heat with 14 through three quarters.</p>
<p>Leading heading into the fourth quarter, the Magic's offense began to show a few signs of life, pushing the lead to double digits for the first time early in the quarter. Miami began chipping away, however, getting the lead back down to two points late in the game. After a Magic turnover, Miami's James Ennis scored on the fastbreak to tie the game at 76 with just over three minutes remaining.</p>
<p>With all of their camp invitees in the game, the Magic began crumbling, seeing the Heat get two buckets from Ennis to go up four. <span>Melvin Ejim</span> split a pair of free throws, and followed it up with a two-pointer to bring the Magic within one. <span>Tre Kelley</span> split a pair at the line, setting up the Magic with a chance to tie or win with 16 seconds remaining in the contest. Out of a timeout, <span>Jordan Sibert</span> missed a three, but <span>Nnanna Egwu</span> was there to clean it up, tying things back up at 81 with 10 seconds remaining. <span>Gerald Green's</span> attempt at a game winner spun out of the rim, as the in-state foes went to overtime tied at 81.</p>
<p>Miami jumped out early in overtime before the Magic began hitting shots. A pair of three's from <span>Shabazz Napier</span>, and another three from Sibert put the Magic up six with under two minutes left. A pair of Justice Winslow shots, plus a dunk from <span>Greg Whittington</span> tied the game back up with under a minute left. A shooting foul put Napier on the line with a chance to take the lead with just 17 ticks remaining. Napier knocked down all three, putting the Magic up for good.</p>
<p>Four Magic players finished in double figures, led by Napier's 15. Frye and Vucevic finished the night with 12 apiece. Aaron Gordon rounded out the group, scoring 10 in his preseason debut.</p>
<p>Miami was led by Richardson, who finished with a game high 18. A trio of Heat players, led by Justice Winslow, finished with 12, while Gerald Green and Ennis added 10 each.</p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/10/13/9527083/Miami-Heat-vs-Orlando-Magic-Preseason-92-95Zach Oliver2015-10-13T17:00:03-04:002015-10-13T17:00:03-04:00Magic vs. Heat GameThead
<figure>
<img alt="Gerald Green" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y62lTnMMnx-kLi2o2xY2iE8TfOI=/0x0:4056x2704/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47405738/usa-today-8856804.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gerald Green | Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Magic return home for the first time in more than a week Tuesday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> on Tuesday night in another exhibition contest. The two teams previously met Wednesday in Louisville, Kentucky, a game in which the Magic prevailed.</p>
<div class="read-more"> <strong>Magic season preview</strong>: <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/10/1/9423237/orlando-magic-nba-season-preview-2016-scott-skiles-coach-victor-oladipo" target="new">Playoffs or bust for Skiles' crew</a> </div>
<p>Game time is 7:00 PM on Fox Sports Florida and ESPN 580 AM in the Orlando market.</p>
<p>Please post 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">2015/2016 NBA Preseason</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/3QC/Logos%20non-gifs/MIA_word_zps113fd22c.jpg" width="120" height="80" alt="Miami Heat wordmark"></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/ORL_word_zpsd60d12ea.jpg" width="150" height="100" alt="Orlando Magic wordmark"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>1-2 (0-0 road)<br>Won 1</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>2-2 (1-0 home)<br>Won 1</center></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>October 13th, 2015</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Amway Center</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:00 PM</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Fox Sports Florida / 580 AM</strong></td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"></th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p></p>
<div class="ff-promo-snippet"> <h3>Keep up with all of our Magic coverage</h3> <div class="item"> <em class="ss-social">Twitter</em><a class="twitter" target="new" href="https://twitter.com/oppmagicblog">Follow on Twitter</a> </div> <div class="item"> <em class="ss-social">Facebook</em><a class="facebook" target="new" href="https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoPinstripedPost">Like on Facebook</a> </div> <div class="item"> <em class="ss-icon">check</em><a class="more-content" target="new" href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=snippet">Check out all of our Magic content</a> </div> </div>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/10/13/9518063/magic-vs-heat-game-time-tv-schedule-and-moreEvan Dunlap2015-10-13T04:48:03-04:002015-10-13T04:48:03-04:00Magic vs. Heat: In-state rivals clash at Amway
<figure>
<img alt="Tyler Johnson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x1zQkxtqm_fnFW9-b_qoxymKFlA=/0x324:2082x1712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47405724/usa-today-8857045.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyler Johnson | Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Orlando looks to improve to 2-0 against its rivals to the south Tuesday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> continue to tune up for the regular season Tuesday when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> visit a Amway Center. </p>
<p>Tipoff between the Sunshine State rivals is set for 7:00 PM Eastern. Fox Sports Florida and ESPN 580 AM will offer coverage of the game.</p>
<p><strong>Orlando's last time out</strong>: The Magic improved to 2-2 in the exhibition campaign with a stunning 123-119 victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>. Orlando, which trailed by as much as 22, took command of the game in the second half. Second-year wing <span>Devyn Marble</span> shouldered much of the load, scoring 14 of his game-best 21 points after intermission to lead the comeback. <span>Evan Fournier</span> scored 19 points in 21 minutes for Orlando.</p>
<p><strong>Miami's last time out</strong>: The Heat cruised past the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a>, 97-94, by limiting the visitors' C- and D-teams to 10 points on 3-of-18 shooting in the fourth quarter. <span>Gerald Green</span> scored 17 to lead Miami.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More Heat coverage</strong>:
<a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/" target="new">Hot Hot Hoops</a>
</div>
<p><strong>The last meeting</strong>: Tuesday's game is the second between the teams this exhibition campaign. On Wednesday, the Magic dealt Miami a 100-97 defeat in Louisville as <span>Shabazz Napier</span>, a former Heat player, drilled a three-pointer with 3.4 seconds remaining to provide the final margin.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="ff-promo-snippet">
<h3>Keep up with all of our Magic coverage</h3>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-social">Twitter</i><a class="twitter" target="new" href="https://twitter.com/oppmagicblog">Follow on Twitter</a>
</div>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-social">Facebook</i><a class="facebook" target="new" href="https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoPinstripedPost">Like on Facebook</a>
</div>
<div class="item">
<i class="ss-icon">check</i><a class="more-content" target="new" href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=snippet">Check out all of our Magic content</a>
</div>
</div>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/10/13/9518053/miami-heat-orlando-magic-2016-nba-preseason-scheduleEvan Dunlap