By Nick Adams | October 5, 2007
Friday was the final two-a-day session for the team at Camp Van Gundy as they gear up for their first exhibition game on Monday. The team scrimmaged for three hard fought quarters flying up and down both ends of the floor to a final score of 76-70.
The victorious team was the black team consisting of Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Keith Bogans, Bo Outlaw, Pat Garrity, and Torrell Martin.
They beat the white team who featured Rashard Lewis, Trevor Ariza, J.J. Redick, Carlos Arroyo, Marcin Gortat, and Adonal Foyle.
Kevin Kruger played for both teams helping out the point guard position because of Keyon Dooling's absense. Dooling is still nursing a sore groin in which he injured earlier this week.
The two teams started out very sloppy committing numerous turnovers and fouls. Carlos Arroyo and Jameer Nelson pushed the ball controlling the up-tempo pace. Adding to the up-tempo pace was the full-court pressure from each team, doubling the guards when they turned their back near half-court. It was a fast pace first quarter, but due to the careless play and defensive pressure, ended in a deadlock at 22 points.
The second quarter went back and forth with the pace of the game staying up-tempo. The teams cleaned up the fouls and turnovers finding open players for some easy looks at the basket. Benefiting from these open looks were Pat Garrity on the black team and Rashard Lewis on the white. The improved play on both ends of the floor resulted in another tie at 49 to end the second quarter.
The third quarter picked up right where the second left of with each team producing offensively, trading baskets up and down the floor. The pace and intensity of the game did not slow down as the team's battled closely down the stretch. Keith Bogans hit a three pointer with less then 4 seconds remaining to seal the 76-70 victory for the black squad.
Coach Van Gundy stressed the importance of not worrying about the outcome of the scrimmages or up-coming exhibition games but rather focusing on accomplishing the team's overall philosophy.
"We did not execute very well today and I told them we will have to get better at this, but for now I just want them to focus on what we are trying to do and they have done that so far."
Overall, Van Gundy was pleased with the day.
"I thought the pace and intensity of the game was where I wanted it," said Van Gundy. "It took us a little while to get going, and we saw fatigue become a factor at the end of each players' six minute stints, but for the most part they did well."
Van Gundy must have been pleased as he rewarded the team with the day off tomorrow. The team returns to RDV Sportsplex at 10 AM on Sunday for their last preparation before Monday's exhibition game against the Atlanta Hawks at Amway Arena.
Some Highlights...
Four Areas of Emphasis
Van Gundy has been adamant about his willingness in giving his players freedom offensively. However, this doesn't mean he is giving them freedom in all areas. Van Gundy stressed four specific areas in which he will give no leeway.
1. Anything dealing with the defensive end.
2. Anything dealing with effort.
3. Anything dealing with holding onto the ball to long.
4. Anything dealing with not being fundamental.
Marcin Gortat
Van Gundy is very pleased with the Magic's new acquisition down low.
"He has a lot to learn because he is a young guy but the thing I like about him is that is not the least bit afraid," said Van Gundy.
This was evident in today's scrimmage as he took the ball hard to the basket and was banging relentlessly with Bo Outlaw down low. His improvement and progress will benefit a thin Magic front line.
Shooting Star
When describing his new superstar, Van Gundy summed up his performance in camp with one word, "Outstanding". Lewis has impressed everyone with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor but his defense has also been superb.
During today's scrimmage Lewis got his hands on a lot of passes and scored at will hitting open jumpers, drilling threes, and going off the glass from the block.
Drowsy Dwight
Dwight Howard came down with a fever last night. He felt a little better this morning and fought through his illness to practiced and participate in the team's three quarter scrimmage.
His illness did not affect his play as he was the most dominant player on the floor, scoring at will in the post. On top of that, Dwight's free throw stroke looks much improved and he also buried an 18 foot jump shot from the top of the key.
Dwight also stayed after the first session and worked on his shot and post moves under the tutelage of Magic assistant Patrick Ewing.
Bo Doesn't Know Free-throws
At the end of practice the team was instructed not to leave until Bo Outlaw hit 10 straight free-throws. The team playfully joked around as they witnessed shot after shot failing to connect. After half an hour, the 10 straight goal turned into back to back makes, which took Bo another five minutes to accomplish.
