What We Learned: Magic at Rockets
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By Josh Cohen
October 5, 2010
Howard Opening Eyes With Bank Shot
Dwight Howard spent some time with 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon during the summer to work on his overall game. After just one preseason game, there is already noticeable progression.
No, Howard didn’t suddenly develop Hakeem’s trademark “Dream Shake.” But, the four-time All-Star showed clear headway in his offensive repertoire.
In addition to his ability to finish with authority around the basket, Howard demonstrated an improvement with his mid range jumper and versatility when storming through the paint.
Already a ferocious shot blocker and rebounder, the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year buried two bank shots from the left wing early in the first quarter and revealed some creativity when driving to the hole with a few finesse finishes.
Howard concluded with 19 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes to help guide the Orlando Magic to a 97-88 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets.
Carter Looks Conditioned, Comfortable
Vince Carter recently stated that this past summer was the most backbreaking and grueling offseason in his entire basketball career.
The eight-time All-Star spent considerable time in the gym to improve his conditioning.
It definitely showed during the Magic’s first preseason game of the year. Not only did he look more aggressive on both ends of the floor, VC appeared very vivacious and determined.
Hoping to return to the level that once credited him as one of the premier wing players in the NBA, Carter finished with 14 points in 25 minutes and delivered a sensational alley-oop feed in the fourth quarter to Marcin Gortat, who flushed home a thunderous two-handed jam.
Chemistry On Point
President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith knew he had already constructed a championship-contending team. It showed when the Magic won 59 games in the regular season and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season.
And Smith, although obviously disappointed about the team’s finish in the playoffs, acknowledges that by retaining 10 of the same players from last season, team chemistry and coexistence would improve by leaps and bounds.
As such, Orlando demonstrated excellent ball movement and unselfishness in the preseason opener. Accumulating 14 assists, committing just five turnovers and demonstrating a willingness to swing the ball from coordinate to coordinate in the first half, the Magic understand that to eventually win the NBA title they must execute as a unit.
New Position, No Problem
There was some uncertainty about how Rashard Lewis would transition from starting the game at the power forward position before sliding over to the small forward spot.
It looked effortless after one game.
Almost immediately after moving to the three in the second quarter, Lewis recorded seven points by overpowering his defenders. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field in 24 minutes.
One of the best 3-point shooters in the league, Lewis has stated that he is not concerned about the transition offensively. He is confident he can adjust against smaller defenders.
He is, on the other hand, focused on the defensive end. Moving from the four to the three requires battling over pick-and-rolls and guarding quicker opponents.
POSTGAME FAN OPINIONS
October 5, 2010
Howard Opening Eyes With Bank Shot
Dwight Howard spent some time with 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon during the summer to work on his overall game. After just one preseason game, there is already noticeable progression.
No, Howard didn’t suddenly develop Hakeem’s trademark “Dream Shake.” But, the four-time All-Star showed clear headway in his offensive repertoire.
In addition to his ability to finish with authority around the basket, Howard demonstrated an improvement with his mid range jumper and versatility when storming through the paint.
Already a ferocious shot blocker and rebounder, the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year buried two bank shots from the left wing early in the first quarter and revealed some creativity when driving to the hole with a few finesse finishes.
Howard concluded with 19 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes to help guide the Orlando Magic to a 97-88 preseason victory over the Houston Rockets.
Carter Looks Conditioned, Comfortable
Vince Carter recently stated that this past summer was the most backbreaking and grueling offseason in his entire basketball career.
The eight-time All-Star spent considerable time in the gym to improve his conditioning.
It definitely showed during the Magic’s first preseason game of the year. Not only did he look more aggressive on both ends of the floor, VC appeared very vivacious and determined.
Hoping to return to the level that once credited him as one of the premier wing players in the NBA, Carter finished with 14 points in 25 minutes and delivered a sensational alley-oop feed in the fourth quarter to Marcin Gortat, who flushed home a thunderous two-handed jam.
Chemistry On Point
President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith knew he had already constructed a championship-contending team. It showed when the Magic won 59 games in the regular season and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season.
And Smith, although obviously disappointed about the team’s finish in the playoffs, acknowledges that by retaining 10 of the same players from last season, team chemistry and coexistence would improve by leaps and bounds.
As such, Orlando demonstrated excellent ball movement and unselfishness in the preseason opener. Accumulating 14 assists, committing just five turnovers and demonstrating a willingness to swing the ball from coordinate to coordinate in the first half, the Magic understand that to eventually win the NBA title they must execute as a unit.
New Position, No Problem
There was some uncertainty about how Rashard Lewis would transition from starting the game at the power forward position before sliding over to the small forward spot.
It looked effortless after one game.
Almost immediately after moving to the three in the second quarter, Lewis recorded seven points by overpowering his defenders. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field in 24 minutes.
One of the best 3-point shooters in the league, Lewis has stated that he is not concerned about the transition offensively. He is confident he can adjust against smaller defenders.
He is, on the other hand, focused on the defensive end. Moving from the four to the three requires battling over pick-and-rolls and guarding quicker opponents.
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Which player impressed you the most during the Magic's first preseason game?
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What aspect of Orlando's victory over Houston was most striking?
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What grade do you give the Magic after their game against the Rockets?
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