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Final: Orlando Magic 102 - Chicago Bulls 88
January 15, 2008 - Amway Arena
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By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic cruised to a 102-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls thanks to Orlando outscoring the Bulls 65-35 in the second and third quarters combined.
Orlando led by as many as 28 points in the second half and held off Chicago's late surge to improve their record to 24-16.
Rashard Lewis posted his fifth straight 20 point game bucketing a game-high 26 points. Keith Bogans and Brian Cook provided sparks off the Magic bench scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. Dwight Howard tallied yet another double-double contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Magic netted 11 three-pointers and shot a solid 27-of-33 (81.8 percent) from the charity stripe on their way to victory.
Chicago (14-22) was led by Joe Smith who scored 13 points while the Magic held leading scorers Ben Gordon and Luol Deng to a combined 16 points.
Orlando has no time to celebrate as they travel to Charlotte to face the divisional rival Bobcats tomorrow night.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Magic outscored the Bulls 32-10 in the third quarter as they look to carry that momentum into the final period.
The final period starts out rather sloppy as the Bulls cut into the lead slightly, and Van Gundy calls a timeout to get things situated with the Magic still leading comfortably at 91-67.
Rashard continues his solid play converting a three-point play to give him a game-high 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field.
Bogans hits another three, his fifth of the game, and the Magic lead 97-73 as we hit the halfway point in the final quarter.
Adrian Griffin scores again and taunts on his way back down the other end of the floor. Apparently he is unaware that he has a woman's name and his team is still down 20 points.
The crowd begins to cheer for no good reason and as I search as to why, I see J.J. Redick heading towards the scorers' table. I literally have nothing more exciting to write about.
I think I spoke to soon because the Bulls have just cut the lead to 12 points with a minute and a half remaining. J.J. ends the Bulls run with a pair of free-throws and some white dude for the Bulls misses a dunk to end the game.
Final: Orlando Magic 102, Chicago Bulls 88
THIRD QUARTER
Howard monster dunks a two-handed slam to begin the second half on a nice feed from Rashard Lewis. Howard then follows with a pretty sky hook on the next possession giving him 14 points to go along with seven rebounds.
It is good for the Magic to establish Dwight early in this quarter because it should open up the rest of the floor for his teammates. Turkoglu buckets a jumper forcing the Bulls to call a timeout with the Magic opening the third quarter on a 6-0 run to increase their lead to double digits at 63-52.
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Mo Evans takes the Bulls baseline powering up a two-handed flush and Lewis nails a transition three on a nice find by Turkoglu as the Magic tie their largest lead of the game at 14 points. The Magic are getting it done at both ends of the floor as they force Chicago into a shot clock violation.
Another hustle offensive rebound leads to a Lewis reverse layin and Rashard follows the next possession with a three-pointer giving him 21 points as the Magic take a commanding 73-54 lead halfway through the third period.
The Magic need to keep pushing and blow out this Bulls team, they seem to be gaining the confidence they need at home and to give up this big lead would a major let down.
Orlando has done an awesome job of following through with their game-plan to contain Ben Gordon and Luol Deng as they have scored only six and eight points respectively.
Bogans drills another three from the corner giving the Magic an 80-58 lead with 4:28 left in the third.
This Chicago Bulls team is proof that just because you were good in college, that doesn't mean you will be good in the pros. About 90 percent of the time the Bulls have a college All-Star lineup out on the floor and they are not very good...Dick Vitale would love this team.
Brian Cook strokes another jumper and Turk buckets two free-throws to give the Magic an 88-60 lead as we head under a minute to go in the third.
Adrian Griffin scores a bucket for all those men with women's names out there to end the quarter with the Magic firmly ahead 89-62.
End of Third: Orlando Magic 89, Chicago Bulls 62
SECOND QUARTER
The Magic come out in the second period on fire as Bogans hits a three and Cook follows with back-to-back triples of his own. Cook and Bogans hook up on a nice full court pass resulting in a Bogans transition layup and the Magic force a Chicago timeout jumping out to a 35-29 lead.
The two teams trade buckets as the Magic still cling to a six point advantage three minutes into the second period. Brian Cook is making most of his time here tonight as he nails another jumper giving him a team-high 10 points thus far off the bench.
Joe Smith, normally an 85 percent free-throw shooter has gone 1-of-5 tonight as he splits a pair as the Magic lead by five. Dooling hits a three and Arroyo follows with a jumper of his own to bring the Amway crowd to their feet.
The Magic are feeding off this crowd and are out-hustling the Bulls right now as Lewis gets an offensive rebound and gets fouled on his put back attempt. Lewis buckets both from the charity stripe as the Magic have jumped out to their largest lead at 12 points.
Mo Evans gets another second chance, hustle point for the Magic as they lead 50-36 halfway through the second period.
The Magic have played extremely well in this second quarter all while Dwight Howard gets a big rest on the bench. A three-pointer by Sefolosha brings the Bulls back within six points at 52-46 with three minutes left in the first half.
A Chris Duhon bucket followed by a Ben Wallace dunk brings the Bulls within two points as we head under a minute to play in the first half.
Lewis buckets three points to close out the half with the Magic leading 57-52.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 57, Chicago Bulls 52
FIRST QUARTER
Welcome back to Amway Arena Magic fans for tonight's match-up as the Magic set to square off against the Chicago Bulls.
Competing for tonight's opening tip, and largest arms in the league, is Dwight Howard and Ben Wallace. I think for tonight's tip they should have changed the rules for one game and had Dwight and "Big Ben" arm wrestle to see who controls the opening possession. They do it the conventional way with Wallace winning the tip giving the Bulls to start tonight's game.
The Magic start Jameer Nelson, Mo Evans, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Howard. The Bulls counter with Chris Duhon, Thabo Sefolosha, Luol Deng, Joe Smith, and Wallace.
The first point of tonight's ballgame comes via Dwight Howard from the free-throw line but Luol Deng quickly answers with a 20 foot jumper to give the Bulls an early 2-1 advantage.
Mo Evans throws down a two-handed slam and Rashard knocks down a three on the next possession to give the Magic a 6-2 lead three minutes into the opening period.
Lewis hits another three and he looks to be picking up right where he left off having scored 20 plus points in each of the Magic's last four games. Howard works Wallace in the post and finishes a reverse layup plus the foul. Howard converts the three-point play and gives the Magic a 12-6 lead.
The Bulls go on a 6-0 run to tie up the ballgame but Howard goes to the hoop strong again drawing a foul plus the basket. Dwight makes good on the free-throw and gives the Magic a 15-12 advantage at the halfway point in the first quarter.
The Magic have looked very efficient offensively tonight, moving with a purpose and finding the open player to create a high percentage shot. Chicago's tandem of Deng and Gordon score back-to-back baskets to give the Bulls back the lead but Jameer Nelson answers quickly to give the Magic a one point lead.
There has been a Brian Cook sighting as he checks into the ballgame replacing Rashard Lewis and Joakim Noah enters the game for the Bulls. Noah heads to the line where he is sure to pump his chest after he makes one. No pumps of the chest as he splits the pair cutting the Magic lead to one. Cook answers with a jumper and the Magic lead 23-20 as we head inside of a minute to go in the first.
Andres Nocioni, who had to consume five cups of coffee pre-game, ties up the ballgame with a triple and the Bulls take the lead on the next possession with another bucket.
The quarter closes with a Ben Gordon bucket giving the Bulls a 27-24 lead.
End of First: Chicago Bulls 27, Orlando Magic 24
KEYS TO THE GAME
Score Early
The Magic must not allow themselves to play into Chicago's slow tempo game but rather increase the pace looking to score early and often. The Magic want to score early and get out to a lead because the Bulls are 3-17 when trailing at the half. The Bulls only average around 94 points per game and their offensive productivity has been lacking, so if the Magic can get out to an early lead they should be able to sustain it.
Score Often
Offense has not been a problem for the Magic who have scored over 100 points in each of their last four contests. The Magic would like to make it five straight games against a Chicago team who is 0-13 this season when allowing 100 or more points to their opponents.
Play Tight Defense
As the team alluded to below, a key for tonight's game will be to stop the Bulls from penetrating the lane leading to kick outs and open perimeter jump shots. If the Magic can tighten up their defense and eliminate open looks forcing a Chicago team who ranks last in field goal percentage to shoot contested jump shots, then the Magic should have a good chance to win the ballgame.
SHOOTAROUND
After yesterday's intense practice, the Magic returned to the floor Tuesday morning at Amway Arena for shootaround to prepare for the Chicago Bulls.
The Magic's emphasis for the last couple of days has been their play at the defensive end, and this morning's shootaround was no different.
When asked about the team's preparation for tonight's game, the Magic started off each comment by emphasizing the importance of their energy and focus at the defensive end.
"Coach is really stressing defense," said Keith Bogans. "We need to keep the energy up and defend for the entire shot clock for all 48 minutes of the game."
"We need to get better defensively, working on our team defense specifically," Stan Van Gundy added. "We need to get our help on the back side earlier and close out on the perimeter better."
Closing out on the perimeter will be a key for the Magic against a Bulls' offense which thrives on penetration leading to kick outs for their perimeter jump shooters.
Much of Chicago's drive and dish game come from shooting guard Ben Gordon and small forward Luol Deng, and each had big games against Orlando in the two teams last meeting in late December.
The Magic won that game on a game-winning overtime shot by Hedo Turkoglu despite a season-high 39 points from Gordon and 21 points from Deng.
Orlando's defensive game-plan tonight will have great emphasis on containing Chicago's tandem.
"We are really going to go at Ben Gordon sending a lot of guys his way while trying cut of lanes to the basketball for Deng," commented Rashard Lewis.
Lewis himself was talked about as a key to tonight's ballgame as the Magic hope to him on a role. Rashard had a great road trip scoring over 20 points in each of their four games out West and the Magic intend to start using him more often.
"Rashard is a great scorer and we need to find ways to get him the ball more get him into positions where he can drive the ball and post up," added Van Gundy.
"I feel like I have to be more aggressive now," said Lewis, "and I didn't earlier on in the season because we were successful with feeding Dwight but now those teams are doubling him we have to find other ways to score."
Lewis has played almost half a season out of his natural small forward position and hasn't gotten the usual post up match-ups he is accustomed to taking advantage of but still has been productive regardless.
Orlando appears to have a solid game-plan in place as they look to beat the Chicago Bulls for the second time this season.
PREGAME
After playing four games in five nights out West the Magic come back home to face the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night at Amway Arena.
Chicago joined Orlando in the playoffs a season ago posting a 49-33 record but has struggled to regain that winning form stumbling out to a 14-21 record.
Due to their lack of success, the organization fired head coach and former Magic great Scott Skiles in hopes to turn this around but still haven't been able to recover in his absence.
The Bulls struggles derive from their lack of offensive productivity as they enter Tuesday night's game ranked toward the bottom in scoring and dead last in field goal percentage shooting at 42 percent.
Perhaps the only thing positive for Chicago this season has been the play of shooting guard Ben Gordon (19.1 ppg) and small forward Luol Deng (18.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg).
Deng has been nursing a sore Achilles' tendon but returned to action this past Sunday after having missed three games and led the Bulls scoring 28 points in 30 minutes off the bench despite losing to the Atlanta Hawks 105-84.
Deng is expected to be inserted back into the starting lineup against the Magic whom despite their own struggles still lead the Southeast Division by two games.
The Magic and Bulls last met in Chicago a month ago with Hedo Turkoglu hitting a game-winning jumper with .7 seconds left giving the Magic a 112-110 victory.
At that time...the victory capped off a four game winning streak for the Magic and Orlando intends to revert back to those winning ways against Chicago Tuesday night.
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Jan. 15 vs. Chicago (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 32-35 all-time vs. Chicago (18-14 at home, 14-21 on the road) during the regular season, including 2-1 last season…Orlando is 4-6 (2-3 at home, 2-3 at Chicago, 1995 Conference Semifinals, 1996 Conference Finals) during the playoffs…The Magic have won four of the last six, but lost 10 of the last 15 regular season meetings overall…Orlando has lost six of the last seven matchups with the Bulls at home…The Magic have split the last 10 outings at Chicago …Magic Senior VP Pat Williams served as Bulls GM from 1969-73…James Augustine played four seasons at the University of Illinois and attended Lincoln-Way Central High School in Mokena, IL…For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Chicago, see p. 239 of the media guide… Dec. 31 @ Chicago – Magic 112, Bulls 110 (OT): Hedo Turkoglu hit a fadeaway jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining in overtime, giving Orlando a 112-110 victory at the United Center. It was Orlando’s fourth consecutive win and its 15th road victory of the season, matching the entire road win total of 2006-07. Jameer Nelson led six Magic players in double figures with 22 points, while Dwight Howard tallied 17 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Ben Gordon led the Bulls with a game-high 39 points. The Magic trailed 55-48 at halftime, but outscored Chicago 29-20 during the third quarter to take a two-point lead into the final stanza, 77-75. Nelson hit a pair of free throws with 36.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra session, Gordon tied the contest at 110 with a three-pointer with 8.4 seconds left. However, Turkgolu answered with a 13-foot, fadeaway on the baseline to win the game for Orlando.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BULLS: 52 pts., Tracy McGrady (@ Orlando, 2-21-03)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 64 pts., Michael Jordan (@ Chicago, 1-16-93)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| BULLS | 27 | 25 | 10 | 26 | 88 |
| MAGIC | 24 | 33 | 32 | 13 | 102 |
By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic cruised to a 102-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls thanks to Orlando outscoring the Bulls 65-35 in the second and third quarters combined.
Orlando led by as many as 28 points in the second half and held off Chicago's late surge to improve their record to 24-16.
Rashard Lewis posted his fifth straight 20 point game bucketing a game-high 26 points. Keith Bogans and Brian Cook provided sparks off the Magic bench scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. Dwight Howard tallied yet another double-double contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds.
The Magic netted 11 three-pointers and shot a solid 27-of-33 (81.8 percent) from the charity stripe on their way to victory.
Chicago (14-22) was led by Joe Smith who scored 13 points while the Magic held leading scorers Ben Gordon and Luol Deng to a combined 16 points.
Orlando has no time to celebrate as they travel to Charlotte to face the divisional rival Bobcats tomorrow night.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Magic outscored the Bulls 32-10 in the third quarter as they look to carry that momentum into the final period.
The final period starts out rather sloppy as the Bulls cut into the lead slightly, and Van Gundy calls a timeout to get things situated with the Magic still leading comfortably at 91-67.
Rashard continues his solid play converting a three-point play to give him a game-high 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field.
Bogans hits another three, his fifth of the game, and the Magic lead 97-73 as we hit the halfway point in the final quarter.
Adrian Griffin scores again and taunts on his way back down the other end of the floor. Apparently he is unaware that he has a woman's name and his team is still down 20 points.
The crowd begins to cheer for no good reason and as I search as to why, I see J.J. Redick heading towards the scorers' table. I literally have nothing more exciting to write about.
I think I spoke to soon because the Bulls have just cut the lead to 12 points with a minute and a half remaining. J.J. ends the Bulls run with a pair of free-throws and some white dude for the Bulls misses a dunk to end the game.
Final: Orlando Magic 102, Chicago Bulls 88
THIRD QUARTER
Howard monster dunks a two-handed slam to begin the second half on a nice feed from Rashard Lewis. Howard then follows with a pretty sky hook on the next possession giving him 14 points to go along with seven rebounds.
It is good for the Magic to establish Dwight early in this quarter because it should open up the rest of the floor for his teammates. Turkoglu buckets a jumper forcing the Bulls to call a timeout with the Magic opening the third quarter on a 6-0 run to increase their lead to double digits at 63-52.
>
Mo Evans takes the Bulls baseline powering up a two-handed flush and Lewis nails a transition three on a nice find by Turkoglu as the Magic tie their largest lead of the game at 14 points. The Magic are getting it done at both ends of the floor as they force Chicago into a shot clock violation.
Another hustle offensive rebound leads to a Lewis reverse layin and Rashard follows the next possession with a three-pointer giving him 21 points as the Magic take a commanding 73-54 lead halfway through the third period.
The Magic need to keep pushing and blow out this Bulls team, they seem to be gaining the confidence they need at home and to give up this big lead would a major let down.
Orlando has done an awesome job of following through with their game-plan to contain Ben Gordon and Luol Deng as they have scored only six and eight points respectively.
Bogans drills another three from the corner giving the Magic an 80-58 lead with 4:28 left in the third.
This Chicago Bulls team is proof that just because you were good in college, that doesn't mean you will be good in the pros. About 90 percent of the time the Bulls have a college All-Star lineup out on the floor and they are not very good...Dick Vitale would love this team.
Brian Cook strokes another jumper and Turk buckets two free-throws to give the Magic an 88-60 lead as we head under a minute to go in the third.
Adrian Griffin scores a bucket for all those men with women's names out there to end the quarter with the Magic firmly ahead 89-62.
End of Third: Orlando Magic 89, Chicago Bulls 62
SECOND QUARTER
The Magic come out in the second period on fire as Bogans hits a three and Cook follows with back-to-back triples of his own. Cook and Bogans hook up on a nice full court pass resulting in a Bogans transition layup and the Magic force a Chicago timeout jumping out to a 35-29 lead.
The two teams trade buckets as the Magic still cling to a six point advantage three minutes into the second period. Brian Cook is making most of his time here tonight as he nails another jumper giving him a team-high 10 points thus far off the bench.
Joe Smith, normally an 85 percent free-throw shooter has gone 1-of-5 tonight as he splits a pair as the Magic lead by five. Dooling hits a three and Arroyo follows with a jumper of his own to bring the Amway crowd to their feet.
The Magic are feeding off this crowd and are out-hustling the Bulls right now as Lewis gets an offensive rebound and gets fouled on his put back attempt. Lewis buckets both from the charity stripe as the Magic have jumped out to their largest lead at 12 points.
Mo Evans gets another second chance, hustle point for the Magic as they lead 50-36 halfway through the second period.
The Magic have played extremely well in this second quarter all while Dwight Howard gets a big rest on the bench. A three-pointer by Sefolosha brings the Bulls back within six points at 52-46 with three minutes left in the first half.
A Chris Duhon bucket followed by a Ben Wallace dunk brings the Bulls within two points as we head under a minute to play in the first half.
Lewis buckets three points to close out the half with the Magic leading 57-52.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 57, Chicago Bulls 52
FIRST QUARTER
Welcome back to Amway Arena Magic fans for tonight's match-up as the Magic set to square off against the Chicago Bulls.
Competing for tonight's opening tip, and largest arms in the league, is Dwight Howard and Ben Wallace. I think for tonight's tip they should have changed the rules for one game and had Dwight and "Big Ben" arm wrestle to see who controls the opening possession. They do it the conventional way with Wallace winning the tip giving the Bulls to start tonight's game.
The Magic start Jameer Nelson, Mo Evans, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Howard. The Bulls counter with Chris Duhon, Thabo Sefolosha, Luol Deng, Joe Smith, and Wallace.
The first point of tonight's ballgame comes via Dwight Howard from the free-throw line but Luol Deng quickly answers with a 20 foot jumper to give the Bulls an early 2-1 advantage.
Mo Evans throws down a two-handed slam and Rashard knocks down a three on the next possession to give the Magic a 6-2 lead three minutes into the opening period.
Lewis hits another three and he looks to be picking up right where he left off having scored 20 plus points in each of the Magic's last four games. Howard works Wallace in the post and finishes a reverse layup plus the foul. Howard converts the three-point play and gives the Magic a 12-6 lead.
The Bulls go on a 6-0 run to tie up the ballgame but Howard goes to the hoop strong again drawing a foul plus the basket. Dwight makes good on the free-throw and gives the Magic a 15-12 advantage at the halfway point in the first quarter.
The Magic have looked very efficient offensively tonight, moving with a purpose and finding the open player to create a high percentage shot. Chicago's tandem of Deng and Gordon score back-to-back baskets to give the Bulls back the lead but Jameer Nelson answers quickly to give the Magic a one point lead.
There has been a Brian Cook sighting as he checks into the ballgame replacing Rashard Lewis and Joakim Noah enters the game for the Bulls. Noah heads to the line where he is sure to pump his chest after he makes one. No pumps of the chest as he splits the pair cutting the Magic lead to one. Cook answers with a jumper and the Magic lead 23-20 as we head inside of a minute to go in the first.
Andres Nocioni, who had to consume five cups of coffee pre-game, ties up the ballgame with a triple and the Bulls take the lead on the next possession with another bucket.
The quarter closes with a Ben Gordon bucket giving the Bulls a 27-24 lead.
End of First: Chicago Bulls 27, Orlando Magic 24
KEYS TO THE GAME
Score Early
The Magic must not allow themselves to play into Chicago's slow tempo game but rather increase the pace looking to score early and often. The Magic want to score early and get out to a lead because the Bulls are 3-17 when trailing at the half. The Bulls only average around 94 points per game and their offensive productivity has been lacking, so if the Magic can get out to an early lead they should be able to sustain it.
Score Often
Offense has not been a problem for the Magic who have scored over 100 points in each of their last four contests. The Magic would like to make it five straight games against a Chicago team who is 0-13 this season when allowing 100 or more points to their opponents.
Play Tight Defense
As the team alluded to below, a key for tonight's game will be to stop the Bulls from penetrating the lane leading to kick outs and open perimeter jump shots. If the Magic can tighten up their defense and eliminate open looks forcing a Chicago team who ranks last in field goal percentage to shoot contested jump shots, then the Magic should have a good chance to win the ballgame.
SHOOTAROUND
After yesterday's intense practice, the Magic returned to the floor Tuesday morning at Amway Arena for shootaround to prepare for the Chicago Bulls.
The Magic's emphasis for the last couple of days has been their play at the defensive end, and this morning's shootaround was no different.
When asked about the team's preparation for tonight's game, the Magic started off each comment by emphasizing the importance of their energy and focus at the defensive end.
"Coach is really stressing defense," said Keith Bogans. "We need to keep the energy up and defend for the entire shot clock for all 48 minutes of the game."
"We need to get better defensively, working on our team defense specifically," Stan Van Gundy added. "We need to get our help on the back side earlier and close out on the perimeter better."
Closing out on the perimeter will be a key for the Magic against a Bulls' offense which thrives on penetration leading to kick outs for their perimeter jump shooters.
Much of Chicago's drive and dish game come from shooting guard Ben Gordon and small forward Luol Deng, and each had big games against Orlando in the two teams last meeting in late December.
The Magic won that game on a game-winning overtime shot by Hedo Turkoglu despite a season-high 39 points from Gordon and 21 points from Deng.
Orlando's defensive game-plan tonight will have great emphasis on containing Chicago's tandem.
"We are really going to go at Ben Gordon sending a lot of guys his way while trying cut of lanes to the basketball for Deng," commented Rashard Lewis.
Lewis himself was talked about as a key to tonight's ballgame as the Magic hope to him on a role. Rashard had a great road trip scoring over 20 points in each of their four games out West and the Magic intend to start using him more often.
"Rashard is a great scorer and we need to find ways to get him the ball more get him into positions where he can drive the ball and post up," added Van Gundy.
"I feel like I have to be more aggressive now," said Lewis, "and I didn't earlier on in the season because we were successful with feeding Dwight but now those teams are doubling him we have to find other ways to score."
Lewis has played almost half a season out of his natural small forward position and hasn't gotten the usual post up match-ups he is accustomed to taking advantage of but still has been productive regardless.
Orlando appears to have a solid game-plan in place as they look to beat the Chicago Bulls for the second time this season.
PREGAME
After playing four games in five nights out West the Magic come back home to face the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night at Amway Arena.
Chicago joined Orlando in the playoffs a season ago posting a 49-33 record but has struggled to regain that winning form stumbling out to a 14-21 record.
Due to their lack of success, the organization fired head coach and former Magic great Scott Skiles in hopes to turn this around but still haven't been able to recover in his absence.
The Bulls struggles derive from their lack of offensive productivity as they enter Tuesday night's game ranked toward the bottom in scoring and dead last in field goal percentage shooting at 42 percent.
Perhaps the only thing positive for Chicago this season has been the play of shooting guard Ben Gordon (19.1 ppg) and small forward Luol Deng (18.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg).
Deng has been nursing a sore Achilles' tendon but returned to action this past Sunday after having missed three games and led the Bulls scoring 28 points in 30 minutes off the bench despite losing to the Atlanta Hawks 105-84.
Deng is expected to be inserted back into the starting lineup against the Magic whom despite their own struggles still lead the Southeast Division by two games.
The Magic and Bulls last met in Chicago a month ago with Hedo Turkoglu hitting a game-winning jumper with .7 seconds left giving the Magic a 112-110 victory.
At that time...the victory capped off a four game winning streak for the Magic and Orlando intends to revert back to those winning ways against Chicago Tuesday night.
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Jan. 15 vs. Chicago (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 32-35 all-time vs. Chicago (18-14 at home, 14-21 on the road) during the regular season, including 2-1 last season…Orlando is 4-6 (2-3 at home, 2-3 at Chicago, 1995 Conference Semifinals, 1996 Conference Finals) during the playoffs…The Magic have won four of the last six, but lost 10 of the last 15 regular season meetings overall…Orlando has lost six of the last seven matchups with the Bulls at home…The Magic have split the last 10 outings at Chicago …Magic Senior VP Pat Williams served as Bulls GM from 1969-73…James Augustine played four seasons at the University of Illinois and attended Lincoln-Way Central High School in Mokena, IL…For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Chicago, see p. 239 of the media guide… Dec. 31 @ Chicago – Magic 112, Bulls 110 (OT): Hedo Turkoglu hit a fadeaway jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining in overtime, giving Orlando a 112-110 victory at the United Center. It was Orlando’s fourth consecutive win and its 15th road victory of the season, matching the entire road win total of 2006-07. Jameer Nelson led six Magic players in double figures with 22 points, while Dwight Howard tallied 17 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks and three steals. Ben Gordon led the Bulls with a game-high 39 points. The Magic trailed 55-48 at halftime, but outscored Chicago 29-20 during the third quarter to take a two-point lead into the final stanza, 77-75. Nelson hit a pair of free throws with 36.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra session, Gordon tied the contest at 110 with a three-pointer with 8.4 seconds left. However, Turkgolu answered with a 13-foot, fadeaway on the baseline to win the game for Orlando.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BULLS: 52 pts., Tracy McGrady (@ Orlando, 2-21-03)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 64 pts., Michael Jordan (@ Chicago, 1-16-93)
