GAMETIME: Orlando Magic 102 Milwaukee Bucks 83
October 31, 2007 - Amway Arena
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By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic opened their 2007-2008 season by pounding the Milwaukee Bucks 102-83 in front of a packed Amway Arena crowd.
Rashard Lewis had a very impressive debut leading the way for the Magic with 26 points. Hedo Turkoglu pitched in 24 points and Dwight Howard was a factor at both ends of the floor tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Michael Redd led the Bucks with 25 points.
The turning point of the game was midway through the second quarter when Coach Van Gundy called a timeout with the Bucks leading 41-34. After the timeout, the Magic went on an 8-0 run to regain the lead and never looked back outscoring Milwaukee 36-15 in the third quarter catapulting the Magic to victory.
The Magic carried over their outstanding perimeter shooting from the preseason as they shot 12-of-22 (.545) outscoring the Bucks 36-12 from beyond the arc.
Despite playing at a fast pace, the Magic took very good care of the basketball committing only 10 turnovers, a vast improvement from a team who was among the league's worst in turnovers last season.
Orlando has a day to celebrate as they face the Detroit Pistons Friday at Amway Arena.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Magic's second unit steps out onto the floor to start the fourth to a defining Amway crowd and pick up right where they left off with Dooling converting a three-point play to increase the Magic lead to 90-63.
The energy in this building is amazing even with the large Magic lead which increases with an Arroyo three from the top of the key. Offical's timeout with less than nine minutes remaining in the game and the Magic holding onto a commanding 93-65 lead.
I don't know if it's because it is Halloween or opening night, or both, but the entire game has been one big entertainment extravaganza from the pre-game, the in between timeout shows, the halftime show by the Blue Men Group, and of course the Magic blowing out the Bucks.
The Magic lead 97-69 with six minutes to go in the game as Foyle makes a lay-up. You got to love Pat Garrity as he hits the floor hustling for a loose ball with the game well in hand. Howard, Lewis, and Nelson have yet to see the floor in the fourth. Bobby Simmons hits a three in front of the Magic bench and turns back to look at them in his accomplishment of bringing his team back from a hundred after one shot. I am sending the press release now..."Simmons hits heroic thirty point three-pointer".
Jianlian fouls out of his first official NBA basketball game ending with 9 points on the night. Arroyo burries yet another Magic three giving Orlando a 100-76 lead with two minutes left. The Magic are shooting a tremendous 12-of-21 (.571) from beyond the arc.
The game ticks down inside a minute as the Amway crowd slowly exits after having witnessed what hopes to be one of many impressive victories for the Magic this season. The Magic's Halloween party ends with a 102-83 thrashing that would make Michael Myers jealous.
Final: Orlando Magic 102, Milwaukee Bucks 83
THIRD QUARTER
Both teams start the second half with the same lineups which began the game with each team's stars leading the way for their respective teams. Lewis leads the Magic with 17 points and Howard has contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The Bucks Michael Redd has been on fire tonight leading all scorers with 18 points.
The Rookie Jianlian opens the half with a deep two and the Magic answer with a bucket by Turkoglu and a three-point play from Howard to give the Magic a 53-48 lead. Redd continues to be lights out netting his 20th point while shooting 7-of-12 from the field. Bogut and Howard trade buckets and the Magic lead 55-52 three minutes into the second half.
Mo Williams ties up the game with a three and Jianlian splits a pair of free-throws to give the Bucks their first lead since the middle of the second quarter. The lead is quickly regained by the Magic as Turkoglu hits a pair from the charity stripe giving the Magic a 57-56 advantage with 7:34 left in the third.
Howard with another rejection which lands in the third row results in a three by Rashard giving Lewis 20 for the game on 7-of-11 shooting. Hedo nails a shot from beyond the arc forcing a timeout by the Bucks with the Magic leading 63-56 with six minutes to go in the third.
I know it is way to early in the season but you have to like the Magic combo of Lewis and Howard. The inside/outside tandem has led the Magic so far but Hedo reminds me there is a third member stepping up big tonight as he strokes another three from the corner matching Lewis with his own 20 point night on 7-of-11 shooting.
Bogans gets into the third quarter three-point parade for the Magic hitting a triple from the corner extending the Magic lead to its highest of the game at 69-58. Turkoglu, Lewis, and Howard have scored 56 of the Magic's 69 points up to this point. Lewis hustles for a Magic offensive rebound and is rewarded on a nice feed from Nelson for a three-pointer out of the corner. The Amway crowd erupts forcing the Bucks to call a timeout with the Magic leading 74-58 with under three minutes left in the third.
Lewis is on fire and nets another triple. Dooling, feeling left out, hits a three from the corner, Nelson drives the lane and makes a bucket while getting fouled and the Amway crowd goes crazy. Jameer hits the free-throw giving the Magic a 83-60 lead with 30 seconds to go in the quarter. Van Gundy subs out Lewis and Howard and Dooling misses a runner at the buzzer but the Magic lead by 21 to end the quarter.
End of the Third: Orlando Magic 83, Milwaukee Bucks 62
SECOND QUARTER
The Magic open the second with Carlos Arroyo, J.J. Redick, Hedo, Garrity and Adonal Foyle. Bobby Simmons enters the game for the Bucks and makes the first two of the second quarter. Turkoglu finally gets the Magic going netting a triple three minutes into the quarter giving the Magic a 27-26 advantage.
I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Orlando Magic on an amazing pre-game introduction filled with a Michael Jackson "Thiller" dance and a live marching band introduction. The teams come out of a Milwaukee timeout firing, Howard, Lewis trading baskets with Charlie Bell, and Simmons to make the score 36-33 Milwaukee. Bogut, who looks like his on the Barry Bonds workout program, takes Howard off the dribble converting a jump hook in the lane. Bogut and Howard have both gotten off to slow starts as they have two and five points respectively. The Bucks hit another three from the corner causing Van Gundy to call a timeout with 5:43 left in the half and the Bucks with their biggest lead of the game at 41-34.
I think Dwight heard me as he comes out of the timeout with an aggressive move to the basket finishing a bucket plus the foul. Howard hits the free-throw and hits another two the next trip down to cut the Milwaukee lead to two at 41-39. Van Gundy must have told the Magic to be more aggressive as Nelson draws another foul by the Bucks making one of two. I think Stan also told them to pick it up on the defensive end as Howard and company contest every Buck attempt. A Howard block parade ends with Turkoglu nailing a three at the other end. The Magic have scored eight unanswered out of the timeout which forces the Bucks to call one of their own. The Magic now lead 42-41 with 3:35 left in the half.
The Magic continue to feed Howard down low drawing another Milwaukee foul and sending Dwight to the line where he makes both. Howard has improved his free-throw stroke tremendously and is shooting 7-of-9 tonight. The Magic have really picked it up at the defensive end as Howard swats a shot to Daytona causing a 24 second violation by the Bucks. Lewis heads to the line and makes a pair increasing the Magic lead to four at 46-42. I am guessing that Stan told his team two things during the timeout which saw the Magic trailing 41-34...1) Pick up the intensity on the defensive end...2) Be aggressive on offense and lets get to the line.
This Amway crowd is ready to erupt as Howard swats yet another Milwaukee attempt. The Bucks control the ball with under a minute remaining and the Magic clinging to a 48-46 lead. The Magic get a stop and hold for the last shot of the half which is a miss by Jameer Nelson to end the half.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 48, Milwaukee Bucks 46
FIRST QUARTER
The Time is Now...to begin the 2007-2008 NBA regular season as the Orlando Magic square off against the Milwaukee Bucks. You can sure feel the energy and excitement here at a packed Amway Arena as the two teams gather at center court for the start of tonight's contest. Two former number one overall draft picks compete for the opening tip as Dwight Howard out jumps Andrew Bogut giving the Magic possession of the basketball.
Joining Howard in the starting lineup tonight is Jameer Nelson, Keith Bogans, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis. The Bucks oppose with Mo Williams, Michael Redd, Desmond Mason, Yi Jianlian, and Bogut.
Rashard Lewis gets his Orlando debut started with a fadeaway 15 foot jumper. Jameer strokes a two from the top of the key giving the Magic an early 4-2 lead. Redd answers with his second bucket of the game notting the game at 4. Jialian makes his first NBA basket and Lewis gets off to a great start making his second shot tying the game at 6. Continuing his good start, Lewis drives to the basket strong a makes a circus layup plus the foul. He converts the three-point play giving the Magic a 9-6 advantage. Bogans nets a triple from the wing, let's hope the superb preseason shooting of the Magic will carry over into the season.
Dooling enters into the ballgame for Bogans as Michael Redd hits nothing but the bottom of the net cutting the Magic lead at 12-10 with six minutes left in the opening quarter. Turkoglu gets fouled while on his way to a dunk. Turk converts the three-point play but the Michael Redd show continues as he hits another fadeaway giving him 10 points and giving the Bucks a one point lead at 16-15. Stan has seen enough and calls for time with 4:34 left in the first.
As I look at the packed Amway crowd, I see patches of orange and some crazy costumes which reminds me to wish all two of my "Baseline Blog" fans, and my family and friends back in Huntsburg, Ohio a Happy Halloween. Pat Garrity sees the floor out of the timeout replacing Hedo and right on cue nails a three giving Orlando a 21-18 lead. Nelson drives the lane and gets fouled heading to the line for two. Congrats to Jameer for singing a contract extension with the Magic earlier today. Nelson rewards the Magic by making both free-throws putting the Magic ahead 23-18 with 2:24 to go in the first.
Desmond Mason hits a fadeaway hook and Mo Williams converts a layup to bring the Bucks within one at 23-22 inside of a minute. The Magic hold for the last shot of the quarter as Lewis drives to the basket and gets fouled sending him to the line with 6.6 remaining. Lewis splits the pair and Mo Williams comes down and hits a 18 footer to tie the game at 24 to end the first quarter.
End of First Quarter: Orlando Magic 24, Milwaukee Bucks 24
SHOOTAROUND
The Magic entered Amway Arena this morning for their first regular season pre-game shootaround as they prepare for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Both teams enter tonight's contest having had a productive off-season with a successful preseason and adding some key additions to their roster.
Despite posting a 28-54 record a season ago, Coach Stan Van Gundy and the Magic expect the Bucks to be much improved.
"Anytime you have a guy like Michael Redd who can go out and get you 27 points a night is a plus," said Van Gundy. "You then surround him with players like Andrew Bogut, Desmond Mason, Mo Williams, and then draft someone like Yi Jianlian and you have a very competitive team. There are a team that will be significantly better than they were a year ago because they have gotten healthy and made some key additions."
"We have to come out ready and be on the attack tonight," added Dwight Howard. "We have to run our offense and play great defense."
Milwaukee's head coach, Larry Krystkowiak, echoed Howard and Van Gundy's views.
"This is an easy time for every team to be optimistic but we had a great preseason and stayed healthy which has been our biggest setback in past years," commented Krystkowiak. "We are light-years ahead of where we were a year ago."
Krystkowiak is also well aware of Orlando's capabilities as the Magic will start Jameer Nelson, Keith Bogans, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Howard.
"The Magic have been shooting the ball really well and they were first in the preseason in shooting from the field both from two and from three so they shoot the ball well plus they have an anchor in the middle like Dwight Howard."
Krystowiak returns to Orlando after having spent the 93-94 season with the Magic starting 11 games while averaging 5.1 points.
As mentioned above, two major reasons for the Bucks optimism is their first-round draft choice Yi Jianlian and all-star Michael Redd. The tandem possesses a major threat that is not oblivious to the Magic.
"Yi is a very skilled guy who can move very well for a big guy," Van Gundy added. "He can shoot the ball well, and he can put it on the floor and pass. He is going to be a real handful for us to deal with."
"Michael Redd can shoot the ball extremely well," said Howard who played with Redd this summer on team USA. "You can't let him get a look at the basket because if he does it is going up and then it is going in."
The Magic appear focused and ready to start off the 2007-2008 season on a good note.
"Our focus is great," stated Van Gundy, "and everyone will be ready to play tonight."
PREGAME
The Stan Van Gundy era in Orlando begins tonight as the Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks to open their 2007-2008 season.
Expectations are high as the team had a productive off-season going 6-1 in preseason play and adding key free agents. The most notable of those free-agents, Rashard Lewis, will make his Magic debut in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd at Amway Arena.
"Preseason is finally over and it's time to go out and show everyone what we can do," Lewis stated. "This is what we having been waiting for all training camp and we are ready."
Lewis is well aware that his debut will be heavily scrutinized but doesn't plan on getting caught up in all the hype.
"I am just going to go out, play within my offense and defense, and try to do anything possible to help my team win," added Lewis.
Despite missing most of the preseason with an ankle injury, Lewis feels at full strength and has been working hard to regain his rhythm.
"I've been coming in early and staying late shooting to maintain my stroke," said Lewis. "Hopefully I can hit some shots and spread out the floor for Dwight down low."
Dwight Howard will be matched up with another talented young big man in Andrew Bogut.
The Bucks announced their starting lineup on Tuesday and starting with Bogut will be Mo Williams, Michael Redd, Desmond Mason, and Milwaukee's first-round, sixth overall pick from China, Yi Jianlian.
Van Gundy has yet to announce his starting lineup but if the Magic start with the lineup they opened and closed preseason with, Lewis will be matched up against the seven-footer Jianlian at power forward.
Though Jianlian is a rookie, and Lewis' athleticism may create problems for Milwaukee, Rashard is respecting his opponent's ability but hopes to use his experience to this advantage.
"He is a very talented and athletic player," commented Lewis, "but I will use my experience to look for opportunities to take advantage of my match-up."
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
J.J. Redick – Day-to-day, contusion, right hand
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Oct. 31 vs. Milwaukee (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 28-39 all-time vs. Milwaukee (20-14 at home, 8-25 on the road) during the regular season, including 3-1 last season...Orlando is 1-3 vs. Milwaukee in the playoffs (2001 first round)…The Magic have won five of the last seven meetings…The series has been one of several streaks - Orlando lost 10 straight meetings from Apr. 20, 1999-Jan. 18, 2002, but won nine straight matchups from Feb. 20, 1994-Feb. 23, 1996…The Magic have won eight of the last 12 regular season games with the Bucks at home, but have lost 15 of the last 17 at the Bradley Center...For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Milwaukee, see p. 263 of the media guide.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BUCKS: 48 pts., Tracy McGrady (@ Orlando, 3-5-03; @ Orlando, 3-19-02)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 40 pts., Michael Redd (@ Milwaukee, 1-21-04)
 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |  |
|
| BUCKS | 24 | 22 | 16 | 21 | 83 | ||
| MAGIC | 24 | 24 | 35 | 19 | 102 |
By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic opened their 2007-2008 season by pounding the Milwaukee Bucks 102-83 in front of a packed Amway Arena crowd.
Rashard Lewis had a very impressive debut leading the way for the Magic with 26 points. Hedo Turkoglu pitched in 24 points and Dwight Howard was a factor at both ends of the floor tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Michael Redd led the Bucks with 25 points.
The turning point of the game was midway through the second quarter when Coach Van Gundy called a timeout with the Bucks leading 41-34. After the timeout, the Magic went on an 8-0 run to regain the lead and never looked back outscoring Milwaukee 36-15 in the third quarter catapulting the Magic to victory.
The Magic carried over their outstanding perimeter shooting from the preseason as they shot 12-of-22 (.545) outscoring the Bucks 36-12 from beyond the arc.
Despite playing at a fast pace, the Magic took very good care of the basketball committing only 10 turnovers, a vast improvement from a team who was among the league's worst in turnovers last season.
Orlando has a day to celebrate as they face the Detroit Pistons Friday at Amway Arena.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Magic's second unit steps out onto the floor to start the fourth to a defining Amway crowd and pick up right where they left off with Dooling converting a three-point play to increase the Magic lead to 90-63.
The energy in this building is amazing even with the large Magic lead which increases with an Arroyo three from the top of the key. Offical's timeout with less than nine minutes remaining in the game and the Magic holding onto a commanding 93-65 lead.
I don't know if it's because it is Halloween or opening night, or both, but the entire game has been one big entertainment extravaganza from the pre-game, the in between timeout shows, the halftime show by the Blue Men Group, and of course the Magic blowing out the Bucks.
The Magic lead 97-69 with six minutes to go in the game as Foyle makes a lay-up. You got to love Pat Garrity as he hits the floor hustling for a loose ball with the game well in hand. Howard, Lewis, and Nelson have yet to see the floor in the fourth. Bobby Simmons hits a three in front of the Magic bench and turns back to look at them in his accomplishment of bringing his team back from a hundred after one shot. I am sending the press release now..."Simmons hits heroic thirty point three-pointer".
Jianlian fouls out of his first official NBA basketball game ending with 9 points on the night. Arroyo burries yet another Magic three giving Orlando a 100-76 lead with two minutes left. The Magic are shooting a tremendous 12-of-21 (.571) from beyond the arc.
The game ticks down inside a minute as the Amway crowd slowly exits after having witnessed what hopes to be one of many impressive victories for the Magic this season. The Magic's Halloween party ends with a 102-83 thrashing that would make Michael Myers jealous.
Final: Orlando Magic 102, Milwaukee Bucks 83
THIRD QUARTER
Both teams start the second half with the same lineups which began the game with each team's stars leading the way for their respective teams. Lewis leads the Magic with 17 points and Howard has contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The Bucks Michael Redd has been on fire tonight leading all scorers with 18 points.
The Rookie Jianlian opens the half with a deep two and the Magic answer with a bucket by Turkoglu and a three-point play from Howard to give the Magic a 53-48 lead. Redd continues to be lights out netting his 20th point while shooting 7-of-12 from the field. Bogut and Howard trade buckets and the Magic lead 55-52 three minutes into the second half.
Mo Williams ties up the game with a three and Jianlian splits a pair of free-throws to give the Bucks their first lead since the middle of the second quarter. The lead is quickly regained by the Magic as Turkoglu hits a pair from the charity stripe giving the Magic a 57-56 advantage with 7:34 left in the third.
Howard with another rejection which lands in the third row results in a three by Rashard giving Lewis 20 for the game on 7-of-11 shooting. Hedo nails a shot from beyond the arc forcing a timeout by the Bucks with the Magic leading 63-56 with six minutes to go in the third.
I know it is way to early in the season but you have to like the Magic combo of Lewis and Howard. The inside/outside tandem has led the Magic so far but Hedo reminds me there is a third member stepping up big tonight as he strokes another three from the corner matching Lewis with his own 20 point night on 7-of-11 shooting.
Bogans gets into the third quarter three-point parade for the Magic hitting a triple from the corner extending the Magic lead to its highest of the game at 69-58. Turkoglu, Lewis, and Howard have scored 56 of the Magic's 69 points up to this point. Lewis hustles for a Magic offensive rebound and is rewarded on a nice feed from Nelson for a three-pointer out of the corner. The Amway crowd erupts forcing the Bucks to call a timeout with the Magic leading 74-58 with under three minutes left in the third.
Lewis is on fire and nets another triple. Dooling, feeling left out, hits a three from the corner, Nelson drives the lane and makes a bucket while getting fouled and the Amway crowd goes crazy. Jameer hits the free-throw giving the Magic a 83-60 lead with 30 seconds to go in the quarter. Van Gundy subs out Lewis and Howard and Dooling misses a runner at the buzzer but the Magic lead by 21 to end the quarter.
End of the Third: Orlando Magic 83, Milwaukee Bucks 62
SECOND QUARTER
The Magic open the second with Carlos Arroyo, J.J. Redick, Hedo, Garrity and Adonal Foyle. Bobby Simmons enters the game for the Bucks and makes the first two of the second quarter. Turkoglu finally gets the Magic going netting a triple three minutes into the quarter giving the Magic a 27-26 advantage.
I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Orlando Magic on an amazing pre-game introduction filled with a Michael Jackson "Thiller" dance and a live marching band introduction. The teams come out of a Milwaukee timeout firing, Howard, Lewis trading baskets with Charlie Bell, and Simmons to make the score 36-33 Milwaukee. Bogut, who looks like his on the Barry Bonds workout program, takes Howard off the dribble converting a jump hook in the lane. Bogut and Howard have both gotten off to slow starts as they have two and five points respectively. The Bucks hit another three from the corner causing Van Gundy to call a timeout with 5:43 left in the half and the Bucks with their biggest lead of the game at 41-34.
I think Dwight heard me as he comes out of the timeout with an aggressive move to the basket finishing a bucket plus the foul. Howard hits the free-throw and hits another two the next trip down to cut the Milwaukee lead to two at 41-39. Van Gundy must have told the Magic to be more aggressive as Nelson draws another foul by the Bucks making one of two. I think Stan also told them to pick it up on the defensive end as Howard and company contest every Buck attempt. A Howard block parade ends with Turkoglu nailing a three at the other end. The Magic have scored eight unanswered out of the timeout which forces the Bucks to call one of their own. The Magic now lead 42-41 with 3:35 left in the half.
The Magic continue to feed Howard down low drawing another Milwaukee foul and sending Dwight to the line where he makes both. Howard has improved his free-throw stroke tremendously and is shooting 7-of-9 tonight. The Magic have really picked it up at the defensive end as Howard swats a shot to Daytona causing a 24 second violation by the Bucks. Lewis heads to the line and makes a pair increasing the Magic lead to four at 46-42. I am guessing that Stan told his team two things during the timeout which saw the Magic trailing 41-34...1) Pick up the intensity on the defensive end...2) Be aggressive on offense and lets get to the line.
This Amway crowd is ready to erupt as Howard swats yet another Milwaukee attempt. The Bucks control the ball with under a minute remaining and the Magic clinging to a 48-46 lead. The Magic get a stop and hold for the last shot of the half which is a miss by Jameer Nelson to end the half.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 48, Milwaukee Bucks 46
FIRST QUARTER
The Time is Now...to begin the 2007-2008 NBA regular season as the Orlando Magic square off against the Milwaukee Bucks. You can sure feel the energy and excitement here at a packed Amway Arena as the two teams gather at center court for the start of tonight's contest. Two former number one overall draft picks compete for the opening tip as Dwight Howard out jumps Andrew Bogut giving the Magic possession of the basketball.
Joining Howard in the starting lineup tonight is Jameer Nelson, Keith Bogans, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis. The Bucks oppose with Mo Williams, Michael Redd, Desmond Mason, Yi Jianlian, and Bogut.
Rashard Lewis gets his Orlando debut started with a fadeaway 15 foot jumper. Jameer strokes a two from the top of the key giving the Magic an early 4-2 lead. Redd answers with his second bucket of the game notting the game at 4. Jialian makes his first NBA basket and Lewis gets off to a great start making his second shot tying the game at 6. Continuing his good start, Lewis drives to the basket strong a makes a circus layup plus the foul. He converts the three-point play giving the Magic a 9-6 advantage. Bogans nets a triple from the wing, let's hope the superb preseason shooting of the Magic will carry over into the season.
Dooling enters into the ballgame for Bogans as Michael Redd hits nothing but the bottom of the net cutting the Magic lead at 12-10 with six minutes left in the opening quarter. Turkoglu gets fouled while on his way to a dunk. Turk converts the three-point play but the Michael Redd show continues as he hits another fadeaway giving him 10 points and giving the Bucks a one point lead at 16-15. Stan has seen enough and calls for time with 4:34 left in the first.
As I look at the packed Amway crowd, I see patches of orange and some crazy costumes which reminds me to wish all two of my "Baseline Blog" fans, and my family and friends back in Huntsburg, Ohio a Happy Halloween. Pat Garrity sees the floor out of the timeout replacing Hedo and right on cue nails a three giving Orlando a 21-18 lead. Nelson drives the lane and gets fouled heading to the line for two. Congrats to Jameer for singing a contract extension with the Magic earlier today. Nelson rewards the Magic by making both free-throws putting the Magic ahead 23-18 with 2:24 to go in the first.
Desmond Mason hits a fadeaway hook and Mo Williams converts a layup to bring the Bucks within one at 23-22 inside of a minute. The Magic hold for the last shot of the quarter as Lewis drives to the basket and gets fouled sending him to the line with 6.6 remaining. Lewis splits the pair and Mo Williams comes down and hits a 18 footer to tie the game at 24 to end the first quarter.
End of First Quarter: Orlando Magic 24, Milwaukee Bucks 24
SHOOTAROUND
The Magic entered Amway Arena this morning for their first regular season pre-game shootaround as they prepare for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Both teams enter tonight's contest having had a productive off-season with a successful preseason and adding some key additions to their roster.
Despite posting a 28-54 record a season ago, Coach Stan Van Gundy and the Magic expect the Bucks to be much improved.
"Anytime you have a guy like Michael Redd who can go out and get you 27 points a night is a plus," said Van Gundy. "You then surround him with players like Andrew Bogut, Desmond Mason, Mo Williams, and then draft someone like Yi Jianlian and you have a very competitive team. There are a team that will be significantly better than they were a year ago because they have gotten healthy and made some key additions."
"We have to come out ready and be on the attack tonight," added Dwight Howard. "We have to run our offense and play great defense."
Milwaukee's head coach, Larry Krystkowiak, echoed Howard and Van Gundy's views.
"This is an easy time for every team to be optimistic but we had a great preseason and stayed healthy which has been our biggest setback in past years," commented Krystkowiak. "We are light-years ahead of where we were a year ago."
Krystkowiak is also well aware of Orlando's capabilities as the Magic will start Jameer Nelson, Keith Bogans, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Howard.
"The Magic have been shooting the ball really well and they were first in the preseason in shooting from the field both from two and from three so they shoot the ball well plus they have an anchor in the middle like Dwight Howard."
Krystowiak returns to Orlando after having spent the 93-94 season with the Magic starting 11 games while averaging 5.1 points.
As mentioned above, two major reasons for the Bucks optimism is their first-round draft choice Yi Jianlian and all-star Michael Redd. The tandem possesses a major threat that is not oblivious to the Magic.
"Yi is a very skilled guy who can move very well for a big guy," Van Gundy added. "He can shoot the ball well, and he can put it on the floor and pass. He is going to be a real handful for us to deal with."
"Michael Redd can shoot the ball extremely well," said Howard who played with Redd this summer on team USA. "You can't let him get a look at the basket because if he does it is going up and then it is going in."
The Magic appear focused and ready to start off the 2007-2008 season on a good note.
"Our focus is great," stated Van Gundy, "and everyone will be ready to play tonight."
PREGAME
The Stan Van Gundy era in Orlando begins tonight as the Magic host the Milwaukee Bucks to open their 2007-2008 season.
Expectations are high as the team had a productive off-season going 6-1 in preseason play and adding key free agents. The most notable of those free-agents, Rashard Lewis, will make his Magic debut in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd at Amway Arena.
"Preseason is finally over and it's time to go out and show everyone what we can do," Lewis stated. "This is what we having been waiting for all training camp and we are ready."
Lewis is well aware that his debut will be heavily scrutinized but doesn't plan on getting caught up in all the hype.
"I am just going to go out, play within my offense and defense, and try to do anything possible to help my team win," added Lewis.
Despite missing most of the preseason with an ankle injury, Lewis feels at full strength and has been working hard to regain his rhythm.
"I've been coming in early and staying late shooting to maintain my stroke," said Lewis. "Hopefully I can hit some shots and spread out the floor for Dwight down low."
Dwight Howard will be matched up with another talented young big man in Andrew Bogut.
The Bucks announced their starting lineup on Tuesday and starting with Bogut will be Mo Williams, Michael Redd, Desmond Mason, and Milwaukee's first-round, sixth overall pick from China, Yi Jianlian.
Van Gundy has yet to announce his starting lineup but if the Magic start with the lineup they opened and closed preseason with, Lewis will be matched up against the seven-footer Jianlian at power forward.
Though Jianlian is a rookie, and Lewis' athleticism may create problems for Milwaukee, Rashard is respecting his opponent's ability but hopes to use his experience to this advantage.
"He is a very talented and athletic player," commented Lewis, "but I will use my experience to look for opportunities to take advantage of my match-up."
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
J.J. Redick – Day-to-day, contusion, right hand
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Oct. 31 vs. Milwaukee (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 28-39 all-time vs. Milwaukee (20-14 at home, 8-25 on the road) during the regular season, including 3-1 last season...Orlando is 1-3 vs. Milwaukee in the playoffs (2001 first round)…The Magic have won five of the last seven meetings…The series has been one of several streaks - Orlando lost 10 straight meetings from Apr. 20, 1999-Jan. 18, 2002, but won nine straight matchups from Feb. 20, 1994-Feb. 23, 1996…The Magic have won eight of the last 12 regular season games with the Bucks at home, but have lost 15 of the last 17 at the Bradley Center...For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Milwaukee, see p. 263 of the media guide.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BUCKS: 48 pts., Tracy McGrady (@ Orlando, 3-5-03; @ Orlando, 3-19-02)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 40 pts., Michael Redd (@ Milwaukee, 1-21-04)
