By Josh Cohen
Oct. 31, 2009: SCHEDULE | PHOTOS | GLANCE AT THE ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE
Log on to OrlandoMagic.com every day to catch up on the latest news, notes, videos and features on your favorite team.
And be sure to buy tickets to come watch Dwight Howard, Vince Carter and the rest of the Magic as they attempt to conquer their ultimate goal of capturing the NBA championship.
If Dwight Howard ever wanted to explore another career opportunity – and obviously that is unnecessary – bodybuilding or even professional wrestling would certainly be a viable option. The gargantuan gladiator’s physique continues to intimidate his opponents – racking up double-double after double-double.
Howard produced 21 points and 15 rebounds against Philadelphia and 20 points and 22 boards against New Jersey. Just...Wow!
With his extraordinary size and strength, don’t be surprised if D12 ultimately records a 30-30 at some point during his career.
Ryan Anderson, Magic
95-85 win at Nets
16 pts, 6-10 FG
J.J. Redick
120-106 win vs. 76ers
10 pts, 4-6 FG
Dwight Howard
120-106 win vs. 76ers
21 pts, 9-11 FG
Jason Williams
120-106 win vs. 76ers
15 pts, 4-5 FG
After a memorable NBA Finals run and a franchise-augmenting off-season – comprised of an eye-popping trade and several captivating free agent signings – the Orlando Magic are ostensibly improved for this season.
The acquisition of Vince Carter, the retaining of Marcin Gortat, the additions of essential role players Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams and the return of a fully healthy Jameer Nelson clearly elevate the reigning Eastern Conference champs’ chances of capturing the league's ultimate prize.
The season, although puerile, has treated the Magic kindly thus far – despite the absence of All-Star Rashard Lewis. Orlando thrashed its first-round opponent from last season, the Philadelphia 76ers, in the opener on Wednesday night at Amway Arena and followed with an impressive triumph over the host New Jersey Nets on Friday.
It’s not often a championship contender and conference powerhouse can complement three NBA Superstars with an eight-time All-Star and electrifying crowd-pleaser. The Orlando Magic, however, were an exception to the norm when they acquired the effervescent Vince Carter during the off-season.
Air Amway flourished in his Magic debut with 15 points against the 76ers, and before spraining his left ankle in the second quarter erupted for 16 points in his abbreviated return to New Jersey. The injury to the Daytona Beach native is not believed to be serious.
Courtney Lee, meanwhile, who was dealt to the Nets in the Carter trade, led his new squad with 18 points. Orlando will have the opportunity to greet another former Magic hero, Hedo Turkoglu, on Sunday afternoon when it visits the Toronto Raptors.
A few teams appear to be rising in the Power Rankings; Wizards, Mavericks, Blazers and Hawks are some of the notables. By the end of the season, however, the NBA Universe may be talking about the Oklahoma City Thunder more than any other team in this category.
Not only have the action-packed, fast and furious Thunder earned two straight wins to open the season, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook are transforming into a dangerous trio. Remember, when there is extreme lightning, there is intense Thunder!
Some NBA enthusiasts love watching the awe-inspiring slam dunks and acrobatic ball handling; others adore long-distance shooting; and few cherish premier post play. But, when trying to assemble a championship-level fantasy team, you must also focus on first-rate defense. It’s what makes the unwavering Josh Smith one of fantasy’s most prized pieces.
If you have the opportunity to acquire Smith – even if it forces you to trade away one of your best players – make the deal!
Just about everyone – including their grandmother, mailman, plumber and babysitter – are picking the Los Angeles Lakers to return to the NBA Finals. It’s understandable why – of course – as the reigning champs still possess the game’s most prolific clutch scorer, several dominant low-post threats and, now, one of the NBA’s most tenacious defenders.
But, with the addition of Shawn Marion, the Dallas Mavericks believe they may have just enough to compete with the Lakers. It showed when Dirk Nowitzki and Co. trounced L.A.
Recap | Box Score | Video Highlights
