Sun Sports and FS Florida broadcaster David Steele is in the midst of his 22nd season of Orlando Magic basketball, and his 13th as the play-by-play announcer for the team's television broadcasts. He was named television play-by-play voice for the Orlando Magic in March of 1998 after handling radio play-by-play duties for the team's first nine seasons. Steele shares his unique take on what's happening with the Orlando Magic and more with his newest blog.
Posted by David Steele, Thursday, Jan. 20, 2010, 11:30 AM
Unbelievable Victory
Pat Garrity, the former Magic player, current pre and post game tv commentator on Sun Sports, probably summed it up best. “If you see enough basketball games,” Pat exclaimed Wednesday night, after Orlando’s improbable overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76er’s, “you eventually will see just about everything.”
That would include a four-point play by the Magic to tie the score late in the 4th quarter, sending the game to overtime. Then, another four point play just three and a half minutes later to give the Magic the winning cushion for victory.
Jason Richardson made the first big play for the Magic. With :17 left, trailing 90-86, Richardson rose up just above the top of the key. Philly’s Andre Iguodala reached in and brushed Richardson’s arm. The high arcing shot ripped through the net, Richardson, who was 1 of 9 from the field prior to the play, went to the free throw line, made the foul shot, tying the game at 90-90.
J.J. Redick offered up his four-point heroics in overtime. With the Magic trailing 96-95, Redick, who had missed his three previous three-point tries in the game, launched a leaning, long range shot from just a few feet to the left of the spot where Richardson did his deed in regulation. Swish. Foul on the Sixers Lou Williams. Redick’s free throw gave the Magic their 99th point, which would be just enough to hold on for a one-point overtime victory.
Two crucial four point plays in such a short time span had everyone in the building shaking their heads and trying to recall similar achievements. None could. A remarkable night at the Amway Center, proving again why we watch. As I’ve said before, one of my favorite things about broadcasting NBA basketball is that on any given night, you might witness something that has everyone talking the next morning. This was one such night in Orlando.
A few other thoughts about the game.
There were actually 3 four-point plays in the game. The Sixers Lou Williams was fouled by Ryan Anderson on a three-point jumper late in the 2nd quarter. The Williams four-point play took place in almost the same spot on the floor as Richardson’s and Redick’s.
There were no doubt lots of relieved fans, players and Magic staffers after the unlikely victory, but no one seemed happier than Dwight Howard. Howard, as always, battled hard throughout the game, but had one of those nights where the referees whistle always seemed to find him, (he fouled out with :49 to play in regulation and got tagged with his 13th technical foul of the season) and the free throws were not falling (12 misses). After the final horn, Howard was smiling broadly and hugging his teammates who provided the heroics on this night.
The Magic have now been involved in 4 down to the wire finishes in their last 5 games. The sting of narrow losses at Oklahoma City and Boston, and an overtime loss at New Orleans last week, were somewhat assuaged by the memorable one point victory on Wednesday night.
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