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, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, 5:30 PM
West Coast Trip Preview
The Orlando Magic head west this week for a four game road trip, still reeling from a nasty stomach virus that, at last count, had struck five players on the team, including Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson. No time is a good time for a mini-viral epidemic inside the locker room, but the Magic also happen to be in a very difficult stretch in the schedule. From November 27 through December 21, twenty-five days, the Magic play 13 games without playing in the same city two games in a row. In other words, even a few isolated home games sprinkled here and there feel like road games. (i.e., Monday’s lackluster 80-74 loss at home to the Atlanta Hawks)
With the sickness still lingering, and the team still reeling from back to back losses to Milwaukee and Atlanta, let’s take a look at the upcoming 4-game trip to the west coast.
Thursday at Portland
The Blazers have struggled this year. Another season lost to injury for former number one pick, Greg Oden. More knee problems for all-star Brandon Roy. Roy had surgery on his right knee last spring. Has already missed three games this year with soreness in his left knee, but he is averaging better than 18 points per game while shooting a career low 41.9% from the field. Magic killer, Andre Miller (21 ppg v. Orlando in the ’09 playoffs with Philly) is playing well, and is feistier than ever. Miller’s league leading streak of 632 consecutive games played came to an end recently when he served a one-game suspension for “excessive contact” in an altercation with Clipper rookie Blake Griffin. Unrepentant, Miller was quoted as saying, “I actually wanted to hit him harder.” Surly, these sub .500 Blazers. Thursday’s game with Orlando will be the final game of a 3-game home stand for Portland.
Friday at Utah
The Magic catch Utah on the tail end of a 6-game home stand. Remember back in mid-November, the Jazz came storming through the sunshine state, scoring back-to-back wins over the Heat and Magic? They have a chance to pull off the difficult sweep again this week, with Miami coming to Salt Lake City on Wednesday, followed by the Magic on Friday. Utah has continued to play at a high level since their Southeast Division demolition in November (they also won in Atlanta and Charlotte) winning 9 of 12 games since that road trip. Deron Williams may be the best point guard in the NBA (Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash fans may argue) and Al Jefferson from Minnesota for Kosta Kuofas and 2 draft picks may be the most one-sided deal since the Lakers pried Pau Gasol away from the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s the second night of a back to back for the Magic and they lose an hour in travel, but maybe the virus fairy will have disappeared by then, and a healthy, revenge minded Orlando team could have a chance.
Sunday at LA Clippers
This is the final game in a 4 game home stand for the Clips (there is a theme developing here) They are not a very good defensive team (27th in defensive efficiency), but rookie Blake Griffin, when he’s not getting under the skin of veteran point guards (see Andre Miller) is throwing up outrageous numbers, averaging over 20 points and almost 12 rebounds per game. Guard Eric Gordon, with new-found confidence from his Team USA experience over the summer, is averaging 24 points per game, but the Clippers don’t have a lot more going for them. They did hand San Antonio just their 3rd loss of the season a week ago, so that should give the Magic pause.
Tuesday at Denver
The Nuggets host the Magic on the first game back from a 4-game east coast trip, which includes a Sunday stopover in New York. That means circus time for Carmelo Anthony. The Nuggets and their star forward have been playing well after a slow start, but Anthony has made it very clear that he wants out of Denver, with the Knicks as a preferred destination for the New York native. Melo will be the focus of the Big Apple media for the entire weekend, and rumors are sure to abound. Who knows what frame of mind Melo will be in on Tuesday when the Magic visit the Rocky Mountains. I do know that getting victories in Denver has been a difficult task for the Magic in recent years. Since 2003, Orlando has just won just once in the mile high city.
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