Orlando Magic News & Notes: Brandon Bass Is Fitting In, Carter Readies For Postseason

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Vince Carter has never won 50 games in his NBA career.

Carter knew when he joined the Magic, NBA Finalists last spring, that he would have a chance to play in meaningful, big games again for the first time in years. And he hoped that if all things went well, he’d finally be a part of a 50-win team and a division champion squad in Orlando.

“Nope, never have won 50 games. Crazy, huh?’’ Carter said, somewhat shocked himself. “Sometimes not even going deep in the playoffs have we won 50 games.’’

Carter, 33, seems energized late in the season by finally being part of a team that has a chance to win big in the regular season and win it all in the playoffs. Carter had one of the worst months of his career in January, but he bounced back like a player who is intent on making this a special season.

John Denton has that story here.

A very famous Magic assistant kept Brandon Bass’ spirits high.

Ewing, a member of the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame as a player and now in his sixth season as an NBA assistant, could see the signs of a disappointed young man.

“I just had to tell Brandon, ‘You got to get ready.’ I just stayed in his ear,” Ewing said. “He wants to play. We all know that. But that opportunity doesn’t come unless he keeps working.

“I just tried to keep him motivated and keep his spirits up.”

Brian Schmitz has that story here.

Brian Schmitz breaks down Orlando’s remaining schedule.

The Magic have 12 games remaining in the regular season — six at home and six on the road.

Five of the games are against teams that are in position to make the playoffs or have already qualified: Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The other seven: Philadelphia 76ers (twice), Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.

The Magic begin this stretch against the Sixers on Monday night in Philadelphia and then end the season against Philly at home on April 14 in what will be the final regular-season game played at Amway Arena.
You can find more on this story here.

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(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed, add him on Twitter to follow him daily and you can get the HTD app here).