Archive for October, 2010

The Magic suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat. The Magic compiled just five assists, an all-time franchise low for a single game. They also turned the ball over 16 times, which led to 20 Miami points. “Their defense was very good,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “But I think when the defense is good that’s when our passing problems become evident. I thought our passing was horrendous tonight.” Howard played well offensively in the first half, but he received no help from guard Vince Carter or forward Rashard Lewis. Josh Robbins of the Orlando [...]

It wasn’t pretty for the Orlando Magic in Miami Friday night. The Heat scored the first 14 points of the second half to blow a six-point game wide open. The Heat cruised to a 96-70 victory from there. The story of the game was Miami’s defense. Throughout the game, the Heat ran the Magic off of the 3-point line and forced the Magic into a lot of bad shots. Despite not being able to hit 3-pointers like they normally do, Dwight Howard kept the Magic in the game during the first half. He scored 19 points and hit several jump [...]

Opening night in the new Amway Center was great for Magic fans. Not only did they get to see the beautiful new facility but the Magic destroyed the Wizards to start the season 1-0. It was a big night for Orlando but games like Friday night’s tilt between the Magic and the Heat in Miami at the American Airlines Arena are what the basketball world has been waiting for. The Heat bounced back from an opening night loss in Boston Tuesday night with an easy victory over the 76ers in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The game will be shown nationally on [...]

This will be a collection of information leading up to Orlando’s game against the Heat in Miami. As news continues to break and stories are published, Brian and I will update this page accordingly. Per Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, Dwight Howard thinks the Magic simply have to weather the storm early to beat the Heat. Even Dwight Howard acknowledged as much when asked if the Magic can make a statement against the Heat. “We can make a statement,” Howard answered. “But we don’t want to go out there and be so hyped emotionally that you forget your purpose. [...]

The Magic got 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots from superstar center Dwight Howard and another 18 points from Vince Carter and 16 more from Jameer Nelson. The Magic shot 66 percent for the first three quarters of the game, finished at 55.8 percent and limited Washington to a dismal 37.2 percent. The 29-point win equaled the largest season-opening victory in Magic history, tying the 114-85 defeat of Toronto in 2001-02. The rout was very much in line with how the Magic destroyed teams in the preseason, winning all seven games by an average of 25 points a [...]

October 28, 2010 On the historic opening night of the angelic Amway Center, the Magic certainly did not disappoint their fans.  In a game that was over from the time Gina Maria Incandela belted out the national anthem, Orlando defeated the Washington Wizards 112-83.  Apparently the Wizards, without Gilbert Arenas, forgot that this was the regular season opener and John Wall decided that making shots wasn’t that important. Despite the utter lack of competitive basketball tonight, no fan should have left the building disappointed.  This night was all about the grand unveiling of the brand spankin’ new Amway Center.   For [...]

The Orlando Magic will finally open up the 2010-11 regular season when they host the Washington Wizards on Thursday night. Fans of the two teams have had to wait until the third day of the regular season to see their teams in action but all indications are the debut of #1 overall pick John Wall will be worth the wait. The game will be shown nationally on TNT. As always, if you can’t watch the game, you can listen on the radio – in English on AM 580 WDBO and in Spanish on AM 1270 WRLZ. Tip-off is scheduled for [...]

This will be a collection of information leading up to Orlando’s opening game against the Washington Wizards. As news continues to break and stories are published, Brian and I will update this page accordingly. Per Chris Miller, Gilbert Arenas will miss the first two games of the regular season. Gilbert Arenas will not play thurs. Or Saturday. Gil is in a walking boot Wizards are calling it a strain tendon in ankle. Zach McCann of the Orlando Sentinel offers up a Wednesday practice report. The Wizards will look to create opportunities for super-athletic rookie PG John Wall in transition, and [...]

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger, a contributor on the Fansided Front Page, and co-host of CB Sports Radio from 5-7 pm week days (1420sports.com). Subscribe to his RSS feed, follow him on Facebook and add him on Twitter to follow him daily. You can download the HTD app here).

Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy says he won’t play 11 players in his rotation Thursday. An 11-man rotation just didn’t seem like something Van Gundy would do. Turns out, it probably isn’t. Van Gundy said on Tuesday the Magic won’t play 11 guys every night, unless it’s a blowout situation. “There’s no way,” Van Gundy said. “I think they’re all part of what we’re doing, but there’s no way I’m playing 11 very many nights.” Zach McCann of the Orlando Sentinel has that story here. Jason Williams may be activated for the season opener. Point guard Jason Williams practiced [...]