Orlando
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
The Magic squandered a ten-point fourth-quarter lead against the San Antonio Spurs last night, finally losing to them 94-91. Nevertheless, there were some bright spots, as the Magic showed they can run fast breaks against a team with terrific transition defense: Orlando got 20 fast break points to San Antonio's 9. They used a 28-12 third quarter to grab a strong lead heading into the fourth but the Spurs just dug in their heels and held the Magic to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.
Tim Duncan had a lesson in store for Dwight Howard as the two-time league MVP showed Howard that he is not quite at that level yet, no matter how he likes to compare his game to Duncan's. Duncan had 24 points and 14 rebounds, plus an assist and four blocks, to Howard's 8 points and 7 rebounds, plus two blocks.
On the other hand, and to be fair, not only is Howard still a rookie fresh out of high school, but he also fouled out in just 27 minutes, so the comparison is moot.
Steve Francis had a nice effort with 20 points and a game-high nine assists but he wasn't able to keep his fourth-quarter, last-minute heroics going as he airballed a three-pointer with time expiring.
NEXT GAME
The Magic (13-9, third in the Southeast) are finally back from their 2-4 Western Conference road trip. The first team they met out there was a little club known as the Denver Nuggets, who beat the Magic 115-102 to welcome them to the West. Now it's time for the Magic to welcome the Nuggets to the East. Orlando hosts Denver on Saturday, December 18th, on what will be the second of a Florida back-to-back for the Nuggets, so the tables will be turned. The game starts at 7:00pm Eastern on the Sunshine Network and NBA League Pass.
TEAM NOTES
Unwrap the Magic - Holiday Gift Ideas for the Magic Fanatic: Want the perfect gift for the Magic fanatic in your life? Want to shop easy and hassle free? Shop by phone, online or at TD Waterhouse this season and choose a Magic gift on your Magic fanatic’s wish list.
Orlando Magic VIP Ballkid & Jr. Magic Dancer Packages: It's time to catch a very special experience that you can ONLY have with your hometown Orlando Magic. This is the ultimate fan experience for your child. Get up close and personal with NBA players as your child "works" for the team for one incredible night. (BALLKID AGES 7-14 ONLY)
INJURY UPDATE
Brandon Hunter(elbow),Kelvin Cato(shoulder), andAndrew DeClercq(knee) are all on the injured list.
Joe Alexander ofMySanAntonio.comwrites: Manu Ginobili and Beno Udrih had every reason to savor Wednesday's game.Both were on the floor during crucial stretches of the Spurs' 94-91 comeback victory over the Orlando Magic at the SBC Center. Both helped spark the Spurs' fourth-quarter turnaround and had reason to be pleased with their individual efforts.
Mike Monroe ofThe Express-Newswrites: Orlando's Grant Hill was happy to hear that Sean Elliott's No. 32 will be retired by the Spurs in ceremonies March 6.Hill can relate to a player who overcame tremendous physical odds to resume an NBA career, as Elliott did after having a kidney transplant. Hill has returned to the court this season after being sidelined most of the past two seasons with a left ankle injury that required four operations and five three-inch screws to repair. "I would never compare what I went through to a life-threatening situation like Sean's or Alonzo Mourning's," Hill said, "but, for me, just the daily situation of being knocked down, and having to fight and claw, against the odds and conventional wisdom, makes it very rewarding. Winning championships, winning gold medals, All-Star Games and such, that's great. Butt just being able to play is even more gratifying."