Orlando Magic 109, Portland Trail Blazers 108

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 10, 2008 4:07 AM EST in 2008/2009 Recaps Comment 40 comments

Hedo Turkoglu strikes again

The Orlando Magic faced an eight-point deficit with 2:15 to play in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the best teams in the NBA; in the Rose Garden, where Portland had not lost all year; on the second night of a back-to-back. Gulp.

No problem. After the Magic's final timeout--they got possession with 5 seconds left after forcing a shot-clock violation--Hedo Turkoglu banked-in a fadeaway three-pointer with Travis Outlaw's hand in his face. Three-tenths of a second remained, and the Trail Blazers were out of timeouts, meaning all they could do was inbound the ball, heave it at the basket, and hope for the best. It didn't happen, and Orlando left the court with its biggest win of the season.

Team	Pace	Efficiency	eFG%	FT Rate	OReb%	TO Rate
Magic	88	123.9	59.7%	22.1	13.2	8.0
Blazers	88	122.7	55.2%	29.9	31.4	13.6

Was this win a fluke? You tell me. I'm inclined to say it wasn't, that this victory shows the Magic have some "realness" (as in, they aren't necessarily "for real" yet, but they could be soon) in them, but that's really open to interpretation. One could argue that the Magic's 14-of-27 shooting performance from downtown was flukey. However, one could just as easily argue that a team as talented as the Magic will shoot that well every night if they get the same sorts of wide-open looks that the Blazers did.

Portland's three-point defense tonight might have been its only flaw. Its execution down the stretch was bad, too, but guarding the three-point line shouldn't be so hard. But do you want to hear the pluses? The Blazers made Dwight Howard (14 points, 7 rebounds, 0 blocks) look ordinary. Their stacked bench scored 45 points, which allowed the starters to rest. Their two brightest young stars, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldrige, have complementary skills and fantastic chemistry, which allowed them to pick-and-roll the Magic half to death in the fourth quarter. And they humbled the Magic on the glass with a 44-29 advantage (11-5 offensive).

However, the Magic, a notoriously poor offensive rebounding team, got the biggest offensive rebound of the game, though, one that might have won it for them. Down 5 points with :33 to play, Keith Bogans spotted-up in the right corner, which is one of his favorite spots. The shot came up well short, but Bogans did the fundamentally sound thing and followed the shot, which allowed him to collect his own miss. Bogans found Rashard Lewis in the left corner--Lewis' sweet spot is the left baseline--and Lewis drilled the three to bring Orlando within 2 with 0:29 to play. If Bogans doesn't get that rebound, it's hard to imagine the Magic would have found a way to win.

So Orlando shot well from three-point land and got killed on the glass. What else is new? Well, they took care of the ball. Lewis, Turkoglu, and Jameer Nelson had 2 turnovers between them in 116 combined minutes. No Magic player turned the ball over more than once. The Blazers force turnovers on 15.8% of their opponents' possessions. Tonight, the Magic coughed it up 7 times in an 88-possession game, or 8%. Tremendous, and hopefully something on which they can build going forward. Rebounding is still a pressing issue... but we knew that already. That Portland trounced them in that department is no surprise, given their ranks in offensive rebounding percentage and defensive rebounding percentage.

The Magic have two days off before facing Phoenix and Utah in another back-to-back set. They've earned the rest they'll receive after the huge win tonight.

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I hope Magic fans stayed up to watch this game

Hell of a game. Blazer fans were devastated in the Rose Garden. Need happy memory. Ah…there it is

by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 10, 2008 1:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I sure stayed up for this game

… because i have a vacation day tomorrow =)

Wow, just wow! Maybe the BSPN analysts will be forced to respect this team? Nope, not until they’re 40-10 would they receive a 2 minute bit on that network. Small market pride!

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 10, 2008 1:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

All the power rankings I have seen have it

1. Celtics
2. Lakers
3. Cavs
4. Blazers
5. Magic

Even after this win, are the Magic better than the Blazers? We beat you guys in Orlando. Regardless, both teams have a bright future and should make noise in the playoffs. I do know how you feel about small market pride though. We have it even worse cause we are a west coast team and play so late.

by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 10, 2008 2:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think anyone is arguing over who is the better team, but I do know that we (Orlando) care about earning a bit of respect from the media/rest of the NBA that don’t think the Magic are a legitimate threat in the East. Tonight obviously won’t change people’s perceptions but it certainly will help our cause.

Everyone talks about the Celtics and Cavs and we (Orlando) feel slighted a bit by that. Yes, they’re playing great but what about us? That’s really we care about … getting respect.

Portland is an outstanding team and clearly tonight reiterated that point. Again, no one is arguing over who’s better. People just want the Magic to get a little more love among its peers.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 2:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Orlando is the 3rd best team in the East

and is widely acknowledged as such by the media. What am I missing?

Great ballgame tonight, as painful as it was for us.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Dec 10, 2008 3:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

.. them being able to actually usurp Boston or Cleveland to represent the East in the NBA Finals. At this point, no one gives us a chance in hell to do so. Everyone assumes it’ll be either the Celtics or the Cavs, whereas the Magic don’t even get a slight consideration.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 3:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

having seen all three teams play...

… I’m not sure I disagree. It’s the same out West— its the Lakers and then everyone else. Right now I see the Celtics, Lakers and Cavs as head and shoulders above the rest of the NBA. The Magic are certainly either right at the top of tier 2 or very close to it, but I’d say there’s a very high likelihood one of those 3 win the title.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Dec 10, 2008 4:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

We’re not considered a chance to win the East because, in all honestym there’s very little chance we will. The Celtics are much better than we are, and the Cavs are nearly as good.

by eltharion_doa on Dec 10, 2008 4:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

… still doesn’t excuse the fact that we don’t garner more consideration as a threat to win the East. Again, people acknowledge us as a good team but they never include is in the Celtics/Cavs talks … ever. I rarely hear a trio of teams, I just hear a duo.

Are the Celtics better than us? Sure. Are the Cavs better than us? Sure … but if the Hawks can take the Celtics to a 7 game series, I think I like our chances this year even if the circumstances are slightly different.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

amen brotha

by magic fanatic on Dec 10, 2008 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For you to win the East, Dwight Howard needs to be a better

FT shooter. His teammates shy away from him in the 4th, and you’re not going to beat Boston or Cleveland without a post game in the 4th in a grind it out playoff game.

Live by the 3, die by the 3…

Koponen - PG of the future. For Italy, that is. Book it.

by Blazerholic on Dec 10, 2008 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, but will he improve by then? I doubt it. We have to play with the cards we’re dealt … we shy away from him in tight 4th quarters because we have to compensate somehow for his inability to nail FTs at an acceptable percentage. What do we do in that case? Shoot the 3.

Last night showed it work. Some other nights will show it doesn’t work. That’s just the reality … but than again, the Lakers three-peated with a pretty terrible FT shooter themselves (Shaq). Granted, they were pretty dominant (not as much in 2001) so that nullified that “flaw” a bit. Can we get away with it like the Lakers did? Probably not, considering who’s ahead of us.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 6:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But they’re right. There is a top two in the East, then a bunch of teams squabbling over the rights to challenge them for a spot in the East finals. We’re at the head of that pack at the moment, but we’ve done nothing to say we should be in the same conversation as the Celtics and Cavs.

We’ve had the softest schedule of any team in the NBA so far, so of course we’ve knocked them on the head. But people aren’t going to rate us in the top 3 until we prove we can take on and compete with the top teams on a consistent basis. And we’ll get that chance, and if we perform, people will take us more seriously.

by eltharion_doa on Dec 10, 2008 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Blazers made Dwight Howard (14 points, 7 rebounds, 0 blocks) look ordinary.

I don’t know if you caught this or not, as it wasn’t really mentioned much after the game, but the Orlando announcers said something more than once; Howard was playing injured. I don’t know when exactly it happened, as they didn’t know either, but go back and watch the 1st quarter. Howard started out looking really good, in 20/20 form so to speak. Then there was a play he took the ball to the basket, got fouled, and grimiest. From that point on, he wasn’t the same, and said it himself, that he was going to “suck it up”, and do what he could, but it was obvious he didn’t want to jump, or extend himself. My point is, I don’t think the Blazers had a thing to do with his play or final stat line; unless Oden fouling him counts in the same category…

by OVERWADED on Dec 10, 2008 5:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

A healthy Dwight would have made a difference

It was obvious if you watched Dwight Howard on the defensive end that something was bothering him by the way that he was not challenging shots like he usually does and also Aldridge was dragging him way out of the paint and what made that worse was that Aldridge kept knocking down shots so it wasn’t like they could leave him open, I think at one point Goukas or Steele said something about SVG yelling at Dwight to forget about Aldridge and go protect the basket. It was a great win but I think the Magic would have won it more convincingly had Dwight been himself.

by tgf14 on Dec 10, 2008 8:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it took me five minutes...

to realize you meant “grimaced”, not grimiest. I was like, Dwight’s not the dirtiest player! lol

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The sideline reporter said "strained oblique"

Ouch. Kinda forgot about that when I wrote the recap.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 10, 2008 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They highlighted it on the game recap on ESPN, showed Howard getting fouled and immediately looking bothered.

Didn’t really show how it affected him, but they definitely made a note of it.

by eltharion_doa on Dec 10, 2008 8:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I thought Legler might give us some love after last night but...

All he could talk about was how bad our backcourt was compared to elite teams and how good the Blazers are. I was shocked, biggest slap in the face he could give an entire fanbase. SCREW YOU TIM LEGLER!!!!!

by magic fanatic on Dec 10, 2008 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

someone's annoyed :)

What I find interesting is that, despite playing with Bogans, Jameer, and Pietrus for all those games we won against “unreal” teams, we still didn’t get any credit for playing with a good number of our main players missing. Now that Bogans and Jameer are back, people are still calling this game a fluke—a lucky shot. Funny how Hedo made a similar lucky shot against Boston last year and people were waxing poetic. And I love how we won last night despite an injured Dwight, too, proving that we can we a game without him. Not that anyone cares…

Basically, for people to take the Magic seriously, we have to win against “real” teams, because they’re the only ones who count. And the Lakes losing to a sub-.500 team was just a fluke!!1

I’m babbling

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*despite playing withOUT Bogans....etc

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Because I'm avoiding work...

watching that video of Hedo, I love how everyone’s hands fly briefly into the air after he makes the shot. I don’t think anyone was expecting it to go in and they were right on their way to celebrating.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 10:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was at the game and thought we were in great shape when

Orlando had trouble getting the ball inbounds. They passed it to Howard and i shouted “foul him” when Hedo got it and just kind of ran to the three point line and shot it with Trout in his face. But he made it….a bank shot….heartbreaking.

by Sabonis4Ever on Dec 10, 2008 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

omg hahahaha

I just read this on the Blazers’ SBNation site:

JJ Redick was wearing a redickulous scarf after the game and advised one of his teammates, “How you gonna pay 400 dollars for some jeans and they aren’t even custom jeans?” One of life’s eternal questions.

LMFAO I hate you JJ.

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was going to post that quote on the main page

Love locker-room stuff like that.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 10, 2008 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd question the validity of that statement soley based on...

“redickulous” lol

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 10, 2008 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the word play myself.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I'm glad that made "play of the day" on whatever network that clip came from

I watched BSPN’s top 10 plays this morning, got all the way down to #1 saying over and over, “this is Hedo’s game winner, no doubt” when #1 comes on, it’s a LBJ dunk! Hedo’s game winning shot wasn’t even a top 10 play from yesterday’s NBA games!??!? Are you kidding me!?!?!

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 10, 2008 12:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

they can't possibly mean this dunk?

he looks so bored!

by TheGiantSquid on Dec 10, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Malone shout-out

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation

by Ben Q Rock on Dec 10, 2008 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

of course

but if Kobe, LeBron, Truth, AI, or even Nate flippen Robinson makes that shot it gets to no. one and is played in constant replay during the “Right Now” segment. Makes me sick to my stomach, I hope the team knows how the media has reacted after what they have accomplished. It should put a little fire in their belly.

by magic fanatic on Dec 10, 2008 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Blazer Fan Here

Grats on last nights win you guys. I was at the game and the energy in the building was off of the charts. Just a great game played by two classy groups of young players.

Couldn’t have asked for anything more besides the win of course. ;).

GG. Wishing you guys continued success for the rest of the season.

when i get sad, i stop being sad & become awesome again. true story.

by Net Ranger on Dec 10, 2008 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

.. to you as well. The Blazers have a fantastic team and a ridiculously deep bench. Roy has been playing like a legit All-Star and LMA has been turning it on as of late. Once Oden gets it together, you guys will definitely give the Lakers a run for their money.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
Class of 2009 - DePaul University

by erivera7 on Dec 10, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Turkey Turk

I love Hedo. He is absolutely one of my favorite all-time players. He’s kinda goofy, but he just makes ish happen. At least, the last 2 seasons he does. No question some of his decisions are bad, but I think he really makes a good decision most of the time on the court. I just hope we can keep him after this season.

Still, lady luck was looking out for him on that shot.

by L Magico on Dec 10, 2008 3:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Basketball at it's best...

Hey! A classy fan! That doesn’t happen to often now-a-days; especially after a loss. Nice comment though.

I was impressed with the energy in the building last night. I love arenas like that. Golden State and Toronto are two other arenas that typically bring that type of energy; although I don’t know how long that will last if the losing continues… The Magic always tend to play well in hostile crowds. Actually, I think an energetic crowd brings out the best in all players.

Last night was a great basketball game. Funny, if “the media” was to hype that game, they would have gone the route of Howard vs. Oden. Kind of ironic after the fact as neither of them was much of a factor…

Hell of a game regardless.

by OVERWADED on Dec 10, 2008 3:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great game

Im a little bummed my team didnt win it on a last second heave but hey Turk has always been a thorn in my Blazers back side. The magic are alot of fun to watch to bad it will be another year before these two clubs go at it again.

Good luck the rest of the way,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I try to help with everything," Fernandez said. "If the coach says go rebound, I go rebound. I work for the team."

by Dragonage on Dec 10, 2008 6:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great comeback

Orlando was nails from 3pt range last night. Really incredible shooting in the clutch. Nobody likes to lose, but I got to hand it to you guys. Great game.

If it’s ok with you, I’m going to pretend that Blake missed the game winner in Toronto and Hedo missed last night… it all evens out and hurts less.

by ItsMrHarris2u on Dec 10, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs