Return of Duo Guards to Help Magic on Road

Friday night not only saw the Magic win their second straight in Orlando before leaving on a five game road journey but also the the return of Jameer Nelson and Keith Bogans.  And while Orlando, despite their roster often limping into games, has stayed atop the Southeast with a 15-5 record, though Atlanta only trails by a few games with a 12-7 record, the return of these two well rounded athletes will certainly aid the Magic to gain on the Celtics lead of the Eastern Conference, especially with Mickael Pietrus sidelined for another several weeks.

Once again, Dwight Howard proved dominant during Friday's victory over the Thunder with 21 points, 23 rebounds, and 6 blocks, however, the remainder of the roster was, seemingly, playing down for the struggling Oklahoma City.  Turkoglu shot just 5-17, Rashard Lewis was only a couple of percentage points better shooting 5-15, and Redick, who had limited playing time, contributed just 8 points.  Nelson put up decent numbers, a welcome showing for Orlando fans, shooting 60% and nailing all 3 of his three point attempts.  And the Magic bench, lead by Bogans, totaled 30.

Now the Magic must prepare for a long stint away from home in which they will face the Clippers, Portland, Phoenix, Utah and Golden State before their return to Florida to take on San Antonio on December 18th, but, perhaps the most important opponent they will face is themselves.

Friday, the Magic showed an ugly side to the genuinely good basketball they've been playing as of late.  The team had a total of 16 turnovers (as did the Thunder) and once again, showed some sloppy shooting from the line, hitting just 56%.  For as talented as Orlando is, they are just as lucky, but it is the luck, that at some point, will run out, and when it does, they must come together as a team to remain contenders in the East.

We'll see what these next few weeks bring us.

Until next time, from Florida's Space Coast, this is the Magic Mule,

Danny West