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Dwight Howard’s star shines bright at All-Star weekend
Jesse D. Garrabrant, NBAE/Getty Images
Via the Orlando Magic:
For those that normally don’t get the opportunity to watch Dwight Howard on a regular basis, the 2011 All-Star Game was another inimitable showcase for NBA enthusiasts across the world.
While it’s customary for the participants of All-Star Games to dazzle fans with a variety of spectacular acts and creative plays, Howard has a tendency to find a way to stand out amongst the other elite competitors in the NBA. Not just because of stature and size, but also because of his innate talent and freakish athleticism to inspire a crowd with just about anything he attempts to do on the court.
Just like he has done this entire season with the Orlando Magic, D12 enjoyed the opportunity to showcase these abilities in front of a national audience. Although the East had no answer for MVP Kobe Bryant, who erupted for 37 points and 14 rebounds, Howard shared the spotlight with the rest of the NBA’s elite to share in a memorable night.
Howard, in spite of not getting too many shot attempts, flabbergasted those in attendance at STAPLES Center with a couple of thunderous slam-dunks, including a breathtaking two-handed flush in the first quarter off an alley-oop pass from Amar’e Stoudemire.
The five-time All-Star even teamed up with familiar foes such as the Miami Heat’s LeBron James, who notched a triple-double, and Dwyane Wade to accomplish some of the game’s most electrifying plays.
Dwight finished with five points, seven rebounds and one assist. Big men generally do not post big stats in All-Star Games largely because the ball is mostly in the hands of the wing players.
Perhaps the most bizarre stretch of action was when Howard was on the floor alongside four members of the detested Boston Celtics in the first quarter, including Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
The most hilarious moment from the night had to be right before tip-off when James was joined by the rest of the East’s starting lineup, Howard, Stoudemire, Wade and Derrick Rose, in doing the notorious pregame powder toss.
Friday’s Magic Word
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel: “The season is winding down, meaning every game is big when you are chasing the leaders and jockeying for playoff positions. With 25 games left, the [Orlando] Magic are hunters instead of the hunted this season. Circle March 3 and 4 on your calendar. It’s likely a tell-tale back-to-back. The Magic are at Miami on March 3 and then home to host the Bulls March 4. They currently are chasing them both in the Eastern Conference race, trailing co-leader Miami by 5.5 games and Chicago by three games. We’re at the point of the season where head-to-head battles are critical. The Magic can take care of business themselves, not having to rely on help from others. But losses would increase the deficit, and in the case against Miami, give the Heat the season series 3-1 and playoff tiebreaker. Oh, and state bragging rights. A loss to the Bulls would put the Magic behind them 2-1 in the season series, perhaps forcing them to beat Chicago in Orlando on April 10 to salvage a tie in the four-game season series. While it looks as if the Magic are a long-shot to catch the Heat, who basically share the top spot with Boston, you never know, especially since injuries can change things quickly.”
- Dwight Howard is going to be busy during All-Star weekend, but he won’t be the other one. Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel explains: “Point guard Jameer Nelson said he’ll spend time with family. Power forward Ryan Anderson expects to go on a trip with his brother-in-law and a few friends. Point guard Gilbert Arenas wants to lose six pounds and get down to 210 by playing pickup games.“
- The Orlando Magic and the city of Orlando are prepping for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
- Evan Dunlap of Orlando Pinstriped Post: “With that said, I think Simmons is fair to rate Howard behind James. Most sane fans would do the same, to to claim Howard is “underrated,” and not “properly rated,” is, on some level, tantamount to saying Howard should top Simmons’ list. That’s not what I’m getting at, though, because I agree with Simmons that James is terribly underrated despite the exposure the media give him, in addition to the exposure he brings upon himself. My point is that James and Howard are so far away from the proverbial field, at least in terms of affecting basketball games, that no one really stands a chance of challenging them. [...] We ought to be able to agree, like most reasonable folks, that James and Howard are, in some order, the league’s top two players, and that it’s not close. My hope here is that we’ve at least got a better appreciation for how truly great Howard is, particularly as a low-post scorer.”
- A look at where the Magic stand compared to the rest of the NBA.
- David Stern wished the media didn’t speculate about Howard’s future.
- Is Orlando still a title contender?
- A sneak peak at the shoes Howard will be wearing for the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Interview with Andy Kamenetzky of ESPN Los Angeles
Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images
Heading into the season, the Los Angeles Lakers were widely seen as the favorites to win their third consecutive NBA championship. Even the Miami Heat, after making their free agent splash during the offseason, knew that the road to an NBA title went through the Lakers.
However, with more than half of the regular season gone by, Los Angeles is only tied for second in the Western Conference with the Dallas Mavericks and trail the San Antonio Spurs by seven games. Not only that but the Lakers are tied for fourth in the standings overall, so home-court advantage throughout the playoffs may not be a luxury that they’ll enjoy this year. That doesn’t mean that Los Angeles still isn’t seen as a threat to take home the Larry O’Brien trophy when it’s all said and done, but clearly their road is going to be a bit tougher than in previous seasons.
To preview today’s matchup between the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, I asked Andy Kamenetzky of ESPN Los Angeles a few questions.
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In your opinion, who’s more important to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success? Is it Kobe Bryant or Pau Gasol?
This isn’t a popular opinion among your average Laker fans, who often view Kobe as a cross between “basketball god” and “political prisoner,” but I’d say Gasol. To be clear, Kobe is still the best, deadliest and most talented player on this team and that’s not about to change anytime soon. But more often than not, Pau’s performances swing the Lakers in one direction or another.
At the top of his game, Gasol is a nightmare matchup in the high and low post, a facilitator (sometimes even more effective than Kobe), an outstanding offensive rebounder and an often underrated defender. At his most passive (an oddly recurring state this season), he settles for jumpers instead of making opponents defend him, gets pushed off his spots, bobbles the ball and rotates slowly. In the former mode, the Lakers can be brutally difficult to beat, even with Kobe off his game. In the latter mode, the Lakers become considerably more vulnerable, even with Kobe in a “Mamba” zone. Plus, when Pau dominates, Kobe can be less inclined to go into “takeover” mode, which sometimes creates as many negatives and positives.
The same correlation can be found between the Lakers and Lamar Odom, but I think Pau tips these scales slightly more.
Friday’s Magic Word
- Zach McCann of the Orlando Sentinel: “The relationship between a coach and an NBA superstar is not a simple one. The coach, by definition, is supposed to be the authority, the loudest voice in the organization and a leader to the team. But in many NBA cities, where a larger-than-life superstar plays basketball, the team’s best player holds more power than anyone else in the organization besides, maybe, the owner. For better or worse, that’s how it is. But Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, who’s coached megastars Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard in his career, says he’s never been big-timed or pushed around by a superstar. [...] Of course, the elephant in the room is Van Gundy being pushed out of the Miami Heat job in 2005 while coaching Wade and O’Neal, but this conversation wasn’t really about that. It was about Jerry Sloan’s abrupt resignation on Thursday, a move that some believe was because Sloan couldn’t get along with Jazz star point guard Deron Williams.”
- Brandon Bass could return to play against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
- Fran Vazquez is considering the NBA more seriously.
- A Hedo Turkoglu flowchart.
- Head coach Stan Van Gundy provides his take on Jerry Sloan’s departure.
- Scott Carefoot of The Basketball Jones: “You see that picture of smiling Dwight at the top of this post? That wasn’t hard to find. Dwight smiles all the time. He’s a fun-loving guy who loves to tell jokes and do funny impressions of his coach and other players. I wish he would start saving his smiling and joking for when he’s off the court and get serious about leading his team to a championship. As great as he is, I wonder if he’ll ever take the game seriously enough to try to do what’s best for the team all the time instead of just trying to have fun out on the court.”
A steady descent for the Orlando Magic
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
It was January 9.
The Orlando Magic just got done beating the Dallas Mavericks the night before to extend their winning streak to nine games — tying a franchise record. The Magic’s record was 25-12, third in the Eastern Conference, and they were within striking distance of the Miami Heat (trailed by 3.5 games) for the No. 2 seed. It looked like general manager Otis Smith struck gold with two blockbuster trades that brought Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, and Jason Richardson into the fray.
All was well.
The playmaking that was needed? Turkoglu took care of that.
The offensive firepower on the perimeter that was lacking? Arenas, Turkoglu, and Richardson brought the ammunition.
Unfortunately for Orlando, their nine-game winning streak — looking back on it now — was fool’s gold. That 22-point win over the San Antonio Spurs? The Spurs were playing on a back-to-back and head coach Gregg Popovich waved the white flag early in the third quarter, knowing the outcome was decided. That eight-point win over the Boston Celtics? Rajon Rondo, someone that has given the Magic plenty of problems in the past, didn’t play due to sprained left ankle (Kendrick Perkins was out, as well). That 10-point win over the Mavericks? Dirk Nowitzki sat out of the game with a sprained right knee. Orlando’s lone other win against a winning team in that timeframe came against the New York Knicks, a squad that is merely average and capable of beating beaten on any given night. Especially by the Magic.
Granted, Orlando has had some close losses too.
Losing by three to the New Orleans Hornets in overtime. Losing by a point to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Losing by three to the Celtics. Losing by nine points to the Chicago Bulls. Losing by four points to the Miami Heat. These aren’t bad losses, per se, but they’re not wins either.
For the Magic, close enough isn’t good enough. Not for a franchise that’s been considered part of the elite in the NBA since 2009 when they made their run to the Finals. And since Orlando’s winning streak, they’re 9-8 in their last 17 games and looking less like a championship contender.
It’s spurred writers from around the blogosphere to ask if the Magic are done?
Recap: Orlando Magic 99, Philadelphia 76ers 95
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
The Orlando Magic were able to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers by the score of 99-95, winning their second game in as many nights. The Magic were led by a balanced attack, as six players scored in double-figures. Dwight Howard had a magnificent outing, posting 30 points, 17 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks but most importantly, going 14-of-19 from the free-throw line. J.J. Redick chipped in with 13 points, while Jason Richardson, Jameer Nelson, and Ryan Anderson each finished with 12 points. Hedo Turkoglu contributed with 10 points. This was an evening where, once again, perimeter players were able to have their way against Orlando but it wasn’t enough to overtake them. Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, and Andre Iguodala didn’t have too many problems scoring with the basketball but unfortunately for the Sixers, they got little help from their teammates aside from Elton Brand. But ultimately, Howard’s free-throw shooting — particularly late in the fourth quarter — proved to be the difference for the Magic. With the victory, Orlando gets to return to the friendly confines of the Amway Center, in which they’ll play nine of their next 10 games at home and all in the state of Florida — the lone road game being a matchup with the Miami Heat to finish off their season series.
Recap: Boston Celtics 91, Orlando Magic 80
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The Boston Celtics were able to defeat the Orlando Magic by the score of 91-80, further proving the notion that there’s a team from the state of Florida that doesn’t deserve to be considered an elite team and championship contender. And it’s not the Miami Heat. Buoyed by Rajon Rondo’s excellent play and a stifling defense that didn’t allow many open shots on the perimeter, the Celtics smothered the Magic in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicates. Rondo led the way for Boston with 26 points and seven assists, aggressively attacking Orlando’s defense and dismembering a unit led by Dwight Howard. Paul Pierce contributed with 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Kevin Garnett chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds. For the Magic, it was a lot of Howard and little else. Howard was dominant, putting up 28 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals. There was little that Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis could do to contain Howard, even though they did an admirable job of making him work offensively. Unfortunately for Howard, a scrap with Perkins in the second quarter that saw him throw an elbow after he was fouled on a play earned him his 14th technical of the season. The elbow wasn’t needed and it didn’t help that Howard threw it in front of an official, but it’s easy to sympathize with the big fella’s frustration when he’s getting fouled continuously on plays and sometimes not getting calls go his way.
Recap: Miami Heat 104, Orlando Magic 100
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In a battle between two titans from the state of Florida, the Miami Heat were able to defeat the Orlando Magic by the score of 104-100. This was a game in which the Heat led from start to finish, but not without some theatrics in between. Miami led by as many as 23 points, in the fourth quarter no less, yet Orlando was able to go on a furious run thanks in large part to their three-point shooting. As a result, the Magic — improbably — had a chance to tie the game at 103 apiece with a three-pointer but Ryan Anderson was unable to capitalize on Mike Miller’s turnover and the Heat were able to dodge a bullet, holding on for the victory. For Miami, it was the LeBron James show as he erupted for 51 points (on 17-of-25 shooting from the field), 11 rebounds, and eight assists. For James, it was his first 50-point game of the season and he was five points short of his career-high. It’s worth mentioning, as well, that James started the game off by making his first 11 shots. Crazy. James said before stepping on the court that he never forgot the criticisms that were directed towards him by general manager Otis Smith during the offseason and needless to say, he made Orlando pay with a performance that could effectively be described in a few words — ruthless, methodical, dominant. James wasn’t alone, though. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Magic were led by a balanced attack as five players scored in double-figures. Jameer Nelson finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists, paving the way for the comeback charge that surprised the Heat it seemed like. Dwight Howard had 17 points, 16 rebounds, but missed free-throws (10 of them, to be exact) doomed the Magic in the grand scheme of things. Jason Richardson had 18 points, while Hedo Turkoglu contributed with 13 points. Gilbert Arenas finished with 10 points. So what did Orlando learn from this loss?
Interview with Surya Fernandez of NBA FanHouse
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Later tonight, the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat will square off in a game that has a chance to be special. Or not. Right now, the Magic are a team struggling to right the ship.
Brandon Bass, the starting power forward for Orlando, is sidelined for the foreseeable future and the defense — predictably so — has fallen off a cliff quite a bit, even though head coach Stan Van Gundy and Dwight Howard oversee a unit that ranks fourth in defensive efficiency.
The Magic’s perimeter defense has been dreadful, at times, and when Howard is sitting on the bench, opponents have been more than happy to attack the basket because they know the big fella isn’t there to stop them. Ryan Anderson and, before his injury, Bass aren’t intimidating presences in the paint. This is an issue that needs to be resolved.
Not only that but after a hot start, Hedo Turkoglu has begun to slow down and he’s one of the reasons that Orlando has lost their way in recent weeks. During the Magic’s nine-game winning streak, Turkoglu was playing good-to-great basketball but recently, he’s been little better than average. If Jameer Nelson is seen as the heart of Orlando, then Turkoglu is the soul.
And right now, the Magic have been soulless lately.
The bright side is that Orlando still has time to fix their problems. A win against the Heat would be a good start, even if the Magic will have some troubles since they’ll be without the services of Bass.
To preview tonight’s proceedings, Surya Fernandez (writer at Hot Hot Hoops and contributor at NBA FanHouse) was kind enough to give his perspective on the latest happenings in Miami.
Fernandez provided his opinion where Udonis Haslem fits in with the Heat in crunch-time when he returns from injury, head coach Erik Spoelstra’s ability to get the most out of his players, and more.
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It’s a trick question, of sorts, but who’s more valuable to the Miami Heat — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh?
With the way the roster has been constructed, the Heat need steady contributions from all three to win. Yes, they’ve shown they can sometimes win when one or even two are out but if the Heat want to make a deep run in the playoffs all three must be healthy and at the top of their games, period. So it’s almost impossible to identify which of the three is the most valuable. Admittedly the Heat looked positively lost on offense when Bosh was recently out. Wade and LeBron can somewhat duplicate what each other can bring to the offense but their defensive contributions in tandem are also critical to team success. Wade is the sentimental favorite but if push comes to shove and I have to pick one of them, I’d go with LeBron by a hair because of his versatility.
Brandon Bass’ injury complicates matters
AP Photo/ Mark Weber
Via Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:
An awkward landing has made the Orlando Magic‘s month of February more difficult than they initially anticipated.
Team officials don’t know exactly how many games starting power forward Brandon Bass will miss because of a left-ankle injury. But it’s clear that the limited depth at the power forward and center spots will become an issue in the days ahead.
One by one, Magic players walked past Bass inside the visitors’ locker room at FedEx Forum following their 100-97 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Most marveled at how badly Bass’ ankle had swollen. It looked as if a golf ball had been planted underneath the skin on the outside of the joint.
Bass, who averages 11.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, hurt his ankle when he took a jumper and came down on the foot of Memphis power forward Zach Randolph. The Magic are calling the injury a sprain, and preliminary X-rays showed no fractures.
“I don’t know how bad it is,” Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. “But, obviously, we’re hoping it won’t be too long. We’re not loaded with a number of big guys, so that would be a tough loss.”
If anything, Van Gundy was understating the potential problem, particularly with a home game against the Miami Heat ahead on Thursday and road games looming against the Washington Wizards on Friday and the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Bass and Ryan Anderson not only rotate at power forward, but they also serve as Dwight Howard‘s backups at center.
Now, Anderson and Howard will be counted on even more than they had been before.
