Posts Tagged → Orlando Magic
StubHub Ticket Giveaway: Enter for a chance to watch the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder at Amway Center on February 25
AP Photo/Reinhold Matay
Magic Basketball will occasionally give away free tickets to upcoming Orlando Magic home games with StubHub serving as the provider. How do you enter for a chance to win Magic tickets?
Easy.
Answer a trivia question.
The rules are simple:
- If you’re able to attend the game, you’re more than welcome to submit your answer in the comments section.
- Please do not answer more than once or add irrelevant commentary to your submission.
- Two tickets will be given away, which means you can bring a second person.
- Readers will be given 24 hours to submit their answers before a winner is announced. The winner will be determined by random drawing and contacted by e-mail (please make sure to submit a valid e-mail address).
Everyone has until 5:00 PM EST tomorrow to post a response. That’s 24 hours from now.
Which team will win in tomorrow’s contest between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls?
Enjoy!
“Inside the Magic: Coaching Staff” premieres tonight on Fox Sports Florida
Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Via Fox Sports Florida:
“Inside the Magic: Coaching Staff” premieres Wednesday, February 23, at 10:00pm immediately following the Kings @ Magic game on FOX Sports Florida.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO SNEAK PEEK
The fifth 2010-11 episode of “Inside the Magic” profiles the six men who comprise the Orlando Magic coaching staff. Fans will get an inside look at an Orlando Magic practice as the team and coaches prepare for a game.
Viewers will see exclusive conversations with Orlando Magic president of basketball operations & general manager Otis Smith, head coach Stan Van Gundy and assistant coaches Bob Beyer, Steve Clifford, Patrick Ewing and Brendan Malone. The staff will share their championship philosophy and detail their individual journeys to Orlando.
Dwight Howard, J.J. Redick and Hedo Turkoglu give fans additional perspective on the team’s coaches in candid interviews. Additionally, Michael Malone, Brendan Malone’s son and current New Orleans Hornets assistant coach, will offer insight into his father’s coaching style.
“Inside the Magic: Coaching Staff” is hosted by Megan Clementi.
Dwight Howard and the power of one
Photo by Fernando Medina
In case you haven’t seen, read, or heard, Carmelo Anthony has been traded to the New York Knicks and will be teaming up with Amar’e Stoudemire to form a dynamic duo that will surely make noise in the Eastern Conference. No, the Knicks won’t be contenders in the East — not yet — due to a lack of depth and defense, but they’ll be a pesky out in the 2011 NBA Playoffs without a doubt.
What does any of this have to do with the Orlando Magic?
Let’s get to that in a second.
One of the primary motivations for New York to acquire Anthony in a trade was to provide Stoudemire with a teammate that could help carry the load.
If it hasn’t become clear already, to win a championship in the NBA requires multiple stars to lead the way for their respective teams. It’s how the Boston Celtics won in 2008 with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. It’s how the Los Angeles Lakers won in 2009 and 2010 with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. It’s why LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh teamed up to play for the Miami Heat. It’s why Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose teamed up to play for the Chicago Bulls. With Anthony and Stoudemire, the Knicks are working towards that model of winning. In fact, the Eastern Conference is so loaded with stars and superstars, the Magic are quickly becoming the exception to the rule.
While their rivals trot out multiple great-to-elite players on a nightly basis, Orlando is buoyed by their lone ranger — Dwight Howard.
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.
Orlando Magic and Full Sail University announce Amway Center partnership
Via the Orlando Magic: 
Orlando Magic and Full Sail University are proud to announce their new partnership, which includes opportunities for Full Sail student and staff collaborations inside the new Amway Center. Content from Full Sail University will appear on Magic TV during Orlando Magic home games and special events, as well as on OrlandoMagic.com, the team’s official website.
The partnership includes content created by Full Sail students, graduates and staff, including motion graphics, graphic design and custom video content featuring Full Sail branding located throughout several areas in the new Amway Center.
“We are proud to announce that Full Sail University has joined our Magic family of corporate partners,” Orlando Magic President Alex Martins said. “The Magic’s partnership with Full Sail University will help enhance the in-game experience for our fans while also utilizing and displaying all of the Amway Center’s technologically-advanced features.”
“Introducing this new partnership is a natural extension of both Full Sail University and the Orlando Magic’s commitment to community building in Central Florida,” said Josh Mora, program director of Full Sail’s Sports Marketing & Media degree. “It is a tremendous honor to be a part of this new relationship, as we look forward to providing our students with unique educational opportunities centered around the Magic’s phenomenal organization.”
Prior to select games, Full Sail University will have a presence at Fan Fest, located outside the Disney Atrium at Amway Center. Full Sail University students, staff and graduates will also be given the opportunity to audition to sing the National Anthem prior to an Orlando Magic home game this season.
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.
Video Analysis: Remembering Rashard Lewis, Part II
Due to technical difficulties, there is a delay in the video.
Rashard Lewis has had a number of memorable games with the Orlando Magic, but at the top of the list had to be his Game 1 performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
Lewis started the game off slow, scoring four points in the first half.
But in the second half, Lewis found his groove and torched the Cavaliers for 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field — culminating in his game-winning shot.
Enjoy Lewis’ masterpiece.
J.J. Redick makes a slam dunk for financial education
Photo by Fernando Medina
Via the Orlando Magic:
Orlando Magic guard J.J. Redick, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and the SIFMA Foundation made a Slam Dunk for Financial Education with Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. The program tipped off on Monday, February 14 at the Parramore Boys & Girls Club.
This innovative partnership funded by Bank of America, brings the SIFMA Foundation’s 10-week Stock Market Game™ competition to 60 youth at three area Boys & Girls Clubs. The Stock Market Game, which is widely used by 600,000 students each year, introduces youngsters to the financial markets as they learn math, economics, and the importance of long-term saving and investing. As part of the program, teams of three-five participants work together to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in real stocks, bonds and mutual funds, learning cooperation, communication and leadership as they manage their portfolios.
Thursday’s Magic Word
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel: “Here’s Dwight Howard’s chance to win MVP. His best chance. Why? Because he can lead a Magic comeback in the stretch run — and don’t we love comeback stories? I mean, there’s really not an overwhelming MVP favorite to date. Let’s review: LeBron James, obviously. But then sometimes you might lean to his sidekick in Miami, Dwyane Wade. They might split the judges’ voting. There’s Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City scoring machine. Doesn’t feel as if young KD has quite acquired that MVP gold card yet. There’s Derrick Rose, who has taken a super star leap to lead the Bulls to the East’s third-best record. Hasn’t quite earned his full-bird stripes. Lakers star Kobe Bryant has been great at times, and other times looked human. Do Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony move the MVP meter? The Celtics’ Big Four cancel each other out in the team concept, as do the Spurs’ Big Three. None of their names really are on the tip of your tongue for MVP, which is maybe why their teams are so good.”
- J.J. Redick gets crossed over — cue laughter now.
- Don’t expect the Orlando Magic to make a move at the trade deadline.
- Bill Simmons of ESPN.com: “[Ryan Anderson] submitted a rock-solid impersonation of 2009 Rashard Lewis (sans any steroid masking agents) after Orlando’s big December shakeup. He’s made at least one 3 in his past 29 games (42 percent shooting), 13 ppg and 6 rpg playing just 25 minutes a night. He’s the darling of the statistical community right now — if we bring him to Dorkapalooza next month, there might be a per-minute riot.”
- Dwight Howard is a black hole on offense to some degree.
- Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated: “The Magic have become a game of Mad Libs. Any report that reads “Orlando called (insert team name) to express interest in (insert power forward/center)” is probably true. GM Otis Smith has come up empty so far in search of a backup big man to replace Marcin Gortat. That Smith has tried to dampen expectations means he is not optimistic about landing one before the deadline. Orlando’s best hope may be for the Nets to negotiate a buyout with Murphy, whose most likely destination would be Orlando, according to a source. “
- Rashard Lewis gets love from Magic fans and former teammates during last night’s game.
- Howard is a TV star, not just an All-Star. Andrew Unterberger of The Basketball Jones explains: “Many NBA stars bring many diverse talents to the table when it comes to their advertising work, but chances are, only The Beast From the Far East is going to encourage spontaneous sing-alongs among viewers. Dwight may or may not be able to actually play the piano, but he can certainly improvise song lyrics mixing hoops braggadocio and commercial plot contrivances (“Getting quick to the rim game after game / Taking planes to Aruba with Slim, it’s never lame”) with the best of them — and sound damn good doing it, too. There’s even enough legitimate chemistry between D-12 and Ken “The Hangover wasn’t even that funny and that was like ten movies ago” Jeong to make the latter tolerable for possibly the last-ever time. Resurrecting Gilbert Arenas’s career in the second half of this season would likely be a lesser accomplishment.”
Remembering Rashard Lewis, Part I
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Rashard Lewis, now a member of the Washington Wizards, didn’t play against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday due to a sore right knee. It’s a shame because, given that the Wizards have exhausted their two road games against the Magic this season, that means Lewis won’t be returning to the Amway Center as a visitor until next season. And that means Lewis will have to wait until he can receive a proper standing ovation from the fans in Orlando — something that he deserves more than any other Magic player in recent years because, it can be argued, that he is the reason they became an elite team and championship contender.
Contract notwithstanding, Lewis defined the Orlando teams of recent years because he was the player that was asked to spread the floor for Dwight Howard and be the primary scorer from the perimeter. As a stretch four, Lewis was a matchup problem for nearly every team in the NBA because not many power forwards are accustomed to defending someone that shoots proficiently from three-point range and makes their living far away from the basket. Lewis’ transition from small forward, when he was with the Seattle SuperSonics, to power forward was a seamless one and created a unique identity for the Magic.
Although Lewis struggled in the 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics and his production offensively fell off a cliff this year, Lewis’ legacy — if that’s the proper word to use — will forever be etched in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals and in the minds of Cleveland Cavaliers fans for eternity. That’s where Lewis embodied everything that general manager Otis Smith saw in him when he brought him in as a free agent during the offseason in 2008. Lewis was a nightmare for the Cavaliers in that series and the memories he had will live on. For Orlando, Game 1 was where it all started for Lewis. That’s Lewis’ legend in a nutshell.
Let’s go back in time.
