Tampa Bay Sports Blog

The Orlando Magic, fresh from a night off, strolled into Utah to take on a Jazz team who just suffered a debilitating loss the night before to the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. A perfect scenario for the Magic to continue on their winning ways.

As expected the Jazz looked sluggish early on and the Magic were hitting on all cylinders, building what you would think would be an insurmountable 18 point lead. Well, think again folks, because the always tough at home Utah Jazz had other plans.

I can’t help but think that the momentum change was spurred on when Rashard Lewis pulled a Scottie Pippen in the 2nd quarter; refusing coach Van Gundy’s orders to get back in the game. Lewis, saddled with 2 fouls, later claimed he felt Ryan Anderson had it going and didn’t want to interrupt his hot streak.  Unbelievable as it sounds for a player making a cool $118 millions bucks to refuse a coaches instruction. Stan Van Gundy himself, who has coached some questionable characters in his career, claims he has never had a player question his authority in this manner.

Even if Rashard Lewis thought he was being unselfish, is this the type of attitude you want to permeate throughout your team? An All-Star player feeling that his substitute can provide more effectiveness than himself.  Could you imagine Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or Dwayne Wade not seething at the opportunity to get back on the court no matter what the score or situation.

Whatever transpired inside the Magic locker room at halftime, seemed to carry over onto the basketball court. The Jazz came out in the 3rd quarter and simply wrestled the game away from the Magic outscoring the Magic 68-51 in the final 2 quarters of play.

Deron Williams was spectacular tallying 32 points and 15 assists while the Jazz also received significant contributions from Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and C.J.Miles.

The Jazz imposed their physicality upon a soft Magic team who wilted under the pressure of a hostile crowd at EnergySolutions Arena.

Tonight, the Magic get a chance to regroup against a far less physical, yet equally athletic club, in the Phoenix Suns. On the bright side, Rashard Lewis should be well rested. While on the flip side, Jason Williams will have his hands full with 2 time MVP Steve Nash and Dwight Howard will have to deal with Amar’e “The Stat Sheet Stuffer” Stoudemire. Without having to look into my crystal ball, I predict an early appearance from Marcin Gortat to spell Dwight Howard after he picks up a quick 2 fouls.

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Dwight Howard had his Birthday wishes answered with a dominating performance coinciding with the Magics sixth straight victory and  eighth consecutive road win. Howard collected 24 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and a couple of posterizing dunks at the expense of Clipper starting center Chris Kaman.

Worthy of ‘its’ own stat line is the SEVEN blocked shots by the birthday boy himself, Dwight “sometimes Superman” Howard. Of course all coming with a smile on his face, which is just part of Howard’s nature I guess. Although, if I was capable of putting up those types of numbers, I might be smiling too!

The Magics balanced attack was on display once again, and is the reason I feel they will ultimately be representing the Eastern Conference once again in the NBA Finals.

Jason William’s had another strong performance with 16 points against the two headed monster of Baron Davis and Eric Gordon. Rashard Lewis also kicked in 17 points to help offset a quiet night from Vince Carter.

Last night’s contest is a perfect example of the type of game that a championship caliber team finds a way to win. Playing against a lesser team on the road in a desolate arena. Yet, the Magic found a way to get it done with an impressive fourth quarter surge. While on the same night, the Cavalier’s, who in my humble, are counterfeit contenders, showed their vulnerability once again with an embarrassing loss to the lowly Memphis Grizzlies. I think you get my drift.

Thursday will be a different animal all together as the Magic head north to face a much more formidable foe in the Utah Jazz. The Magic frontline will be put to the test with the physical play of  Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap. Coupled with the defensive prowess of Andrei Kirilenko and the adept shooting touch of Mehmet Okur. Definitely not a laughing matter, so I’m hoping Dwight Howard puts his LOL smiley face on hold and brings his never displayed before “Evil Grimace”.  Jason Williams will also have to bring his A game once again, going up against one of my favorite players in the league in Deron Williams. Another test for the Orlando Magic who are proving to be road warriors. Should be a fun game to watch and a good excuse to stay up late on a school night for all the young Magic fans out there.

Technorati Tags: Andrei Kirilenko, Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Cleveland Cavaliers, Deron Williams, Dwight Howard, Eric Gordon, jason williams, Los Angeles Clippers, Mehmet Okur, NBA Finals, Orlando Magic, Paul Millsap, Rashard Lewis, Utah Jazz, Vince Carter