Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
NOTE FROM THE FORUM OWNER:

We had a long, enjoyable run, and I would like to thank every Orlando Magic fan who contributed to our small community on the web. This message board will be left online as an archive into the thoughts and minds of a group of Magic fanatics who lived through a 21-win season, the drafting of Dwight Howard, and an eventual NBA Finals appearance. You can also visit the original MagicMadness Forum at http://orlandomagic.proboards.com.

Special thanks to our Staff Members: Black and Blue, MAGICMANEVAN, and NYCMagicFan!

MagicMadness
Forum Owner
Add Reply
Magic vs. Sonics Thread; 3/18, 10:30 PM, Key Arena
Topic Started: Mar 18 2005, 04:53 PM (1,194 Views)
MagicMadness
Member Avatar

Administrator
Orlando Magic vs. Seattle Supersonics

Posted Image vs. Posted Image

What: Regular Season Game #64
Where: Key Arena
When: March 18, 10:30 PM
Broadcast: TV -- SunSports, Radio -- 580 AM (WDBO)


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chris Jent will make his debut as coach of the struggling Orlando Magic when they take on the Seattle SuperSonics.
Orlando fired coach Johnny Davis along with assistant Ron Ekker hours after the Magic's sixth straight loss, a 110-102 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. The Magic's losing streak has put them in jeopardy of missing the playoffs -- they are tied with Philadelphia for the eighth and final spot.

``We work in a bottom line business,'' general manager John Weisbrod said in a statement. ``It is our responsibility to do everything possible to create the best opportunity for success.''

Davis told the Orlando Sentinel he was ``surprised and disappointed'' by being fired with just 18 games left in the season and the club still in the playoff hunt.

Jent was named the interim coach over Paul Westhead, an assistant who previously coached the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver. Jent spent parts of two seasons in the NBA, winning a title with Houston in 1994.

Jent is in a difficult position as the Magic are in the middle of their five-game road trip. Their frustration was evident after Wednesday's loss.

``We're in trouble. We haven't won for like a week or so,'' Magic leading scorer Steve Francis said. ``This is definitely our lowest point of the season. We just need to get back to playing the up-tempo style of game that we're used to.''

Francis has struggled during the skid, shooting 35 percent from the field.

Seattle will be trying to halt a season-high three-game home losing streak. The SuperSonics concluded a 2-1 road trip with a 102-95 loss at Detroit on Wednesday.

The Sonics allowed 36 points in the third quarter and were outscored 15-5 down the stretch.

``We are breaking down on the perimeter way too much,'' Seattle coach Nate McMillan said. ``We gave up way too many points. When you're defending like we did tonight, you're going to be playing from behind.''

Seattle star guard Ray Allen shot 6-of-7 in the second half after missing all four of his attempts before halftime. Allen, who netted 20 points, was not happy with taking just 11 shots -- nearly eight below his season average.

``No, I'm not getting enough looks,'' he said. ``You've gotta talk to the coach.''

STANDINGS (through March 16): Magic - 3rd place, 18 GB, Southeast Division. SuperSonics - 1st place, Northwest Division.

PROBABLE STARTERS: Magic - F Grant Hill, F Dwight Howard, C Kelvin Cato, G Francis, G Jameer Nelson. SuperSonics - F Rashard Lewis, F Reggie Evans, C Jerome James, G Allen, G Luke Ridnour.

TEAM LEADERS: Magic - Francis, 21.4 ppg and 7 apg; Howard, 10 rpg. SuperSonics - Allen, 23.7 ppg; Evans, 9.5 rpg; Ridnour, 5.9 apg.

SEASON SERIES: Magic, 1-0.

LAST MEETING: Jan. 5; Magic, 105-87. At Orlando, Francis scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half as the Magic scored 59 after halftime. Allen led the Sonics with 30.

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Magic - 10-23 on the road; SuperSonics - 21-11 at home.

INJURIES: Magic - G Doug Christie (ankle); C Andrew DeClercq (knee). SuperSonics - G Mateen Cleaves (thumb); F Damien Wilkins (knee).

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2005031825
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
melbournemagic
Starter
look for some of these changes...

Jent told the Sentinel that he's ready to shake up the team, saying:


The starting lineup "is not set in concrete" anymore. "I'm not worried who starts. I'm worried who finishes," Jent said.

One switch bandied about even before Davis was fired: Benching Kelvin Cato and starting Tony Battie at center.

Which may be the way Jent goes about trying to "generate more from the bench."


The Magic's big men, especially Howard, will be getting the ball more in the low post. So will small forwards. Davis was reluctant to give Howard the ball more because he felt he wasn't ready, which, to a point, had merit. Jent doesn't want to rely as much on shots from the perimeter.

"If Dwight plays like he did [Wednesday] night [Howard had a career-high 29 points and 12 rebounds], he's getting the ball a lot," Jent said. "I want to try to play more inside out instead of outside in."


The offense will be tweaked to spread the floor and will defer to shooters who develop a hot hand.

"We're going to change some things, refine some things, build on what Johnny put in," Jent said. "Have a couple more options on plays and just a shorter package.

"My pet peeve is spacing."


In the wake of the firing of assistant coach Ron Ekker, Jent will take over the defense and add some wrinkles.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Black and Blue
Member Avatar
Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
Staff Members
melbournemagic
Mar 18 2005 04:51 PM

The Magic's big men, especially Howard, will be getting the ball more in the low post. So will small forwards. Davis was reluctant to give Howard the ball more because he felt he wasn't ready, which, to a point, had merit. Jent doesn't want to rely as much on shots from the perimeter.

"If Dwight plays like he did [Wednesday] night [Howard had a career-high 29 points and 12 rebounds], he's getting the ball a lot," Jent said. "I want to try to play more inside out instead of outside in."

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Turn this team around Joisey boy!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Black and Blue
Member Avatar
Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
Staff Members
If we somehow win tonight, this new guy officially kicks ass.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NYCMagicFan
Member Avatar
Old School
Staff Members
melbournemagic
Mar 18 2005 04:51 PM
One switch bandied about even before Davis was fired: Benching Kelvin Cato and starting Tony Battie at center.


I like that.

Quote:
 
The Magic's big men, especially Howard, will be getting the ball more in the low post. So will small forwards. Davis was reluctant to give Howard the ball more because he felt he wasn't ready, which, to a point, had merit. Jent doesn't want to rely as much on shots from the perimeter.


I REALLY Like that!!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
magiclive
Member Avatar
#1 Magic Fan
i will still take jackson, saunders, or musselman over jent. i dont wanna have another davis incident again. this guy is an INTERIM head coach. thats it.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
kjbucs01
Member Avatar
Sixth Man
francis back to PG and stevenson to start at SG. (Orlando Sentinel) We desperately need a big athletic 2 guard and i think stevenson can fill in nicely until we get someone though free agency or the draft. remember that he averaged around 11 a game for us last season. Plus steve needs to be at the PG, he is obviously more comfortable there and is gonna turn the ball over either way, might as well get his best overall game that he usually gets along with the TOs. I didnt think moving him would work, but at least it got nelson experience and he can be a bigger contributer off the bench and we can actually have a backup PG. Combine this with the other things about battie and getting the big men and small forwards involved and i REALLY like this guy so far. But the games will tell it all.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NYCMagicFan
Member Avatar
Old School
Staff Members
Good. I like Stevenson starting. He needs to get more time.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
gomagic33
Member Avatar
Mr. Anderson
Francis moving back to point?!? :unsure:

I am giving this the benefit of the doubt.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
dxwwf3
Member Avatar
Legend
I guess I don't mind Stevenson starting, but if that's the case then why isn't Francis the one on the bench? Nelson has outplayed him in every game since Nelson began starting. So if he's dead set on making a change, then why bench our hottest player?

We'll see how it works tonight. But I am not in favor of benching Nelson right now. I don't agree with the new guy on this one.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
zuppafly
Member Avatar
Drafting Marbury + Foyle = Championship. \o/
I agree with Magiclive: Jent is an interim, but I won't mind to give him a chance to prove his value while JW negotiates with some other proven coach.
About Francis going back to PG... I don't mind that if Jameer still gets his 25-30 minutes...
At least untill the end of the season, when we can trade Francis for a good SG and someone else to give depth to the roster.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
MagicFan3
Member Avatar
All-Star
Anyone else see this game as pretty close to a must-win?

Just consider this: Philly's leading the Cavs by 13 at the break. :/
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NYCMagicFan
Member Avatar
Old School
Staff Members
GAME TIME!!!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Black and Blue
Member Avatar
Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
Staff Members
Alright game time! Up 4-2
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Black and Blue
Member Avatar
Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
Staff Members
Grant Hill: Cold as ice thus far.0-4
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Orlando Magic Locker Room · Next Topic »
Add Reply