Re: A huge reason for the Magic's early season success This season, the Magic have started out hot winning 13 games so far, while loosing only four games. There are several key factors for this win streak, from the individual players and talent, to the team work and good game plans each game. Maybe the biggest reason for the Magic's early season success, is their improved record on the road. All of last season the Magic won only 10 games on the road. Early in this season, the Magic are 6-3 on the road, and already more than half way to their 10 road games from last season. The last three games they have been in have all been on the road, and all three games the Magic have won, and have won their last four games on the road over the Heat, Jazz, Sonics, and Trailblazers. This was the first time in Magic history that they beat the Sonics, and the Trailblazers at home in two consecutive games. Sure both teams are not to good, but that is still a feat the Magic players should be happy with. They might not have faced super great teams, but the fact is, these are games the Magic lost last year. There are a couple of factors, one is the coaching staff preparing the team much better for road games this year. Another is that the younger players matured alot from last year, and are more NBA road ready. My final reason, is having a veteran presence on the floor like Grant Hill, to calm the team during these road games.That win last night might have been the most special. All of the good teams, are going to have bad teams that challenge them on the road. For the Magic it was the Trailblazers last night, where they pulled out the win, even when it looked like things were going to be bad for the Magic. The whole team showed maturity on the road, and I was so excited watching the game last night. Especially for Grant Hill stepped up in the clutch, and pulled it through for this team. That steal was the biggest steal of this season so far, and was huge. Then the two free throws at the other end to tie the game was huge. That final play was drawn up nice, Hedo made a perfect pass, and Grant played it perfectly. I am looking to more future success for this team.
Re: A huge reason for the Magic's early season success Great post, valo. :happy0144: Orlando is a good young team, with cap space as well (if they don't give Darko a horrible contract). I agree about Grant Hill, he makes such a big difference when he's on the floor. He's a leader, he's calm, he can keep under control, and he makes big veteran plays. Having him healthy is a must, and I am very happy Orlando has taken the smart route in not playing him both games in each back-to-back. There are two things, besides Dwight Howard of course, that has really impressed me about the Magic: 1. Bench Production - Carlos Arroyo needed a change of scenery out of Utah, he got one, and he's playing unbelievable ball off the bench. - Trevor Ariza is really developing into somewhat of a defensive stopper. - Darko has been solid in all categories down low, and he provides great shot blocking off the bench. - Keith Bogans is a boost of energy. He may be a bit undersized (short), but he always hustles and comes up with the ball. - Bo Outlaw is the veteran garbage disposal. He snatches up rebounds, plays solid defense, and makes minimul mistakes. - Keyon Dooling brings a lot of energy and defensive ability on smaller guards. He's unbelievably quick and he has a lot of heart. Just wait for J.J. Redick. Add everything above in with his great shooting ability, you put smiles on people's faces. 2. Defense The defense in Orlando has been superb. You have Battie/Darko as shot blockers and rebounders, Dwight Howard the manchild blocking shots/grabbing boards/playing solid 1-on-1 low-post defense, you have Trevor Ariza out there containing some perimeter stars, you have Dooling out there playing scrappy with the opposing guards, you have Bo Outlaw doing the dirty work, then you have Grant Hill who is a very fundamentally sound defender. Jameer Nelson is ok defensively, but needs a little improvement, Hedo as well. But overall, the Orlando defense is impressing me.
