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Final: Orlando Magic 104 - Charlotte Bobcats 95
December 29, 2007 - Amway Arena
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By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic win their third straight game beating the Charlotte Bobcats 104-95 Saturday night at Amway Arena thanks to a season-high 28 points from Hedo Turkoglu.
Orlando (21-11) dominated down low outscoring Charlotte 46-26 in the paint thanks to Dwight Howard's 13th straight double-double (15 points and 21 rebounds).
All five Magic starters scored in double figures with Carlos Arroyo posting 16 points and six assists in place of injured Jameer Nelson.
Charlotte loses their fourth straight game and falls to 10-18 despite a big game from Jason Richardson who scored a season-high 34 points.
The Magic intend to make it four straight as they head to the "Windy City" to face the Chicago Bulls Monday afternoon.
FOURTH QUARTER
Another sloppy start to a quarter causes Van Gundy to call a quick timeout to hopefully light a fire under the Magic for the final period. The timeout didn't help much as Raymond Felton nails a jumper to cut the Magic lead to one.
Keyon Dooling converts a three-point play but Felton answers with one of his own. The Magic cling to a 80-79 lead three minutes into the final period.
The Magic have gone cold shooting just 3-of-14 to start the final quarter but have gotten to the charity stripe maintaining their lead. A jumper in the lane by Lewis gives the Magic a six point advantage at the halfway point in the fourth.
It's the fourth quarter which means "Hedo time" and right on cue Hedo converts a pretty layup. Bogans and Richardson trade threes as the Magic still lead by six.
It's "Hedo Time" as Turk nets another jumper forcing a timeout with the Magic leading by ten. From now on I will refer to the fourth quarter as Hedo quarter.
Hedo cashes two free-throws as the Magic lead 99-90 with three minutes left in the Hedo quarter. Jason Richardson scores his 34th point bringing the Bobcats within six, timeout Magic.
Hedo scores four more points from the charity stripe giving him 28 points for the game and 10 points in the Hedo quarter.
Emeka Okafor fouls out giving him four points and nine rebounds, compare that to Dwight Howard's 15 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks...Otis Smith, you are a genius.
The Amway crowd stands and cheers as the Magic win their third straight game, 104-95.
Final: Orlando Magic 104, Charlotte Bobcats 95
THIRD QUARTER
Both teams can't find their mark to start the third as the Magic still cling to a 55-54 lead three minutes into the quarter.
Jeff McInnis buckets a jumper and Arroyo counters with a pair of free-throws to keep the Magic lead at one.
The Bobcats show a match-up 3-2 zone, so let's see if the Magic can find Dwight Howard in some of those open areas in the paint. Lewis finds an open area on the perimeter and nails a three giving the Magic a 61-56 lead halfway through the third.
Ken Griffey Jr. is in the house and Hedo represents with a long ball of his own drilling a three. Lewis follows with a floater in the lane increasing the Magic lead to double digits at 68-58 forcing a Bobcat timeout.
The Magic go on a little dry spell and a jumper by Jason Richardson brings the Bobcats within five points at 71-66.
A transition lay-in by Bogans followed by a Maurice Evans fade-away jumper puts the Magic back up by double digits at 77-66 with 1:16 left in the third period.
Back-to-back three pointers by the Bobcats brings Charlotte quickly back within five points as the third quarter comes to an end.
End of Third: Orlando Magic 77, Charlotte Bobcats 72
SECOND QUARTER
Adonal Foyle starts out the second with a pretty up-and-under move and Hedo continues to stroke the triple nailing his third of the game while giving the Magic a 35-32 advantage.
The Magic don't have an answer for Jason Richardson who buckets his 20th point...timeout Magic with the game all knotted up at 35 three minutes into the second period.
Hedo and Arroyo hit back-to-back buckets and the Magic lead 41-38 halfway through the second. Both teams have shot the ball very well tonight converting on over 50 percent of their field-goal attempts.
Raymond Felton nails a jumper from the top of the key to give the Bobcats a 42-41 lead but Rashard Lewis quickly gains the lead back with a tough layup.
Back-to-back buckets by Gerald Wallace forcing a timeout from the Magic bench with Orlando trailing 49-45 with 3:20 to go in the second.
Rashard brings the Magic within one with a fade-away jumper and Dwight Howard puts the Magic ahead with a put back on an offensive rebound. Dwight has already posted his 13th straight double-double tonight with his 11 points and 11 rebounds.
A Hedo tip-in puts the Magic ahead as the half ends.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 52, Charlotte Bobcats 51
FIRST QUARTER
Welcome Magic fans to Amway Arena for tonight's game against divisional rival the Charlotte Bobcats.
The two teams meet at half court as the number one and two picks of the 2004 NBA draft face, Dwight Howard and Emeka Okafor, compete for tonight's opening tip.
As stated below, Jameer Nelson is not in the starting lineup due to injury and Carlos Arroyo replaces him in the starting lineup which also features Howard, Rashard Lewis, Keith Bogans, and Hedo Turkoglu. The Bobcats start Jeff McInnis, Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, and Okafor.
The Magic win the opening tip and immediately go inside to Dwight Howard, but Howard is rejected by Okafor. Hedo Turkolgu continues his stellar play by scoring the first points of tonight's game stroking a three.
The Bobcats get a couple of transition buckets but Carlos Arroyo ties the game at five with a jumper from the elbow. Jason Richardson and Arroyo trade baskets as the Bobcats lead 10-9 four minutes into the opening period.
Arroyo has really stepped up in place of Jameer Nelson scoring eight early points and leading the Magic to a 13-12 lead halfway through the first.
As a whole, the Magic have been very aggressive with the basketball at the offensive end, taking the ball to the basket strong and making decisive moves. Arroyo, perhaps a little too aggressive picks up his second foul and heads to the bench.
I think it is safe to say that the Magic front office made the right decision when they went with Dwight Howard for their first pick back in 04' because Dwight dominates Okafor every time they play against each other, and it is no different at the start of tonight's game.
Mo Evans hits a three and Dooling gets an easy bucket forcing a Bobcat timeout with the Magic leading 23-15 with three minutes to go in the first.
Jason Richardson seems to be the only Bobcat player present tonight as he has scored 13 of the Bobcats' 22 points and cuts the Magic lead to two points at 24-22 with a pair of free-throws.
Hedo isn't even hesitating when he touches the ball, he receives a pass from Redick and goes straight up netting a three from the corner. Jason Richardson is on fire, and his 18th point gives the Bobcats a 29-28 lead as the first quarter concludes.
End of First: Charlotte Bobcats 29, Orlando Magic 28
SHOOTAROUND
After a hard fought overtime win against Miami Friday night, the Magic pushed back Saturday's morning shootaround to 4:30 PM to prepare for the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Magic will be without the services of starting point guard Jameer Nelson who is inactive due to sore hip.
Coach Stan Van Gundy stated that Nelson has been battling through the injury for the last couple of games and the Medical staff thought it would be beneficial for him to take the night to rest.
Replacing Nelson in the starting lineup will be Carlos Arroyo who played a key role in the Magic's victory Friday night scoring 13 points off the bench.
Van Gundy is very confident in Arroyo's abilities and looks for Arroyo to continue to push the tempo on offense.
"Carlos probably sees the floor and the rotations of the opposing defense better than anyone we have," Van Gundy commented. "He tends to slow down and wait for a pick-and-roll at times but he is very good when he pushes the ball, and that is something we want him to do tonight."
Van Gundy was also pleased with their gutty performance against the Heat and hopes the team can transfer the performance over to the Bobcats.
"I was very pleased with the way the guys hung in there to fight for a victory and I hope we can come up with that type of fight in the first quarter tonight."
PREGAME
The Magic square off against divisional rival the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday at Amway Arena looking to extend their winning streak to three games.
Orlando faces Charlotte for the third time this season having won their previous two meetings this season by an average of 14.5 points.
The Magic have scored over 100 points in each of the team's two meetings and aim to make it a third time as Charlotte is just 1-10 this season when allowing 100 points or more.
Orlando will also hope to take advantage of the visiting Bobcats who have struggled on the road winning only one of their 10 games away from Charlotte this season.
Dwight Howard comes into the game having posted 12 straight double-doubles and has made a killing against the Bobcats this season averaging 33.5 points and 17.5 rebounds.
Charlotte visits Amway Arena having lost their last three games dropping their once respectable record to seven games below .500 at 10-17, eight games behind the Southeast Division leading Magic.
Trying to increase their division lead and push their home record to above .500, Orlando (20-11) intends to continue their success against the Charlotte.
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Dec. 29 vs. Charlotte (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 8-6 all-time vs. Charlotte (6-1 at home, 2-5 on the road), including 2-0 this season (see recaps below)…The teams split 2-2 last season…The Bobcats recorded their first win in franchise history over the Magic on Nov. 6, 2004 (111-100)...Keith Bogans played in 113 career games for the Bobcats from 2004-06…J.J. Redick played collegiately at Duke University…For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Charlotte, see p. 237 of the media guide…Nov. 23 vs. Charlotte – Magic 105, Bobcats 92: Dwight Howard turned in a dominating performance with 34 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks and three steals, as Orlando defeated Charlotte, 105-92, at Amway Arena. Six Magic players scored in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu netted 16 points, while Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling each added 14. Walter Hermann led the Bobcats with 16 points off the bench, while Emeka Okafor tallied 12 points and a game-high 18 boards. Orlando held Charlotte to just 41.1 percent shooting from the field and led by as many as 22 points during the second half…Dec. 14 @ Charlotte – Magic 103, Bobcats 87: Dwight Howard tallied 33 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots, as Orlando defeated Charlotte, 103-87, at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Five Magic players scored in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis recorded 13 points and a season-best 11 rebounds. Raymond Felton led the Bobcats with 18 points. Charlotte led 51-42 at halftime and by as many as 13 points early during the third quarter. However, the Magic dominated the second half, outscoring the Bobcats, 61-36. Orlando shot 53.6 percent from the floor, including 64.5 percent during the second half.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BOBCATS: 34 pts., Dwight Howard (@ Orlando, 11-23-07)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 32 pts., Sean May (@ Charlotte, 12-14-06)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| BOBCATS | 29 | 22 | 21 | 23 | 95 |
| MAGIC | 28 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 104 |
By Nick Adams | OrlandoMagic.com
RECAP
The Magic win their third straight game beating the Charlotte Bobcats 104-95 Saturday night at Amway Arena thanks to a season-high 28 points from Hedo Turkoglu.
Orlando (21-11) dominated down low outscoring Charlotte 46-26 in the paint thanks to Dwight Howard's 13th straight double-double (15 points and 21 rebounds).
All five Magic starters scored in double figures with Carlos Arroyo posting 16 points and six assists in place of injured Jameer Nelson.
Charlotte loses their fourth straight game and falls to 10-18 despite a big game from Jason Richardson who scored a season-high 34 points.
The Magic intend to make it four straight as they head to the "Windy City" to face the Chicago Bulls Monday afternoon.
FOURTH QUARTER
Another sloppy start to a quarter causes Van Gundy to call a quick timeout to hopefully light a fire under the Magic for the final period. The timeout didn't help much as Raymond Felton nails a jumper to cut the Magic lead to one.
Keyon Dooling converts a three-point play but Felton answers with one of his own. The Magic cling to a 80-79 lead three minutes into the final period.
The Magic have gone cold shooting just 3-of-14 to start the final quarter but have gotten to the charity stripe maintaining their lead. A jumper in the lane by Lewis gives the Magic a six point advantage at the halfway point in the fourth.
It's the fourth quarter which means "Hedo time" and right on cue Hedo converts a pretty layup. Bogans and Richardson trade threes as the Magic still lead by six.
It's "Hedo Time" as Turk nets another jumper forcing a timeout with the Magic leading by ten. From now on I will refer to the fourth quarter as Hedo quarter.
Hedo cashes two free-throws as the Magic lead 99-90 with three minutes left in the Hedo quarter. Jason Richardson scores his 34th point bringing the Bobcats within six, timeout Magic.
Hedo scores four more points from the charity stripe giving him 28 points for the game and 10 points in the Hedo quarter.
Emeka Okafor fouls out giving him four points and nine rebounds, compare that to Dwight Howard's 15 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks...Otis Smith, you are a genius.
The Amway crowd stands and cheers as the Magic win their third straight game, 104-95.
Final: Orlando Magic 104, Charlotte Bobcats 95
THIRD QUARTER
Both teams can't find their mark to start the third as the Magic still cling to a 55-54 lead three minutes into the quarter.
Jeff McInnis buckets a jumper and Arroyo counters with a pair of free-throws to keep the Magic lead at one.
The Bobcats show a match-up 3-2 zone, so let's see if the Magic can find Dwight Howard in some of those open areas in the paint. Lewis finds an open area on the perimeter and nails a three giving the Magic a 61-56 lead halfway through the third.
Ken Griffey Jr. is in the house and Hedo represents with a long ball of his own drilling a three. Lewis follows with a floater in the lane increasing the Magic lead to double digits at 68-58 forcing a Bobcat timeout.
The Magic go on a little dry spell and a jumper by Jason Richardson brings the Bobcats within five points at 71-66.
A transition lay-in by Bogans followed by a Maurice Evans fade-away jumper puts the Magic back up by double digits at 77-66 with 1:16 left in the third period.
Back-to-back three pointers by the Bobcats brings Charlotte quickly back within five points as the third quarter comes to an end.
End of Third: Orlando Magic 77, Charlotte Bobcats 72
SECOND QUARTER
Adonal Foyle starts out the second with a pretty up-and-under move and Hedo continues to stroke the triple nailing his third of the game while giving the Magic a 35-32 advantage.
The Magic don't have an answer for Jason Richardson who buckets his 20th point...timeout Magic with the game all knotted up at 35 three minutes into the second period.
Hedo and Arroyo hit back-to-back buckets and the Magic lead 41-38 halfway through the second. Both teams have shot the ball very well tonight converting on over 50 percent of their field-goal attempts.
Raymond Felton nails a jumper from the top of the key to give the Bobcats a 42-41 lead but Rashard Lewis quickly gains the lead back with a tough layup.
Back-to-back buckets by Gerald Wallace forcing a timeout from the Magic bench with Orlando trailing 49-45 with 3:20 to go in the second.
Rashard brings the Magic within one with a fade-away jumper and Dwight Howard puts the Magic ahead with a put back on an offensive rebound. Dwight has already posted his 13th straight double-double tonight with his 11 points and 11 rebounds.
A Hedo tip-in puts the Magic ahead as the half ends.
Halftime: Orlando Magic 52, Charlotte Bobcats 51
FIRST QUARTER
Welcome Magic fans to Amway Arena for tonight's game against divisional rival the Charlotte Bobcats.
The two teams meet at half court as the number one and two picks of the 2004 NBA draft face, Dwight Howard and Emeka Okafor, compete for tonight's opening tip.
As stated below, Jameer Nelson is not in the starting lineup due to injury and Carlos Arroyo replaces him in the starting lineup which also features Howard, Rashard Lewis, Keith Bogans, and Hedo Turkoglu. The Bobcats start Jeff McInnis, Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, and Okafor.
The Magic win the opening tip and immediately go inside to Dwight Howard, but Howard is rejected by Okafor. Hedo Turkolgu continues his stellar play by scoring the first points of tonight's game stroking a three.
The Bobcats get a couple of transition buckets but Carlos Arroyo ties the game at five with a jumper from the elbow. Jason Richardson and Arroyo trade baskets as the Bobcats lead 10-9 four minutes into the opening period.
Arroyo has really stepped up in place of Jameer Nelson scoring eight early points and leading the Magic to a 13-12 lead halfway through the first.
As a whole, the Magic have been very aggressive with the basketball at the offensive end, taking the ball to the basket strong and making decisive moves. Arroyo, perhaps a little too aggressive picks up his second foul and heads to the bench.
I think it is safe to say that the Magic front office made the right decision when they went with Dwight Howard for their first pick back in 04' because Dwight dominates Okafor every time they play against each other, and it is no different at the start of tonight's game.
Mo Evans hits a three and Dooling gets an easy bucket forcing a Bobcat timeout with the Magic leading 23-15 with three minutes to go in the first.
Jason Richardson seems to be the only Bobcat player present tonight as he has scored 13 of the Bobcats' 22 points and cuts the Magic lead to two points at 24-22 with a pair of free-throws.
Hedo isn't even hesitating when he touches the ball, he receives a pass from Redick and goes straight up netting a three from the corner. Jason Richardson is on fire, and his 18th point gives the Bobcats a 29-28 lead as the first quarter concludes.
End of First: Charlotte Bobcats 29, Orlando Magic 28
SHOOTAROUND
After a hard fought overtime win against Miami Friday night, the Magic pushed back Saturday's morning shootaround to 4:30 PM to prepare for the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Magic will be without the services of starting point guard Jameer Nelson who is inactive due to sore hip.
Coach Stan Van Gundy stated that Nelson has been battling through the injury for the last couple of games and the Medical staff thought it would be beneficial for him to take the night to rest.
Replacing Nelson in the starting lineup will be Carlos Arroyo who played a key role in the Magic's victory Friday night scoring 13 points off the bench.
Van Gundy is very confident in Arroyo's abilities and looks for Arroyo to continue to push the tempo on offense.
"Carlos probably sees the floor and the rotations of the opposing defense better than anyone we have," Van Gundy commented. "He tends to slow down and wait for a pick-and-roll at times but he is very good when he pushes the ball, and that is something we want him to do tonight."
Van Gundy was also pleased with their gutty performance against the Heat and hopes the team can transfer the performance over to the Bobcats.
"I was very pleased with the way the guys hung in there to fight for a victory and I hope we can come up with that type of fight in the first quarter tonight."
PREGAME
The Magic square off against divisional rival the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday at Amway Arena looking to extend their winning streak to three games.
Orlando faces Charlotte for the third time this season having won their previous two meetings this season by an average of 14.5 points.
The Magic have scored over 100 points in each of the team's two meetings and aim to make it a third time as Charlotte is just 1-10 this season when allowing 100 points or more.
Orlando will also hope to take advantage of the visiting Bobcats who have struggled on the road winning only one of their 10 games away from Charlotte this season.
Dwight Howard comes into the game having posted 12 straight double-doubles and has made a killing against the Bobcats this season averaging 33.5 points and 17.5 rebounds.
Charlotte visits Amway Arena having lost their last three games dropping their once respectable record to seven games below .500 at 10-17, eight games behind the Southeast Division leading Magic.
Trying to increase their division lead and push their home record to above .500, Orlando (20-11) intends to continue their success against the Charlotte.
MAGIC INJURY REPORT
Tony Battie – Out, torn rotator cuff, left shoulder – underwent successful surgery on Oct. 24; will likely miss the entire season.
TONIGHT’S OPPONENT:
Dec. 29 vs. Charlotte (Orlando, FL): Orlando is 8-6 all-time vs. Charlotte (6-1 at home, 2-5 on the road), including 2-0 this season (see recaps below)…The teams split 2-2 last season…The Bobcats recorded their first win in franchise history over the Magic on Nov. 6, 2004 (111-100)...Keith Bogans played in 113 career games for the Bobcats from 2004-06…J.J. Redick played collegiately at Duke University…For last season’s stats and Magic career numbers vs. Charlotte, see p. 237 of the media guide…Nov. 23 vs. Charlotte – Magic 105, Bobcats 92: Dwight Howard turned in a dominating performance with 34 points, 17 rebounds, four blocks and three steals, as Orlando defeated Charlotte, 105-92, at Amway Arena. Six Magic players scored in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu netted 16 points, while Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling each added 14. Walter Hermann led the Bobcats with 16 points off the bench, while Emeka Okafor tallied 12 points and a game-high 18 boards. Orlando held Charlotte to just 41.1 percent shooting from the field and led by as many as 22 points during the second half…Dec. 14 @ Charlotte – Magic 103, Bobcats 87: Dwight Howard tallied 33 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots, as Orlando defeated Charlotte, 103-87, at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Five Magic players scored in double figures. Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis recorded 13 points and a season-best 11 rebounds. Raymond Felton led the Bobcats with 18 points. Charlotte led 51-42 at halftime and by as many as 13 points early during the third quarter. However, the Magic dominated the second half, outscoring the Bobcats, 61-36. Orlando shot 53.6 percent from the floor, including 64.5 percent during the second half.
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. BOBCATS: 34 pts., Dwight Howard (@ Orlando, 11-23-07)
BEST ALL-TIME SCORING PERFORMANCE VS. MAGIC: 32 pts., Sean May (@ Charlotte, 12-14-06)
