Spurs vs Magic Game Blog

[Kori Ellis]

Isn't Manu supposed to be a good defender?

Did you see him against Redick in the first half? :lol

[T Park]

I know this doesn't really matter, but how the hell does an alleyoop to Howard take .6 seconds off the clock? You are telling me Fisher can catch, turn around and shoot in .4 but a straight Howard flush takes .6?

cue X Files music :lol

[Das Texan]

losing in the first round to the Jazz was the good ole days? :lol



At least then I was expecting to lose at some point.

[1Parker1]

One positive of the night: It was kind of sweet to see Finley making shots in the clutch again in the 4th quarter. If he can turn it around, it'll defintely help the Spurs. Now if only he'd learn to box out and grab a rebound now and again...:depressed

[T Park]

Isn't Manu supposed to be a good defender?

ahhh now you done it :depressed

[T Park]

At least then I was expecting to lose at some point

still doesn't justify that as the good ole days :lol

[Kori Ellis]

Shoog - did you miss the mini lineup of Parker/Vaughn/Manu/Finley/Oberto?

[Trainwreck2100]

Hes another JR Reid.

Has the NBA body, has an absolute disgusting amount of talent, and just can't put it together.

He's was great in the 03-04 season. And then he totally disappeared in the Playoffs

[ShoogarBear]

Did you see him against Redick in the first half? :lolIt was a rhetorical question for the next time it comes up.

[T Park]

He's was great in the 03-04 season. And then he totally disappeared in the Playoffs



IMO

he was touch and go throughout the year.

Just never played good enough to justify the outrageous contract Orlando handed him,

[1Parker1]

Although they've played better than I imagined they would.

Have we been watching the same games?

To continually lose close games with bad defensive lapses in the crunch time against the top teams in the West with the Jazz and Suns and tonight against the Magic is not playing better. That's what they've been doing all season. This was supposed to be the turnaround, especially since the Spurs supposedly play better on the road.

[boutons_]

"Parker/Vaughn/..."

that was fucking amazing. Why two PGs on the floor at same time, esp when Jacque can't score or do much of anything? what's his value on the floor alongside Tony. At least at one time, Beno could hit some shots as SG. Jacque can't score.

[1Parker1]

Shoog - did you miss the mini lineup of Parker/Vaughn/Manu/Finley/Oberto?

I did!!

Where's Manny who tried defending Pop's insane lineup's to me????

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I think this team misses Bonner's hustle much more than anyone realizes.

[T Park]

IMO

When bonner gets back, is when this team will turn the corner.

Just missing an energy hustle rebounder off the bench ala Malik Rose.

Bonner was doing that.

[Manu_The _Best]

Tough loss for the Spurs today and PROPS to Barry and Finley – they were both terrific,

Unfortunately today we saw “Last year’s Playoffs give away officiating towards Dallas in Games 3 and 4” – The Spurs got bad calls in the end of the game – give away points to Orlando, no offensive-push-foul on Nelson’s last drive to tie the game at 104-104, no call on Howard for "breaking" Timmy's hand before that – The Spurs’ 2 BIGS Manu and Tony really didn’t give 100% - My Manu was LOST during the entire game, Tony also didn’t contribute much and in clutch situations made poor decisions – ORL was doing what every smart and capable team did/does against the Spurs – shut down Tony and Manu, let Timmy gets his points and you will beat the Spurs – still, Barry and Finley kept the Spurs in the game; However, bad officiating kept Elson on the bench with BOGUS fouls given against him, and basically the Spurs played without a center today. Oberto helped as much as he could... However, this game clearly showed again the Spurs DON’T HAVE a reliable backup PG – and the inconsistency continues – after 1 good WIN, another disappointing LOSS – I know JJ Redick and Nelson shot like crazy, and they got the officiating calls in the end, but there is no excuse for Popovich to take Barry out of the game with 27 sec to go and put Bowen, who was fouled and miss both FTs! Tony also struggled on the line as he was 3 out 6 FTs – Orlando did a good job keeping him away from the basket – he wasn’t that aggressive. Manu played real bad (the worse of all) and finished with only 7 pts…Popovich also made a BAD SET PLAY in the end going for the win with 0.5 sec to go – the ball got in Tony’s hands, who struggled in the 4th – Tony tried to score from impossible situation and Howard blocked it instead of faking and finding Timmy under the basket for an easy 2 to finish those guys off; thus it is fair to say despite the POOR officiating, Popovich shut himself in the FOOT again with extremely POOR decisions in the end of the game…

Unfortunately we have to repeat once again – the Spurs CANNOT get several good wins in a row against strong teams, and this inconsistency [in Ginobili and Parker and some others] will cost them the entire season…The Spurs had no answer against ORL’s shooters and allowed 32 points in the 3rd and 26 pts in the 4th, i.e 58 pts in the second half – YOU CANNOT win many games by doing that…

Unfortunately, the Spurs are in a situation that they NEED ALL BIG 3 stars to score over 20 pts per game in order for us to WIN every game – this is How bad this team is positioned as far as players go...This is HOW BAD POPOVICH [and the management] is by putting our big 3 in a situation to try to carry this team all season long (along with Barry)…If one of our big 3 has a bad night (like Manu today), we CANNOT WIN close games, even though the bench produced today…

Sunday’s game with Miami is coming, and it appears the Spurs will put another LOSS in the bag after today's tough one – they are miserably 2-3 in this "rodeo road show", a CLEAR INDICATION to ALL of us that THEIR “TRIP” in the Playoffs this year will be A SHORT ONE, without a doubt…

GO SPURS!!!Beno is finished :ihit :madrun :ihit :ihit :ihit

[fred33]

howard has scorede 38 on 46 the las( 3 games

[ShoogarBear]

Shoog - did you miss the mini lineup of Parker/Vaughn/Manu/Finley/Oberto?OMG, yes I missed that. Sounds like a classic start-the-4th lineup from Pop.

Actually, there is some scoring in that lineup, but the Orlando Girls Prep team would kill them on the boards.

[1Parker1]

I think this team misses Bonner's hustle much more than anyone realizes.


I don't think Bonner is the answer. Just like I don't think Elson/Oberto are the answers. This team needs to trade for a Center/Athletic swingman, or backup PG and they've needed to do so for the past three seasons. Yet they continue to draft players from overseas and not bring in talent to help them immediately. You can't do that when you're best players (Duncan/Manu) are in their primes NOW.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

IMO

When bonner gets back, is when this team will turn the corner.

Just missing an energy hustle rebounder off the bench ala Malik Rose.

Bonner was doing that.

T Park, stop stealing my thoughts please as i posted that a minute before you



are we actually agreeing on something for once? :lol

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I'm for it at this point, a coach that is supposedly as great as him should be able to put something together. Look at what Phil Jackson is doing with the Lakers-two years ago that team was a nothing. The talent was lacking, they had mediocre bigs, hmm sound familiar? Look at them now, they overachieve.
I think despite Pop being a good coach, and having a good win percentage.

I really BELIEVE that the Spurs with Tim Duncan could have repeated already with someone like Pat Riley or Phil Jackson. I really do.

Pop's good, but come on.

[timvp]

Have we been watching the same games?

To continually lose close games with bad defensive lapses in the crunch time against the top teams in the West with the Jazz and Suns and tonight against the Magic is not playing better. That's what they've been doing all season. This was supposed to be the turnaround, especially since the Spurs supposedly play better on the road.

All three games they lost were because of mental errors down the stretch of the game. Earlier in the year, their defense was just horrible all game and then they'd try to turn it on.

Now at least the Spurs are competing for more of the 48 minutes and playing more Spurs Basketball. They are on the right track ... now they just have to figure out how to close out games.

[Budkin]

Dwight Howad is disgusting. If Orlando lets him get away he's going to the Lakers. History does repeat itself. God damnit.

Now way are they letting him go. I was in Orlando the day Shaq left. It was just fucking terrible. The whole city was just absolutely stunned.

[T Park]

This team needs to trade for a Center/Athletic swingman, or backup PG and they've needed to do so for the past three seasons. Yet they continue to draft players from overseas and not bring in talent to help them immediately

When you find a team ready to make a trade, that has those things, let the Spurs know.

[T Park]

are we actually agreeing on something for once?

NO

Bonner sucks :lol

jk.

[T Park]

Now at least the Spurs are competing for more of the 48 minutes and playing more Spurs Basketball. They are on the right track ... now they just have to figure out how to close out games

Im tellin ya.

06 Cardinals.

[Budkin]

I hope we crush the shit out of Miami.

[Kori Ellis]

I hope we crush the shit out of Miami.

It's too early in the day for a crushing I think.

Hopefully the Spurs wake up during the 4th.

[Trainwreck2100]

No it's on ABC and we gotta keep viewership up

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

So I didn't catch the game, but if this was at homecourt it would have sucked. A Game winning dunk!?? woww...

i wonder if the reaction on the bench was a lot like that new commercial with the Mozart Requiem playing.

[dbreiden83080]

Has anyone bitched yet about that no call Timmy got down the strech up by a couple and then Reddick hits the and one. That was maybe a five point swing god damn refs.

[1Parker1]

All three games they lost were because of mental errors down the stretch of the game. Earlier in the year, their defense was just horrible all game and then they'd try to turn it on.


:wtf Their defense in clutch time sucked in those three games they lost, hence the mental errors on the other end.

Jazz Game: Unable to grab an defensive rebound, gives Jazz second chances. Parker switch/foul on Okur...bad defense and rotations.

Suns Game: TO's, dunks, easy layups for the Suns in the 4th quarter.

Magic: Poor defense on final play that leads to a game winning dunk. Unable to get stops against Reddick, Nelson, Howard in crunch time.

Now, their defense is good in the first half, and then they just turn it OFF in the 4th. I'm not sure that's much better.

[ShoogarBear]

Well, at least we'll always have the memories of the Verizon Center.

[dbreiden83080]

I refuse to watch any ESPN for at least 24 hours because all they are going to do is show that fucking dunk over and over by Howard.

[timvp]

:wtf Their defense in clutch time sucked in those three games they lost, hence the mental errors on the other end.

I'm talking about mental errors on both sides of the court.

Parker taking a shot too quick was just as dumb as Duncan not putting a body on Howard.

In their earlier losses, they were playing maybe 5-10 good minutes of Spurs Basketball. It's up to about 25-30 minutes of solid play. Still not enough to win games consistently, but a long ways from where they were not too long ago.

[1Parker1]

I refuse to watch any ESPN for at least 24 hours because all they are going to do is show that fucking dunk over and over by Howard.


Yuppers. And also, "AN AMAZING FINISH IN THE SPURS/MAGIC GAME!" every 5 minutes....:depressed

[ShoogarBear]

I refuse to watch any ESPN for at least 24 hours because all they are going to do is show that fucking dunk over and over by Howard.Unfortunately, there're even showing it over and over on the Food Network.

[1Parker1]

I'm talking about mental errors on both sides of the court.

Parker taking a shot too quick was just as dumb as Duncan not putting a body on Howard.

In their earlier losses, they were playing maybe 5-10 good minutes of Spurs Basketball. It's up to about 25-30 minutes of solid play. Still not enough to win games consistently, but a long ways from where they were not too long ago.

I understand you're point. I just believe that in those 3 losses, their defense has gotten even worse in the 4th quarter...against quality teams. They played great defense in the Suns game for the first three quarters. They played solid defense in the first HALF of tonight's game, with an 18 point lead. 4th quarters when it matters most, their lack of defense has hurt them even more.

[ploto]

Jameer going buck wild on everyone in the second half was the problem.
And to think how close he was to being the Spurs pick instead of Beno- Spurs screwed up the plan that night getting beat to the punch by an Orlando deal with Denver.

[fred33]

parke who take the shot with o.6 to play it's fair .a direct dunk of howard it's unfair

[dbreiden83080]

Yuppers. And also, "AN AMAZING FINISH IN THE SPURS/MAGIC GAME!" every 5 minutes....:depressed

Great play no doubt but i am too pissed off to watch the replay of it.

[Manu_The _Best]

It's too early in the day for a crushing I think.

Hopefully the Spurs wake up during the 4th.


If you don't know, it's time to understand CLEARLY - the season is OVER!!! I have said it 15 games ago...

[Kori Ellis]

And to think how close he was to being the Spurs pick instead of Beno- Spurs screwed up the plan that night getting beat to the punch by an Orlando deal with Denver.

Were they too late? or they didn't offer enough?

I knew they had tried to trade up with several teams to get him.

[Kori Ellis]

If you don't know, it's time to understand CLEARLY - the season is OVER!!! I have said it 15 games ago...

Please stop posting then. You post the same thing after each loss and then copy and paste your post into multiple threads.

We all heard you the first time.

If you think the season is over, then turn off your TV and stop watching.

[timvp]

Were they too late? or they didn't offer enough?

I knew they had tried to trade up with several teams to get him.

Supposedly, the Spurs had a deal worked out with Utah to move up to get Nelson. But the Magic swooped in ahead of Utah's pick and traded for him.

[ducks]

If you don't know, it's time to understand CLEARLY - the season is OVER!!! I have said it 15 games ago...
you do not watch a team if they are not the favorite to win it all
What a fucking bandwagoner fan

[dbreiden83080]

And to think how close he was to being the Spurs pick instead of Beno- Spurs screwed up the plan that night getting beat to the punch by an Orlando deal with Denver.

Yeah Beno Geez he has totally played himself out of the lineup now. I agree with Kori also put Butler in he can not be any worse than Oberto and Elson give the guy a chance, Timmy needs help inside.

[1Parker1]

BTW, What happened with Bowen tonight? He didn't seem to get much playing time?

Or is it me or does Bowen look a step slower this season? His defense is still good, but I think it's a large drop off from last season. I thought his defense last season was amazing on a night in night out basis. This season it seems very inconsistent.

[jbspurs]

Unfortunately, there're even showing it over and over on the Food Network.


ALSO ON DISNEY CHANNEL!

[timvp]

BTW, What happened with Bowen tonight? He didn't seem to get much playing time?

Or is it me or does Bowen look a step slower this season? His defense is still good, but I think it's a large drop off from last season. I thought his defense last season was amazing on a night in night out basis. This season it seems very inconsistent.

Did anyone on the Magic score a point on him tonight? When he was on Hedo or Bogans, they didn't even come close to scoring.

[Trainwreck2100]

Supposedly, the Spurs had a deal worked out with Utah to move up to get Nelson. But the Magic swooped in ahead of Utah's pick and traded for him.


Couldn't you just tell her that?

[timvp]

Couldn't you just tell her that?

No. She's a good four or five feet away.

Maybe six.

[Budkin]

According to Sean Elliot there was no way Timmy could have played the alley oop any better :lmao

[T Park]

His defense is still good, but I think it's a large drop off from last season. I thought his defense last season was amazing on a night in night out basis. This season it seems very inconsistent.

Where in the fuck do you people get this bullshit?

[1Parker1]

Did anyone on the Magic score a point on him tonight? When he was on Hedo or Bogans, they didn't even come close to scoring.

I said his defense was still great....I just don't think it's at the level it's been in years past.

[dbreiden83080]

You know i may get laughed at but i would trade to get Rasho back right now if i were the Spurs. He may suck on offense but he can clog up that middle and block shots.

[T Park]

No. She's a good four or five feet away.

Maybe six

Then theres accounting for the dog noise.

[dbreiden83080]

According to Sean Elliot there was no way Timmy could have played the alley oop any better :lmao

Whatever Howard is 6'11 and jumps out of the GYM Timmy played a great game tonight nothing he did is the reason they lost.

[1Parker1]

Where in the fuck do you people get this bullshit?


:wtf Um, Calm down? I have no idea what you're problem is, T_Park. You seem to start fights with almost every poster on the forum and then cry like a bitch when they talk back to you, even though you're the one who starts shit half the time.

What I stated was my personal opinion and a general question I was asking to posters. I don't know where you get off going crazy, cursing like a fiend, and implying that I no shit about basketball.

Either way, I'm getting tired of your constant bitching and fighting so I'm sorry but I'm just going to put you on Ignore.

[Kori Ellis]

I said his defense was still great....I just don't think it's at the level it's been in years past.

Weird. I think that's an illusion. To me, Bowen's defense is as good or better than it's ever been.

I think the illusion comes on some nights when he funnels players baseline (like he's supposed to) and no one is there to stop them. So they go right to the rim. One-on-one though I think he's defense has been outstanding this year.

[dbreiden83080]

Weird. I think that's an illusion. To me, Bowen's defense is as good or better than it's ever been.

It is we just can not funnel the players to the middle anymore because the shot blocking is Tim Duncan and nobody else.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

Weird. I think that's an illusion. To me, Bowen's defense is as good or better than it's ever been.
I agree. I think because Bowen has earned his rep, people expect him to lockdown everyone to everyone. His presence does make a difference.

[Kori Ellis]

It is we just can not funnel the players to the middle anymore because the shot blocking is Tim Duncan and nobody else.

Yeah I was editing/continuing my post on that same thought. I got overzealous and hit Submit before I was done :)

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

It is we just can not funnel the players to the middle anymore because the shot blocking is Tim Duncan and nobody else.
I'm getting depressed because of our holes, like this one. Duncan needs a sidekick Defender big man. Why can't Butler make the line up. Why did Bonner have to get injured?!

[1Parker1]

Weird. I think that's an illusion. To me, Bowen's defense is as good or better than it's ever been.

I think the illusion comes on some nights when he funnels players baseline (like he's supposed to) and no one is there to stop them. So they go right to the rim. One-on-one though I think he's defense has been outstanding this year.

Perhaps, or maybe the large fall of the Spurs defense as a whole this season is making me look at Bowen even more critically.

[Kori Ellis]

I'm getting depressed because of our holes, like this one. Duncan needs a sidekick Defender big man. Why can't Butler make the line up. Why did Bonner have to get injured?!

Well Bonner isn't exactly a defender.

[1Parker1]

Well Bonner isn't exactly a defender.

:lol Well, he may be an upgrade over Elson/Oberto. Which still doesn't solve anything...

[dbreiden83080]

Yeah I was editing/continuing my post on that same thought. I got overzealous and hit Submit before I was done :)

Kori let me ask you would you try and trade to get Rasho back right now? I know he sucks on offense but he can help Timmy in the middle we have to address that issue if the Spurs have any shot in the playoffs.

[Kori Ellis]

Kori let me ask you would you try and trade to get Rasho back right now? I know he sucks on offense but he can help Timmy in the middle we have to address that issue if the Spurs have any shot in the playoffs.

I still don't think Pop would play him against the Mavs or Phoenix - too slow and unathletic. He would help against some teams, but I don't think he would be used against the contenders.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

I was just thinking of Bonner as another Big Body to be funneled toward alongside Duncan. At least he shows more pep than the other two deadweights. Well Elson just looks confused. Maybe he's dumb or something.

[dbreiden83080]

I still don't think Pop would play him against the Mavs or Phoenix - too slow and unathletic. He would help against some teams, but I don't think he would be used against the contenders.

So who would you try and get as a big for the Spurs come trade deadline they have to get somebody that is by far the most glaring weakness they have.

[T Park]

I'm getting tired of your constant bitching and fighting so I'm sorry but I'm just going to put you on Ignore.

all i said is where you got this bullshit.

If your that thin skinned....

[Budkin]

I still don't think Pop would play him against the Mavs or Phoenix - too slow and unathletic. He would help against some teams, but I don't think he would be used against the contenders.

He sure would help us against Miami. I don't even want to see what Shaq is gonna do to us with no bigs...

[dbreiden83080]

He sure would help us against Miami. I don't even want to see what Shaq is gonna do to us with no bigs...

You got that right we are going to lose that one unless the big three all play awesome.

[ploto]

How did Bowen become the topic? The Spurs had some problems tonight- but Bowen certainly wasn't one of them.

I did find it slightly ironic that Vaughn had 2 turnovers but shot 2-3.

[T Park]

I did find it slightly ironic that Vaughn had 2 turnovers but shot 2-3.


I don't see the irony.....

[timvp]

I don't see the irony.....

The irony is Beno would have had 23 turnovers and shot 0-2.

[Kori Ellis]

I don't see the irony.....

I think she was saying it's ironic because he's known for bad shooting and good ballhandling, but tonight he was the opposite.

[T Park]

Ahhh 10-4 :lol

[Jimcs50]

RIP

Spurs

[T Park]

I think she was saying it's ironic because he's known for bad shooting and good ballhandling, but tonight he was the opposite.

Yeah Beno just stinks at both.

[fred33]

gino was one of the problem

[fred33]

parker also but not the last shot normally nobody mark with 0.6 to play normally

[T Park]

RIP

Spurs



:lol

Man you supported those sorry as Red Sox better than this team and the Spurs have won more rings in the past 4 years than the fuckhead Sox will for the next 500 years,

[Don Quixote]

Way to go, Spurs!

Way to come through in the clutch.

[1Parker1]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The first game-winning basket of Dwight Howard's career was so impressive, even the losers were amazed by it.

Howard leaped high over Tim Duncan to grab a long inbounds pass from Hedo Turkoglu with one hand and dunk it with 0.2 seconds left, giving the Orlando Magic a 106-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

"Dwight had to go up and touch the clouds over Timmy and get it one-handed and put it in," the Spurs' Brent Barry said. "It was a remarkable play."

It was the first game-winning shot of Howard's career at any level and finished off a night in which he scored 30 points and had eight rebounds. He also blocked three shots, including one by Spurs guard Tony Parker with 0.8 seconds left to set up the game-winning play.

"Thank God we have an unbelievable athlete capable of making an unbelievable play like that," Magic coach Brian Hill said. "Everything had to be perfect, starting with the pass and Dwight just finished it off the way only he can."

Magic rookie J.J. Redick added a season-high 16 points, including a critical three-point play in the final minute.

"That was just freak athleticism," Redick said of Howard's play. "We've all seen spectacular lobs and dunks, but I told him after the game: 'Dude, I've never seen anything like that in that situation."'

Added Spurs coach Gregg Popovich: "That was a fantastic catch by a really dynamic young player. But Dwight was great the whole night. It was a fantastic win for Orlando."

Hill said his team needed a victory. The Magic had lost 11 of 14 and looked on their way to number 12 when San Antonio went in front 44-26 with 5:44 left in the second quarter.

However, Hill went to a three-guard lineup of Redick, Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo, and Orlando slowly clawed its way back into the game. Nelson, who had a season-high 31 points, scored 16 straight for the Magic at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. Arroyo had 12 points and seven assists.

They helped erase what had been an 11-point third-quarter deficit.

"Beating a good team like San Antonio has to give you confidence, especially at home," Nelson said. "To get that kind of energy and electricity from your fans really has to help you out."

San Antonio led 103-97 with 1:54 to play on Manu Ginobli's driving layup, but the Magic scored the next five points, including a three-point play by Redick. His layup and free throw made it 103-102 with 46 seconds to play.

Bruce Bowen missed two free throws for San Antonio with 27 seconds left, but Parker rebounded and was fouled. He made only one of two free throws to push the Spurs' lead to 104-102.

Nelson tied it at 104, weaving inside heavy traffic and lobbing in a 15-footer with 5.9 seconds to play. Howard blocked Parker's driving layup attempt with 0.8 left to give Orlando a shot at the victory.

The Magic center jumped high over Duncan to grab Turkoglu's pass from the right sideline and throw it down. San Antonio couldn't get off a shot before time expired.

Nelson scored 16 straight points for Orlando at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth to erase what had been an 18-point deficit. His 20-footer with 10:28 left in the game gave Orlando its first lead since the opening minute, 85-84.

The Spurs shot 55 percent in the first half and led by as many as 18 points. Barry, who had nine points in the first five minutes of the game, hit a runner in the lane to make it 44-26 with 5:44 left in the second period.

San Antonio led 59-48 at halftime before the Magic went to a three-guard lineup and shot their way back into the game. Redick and Carlos Arroyo joined Nelson midway through the third period with the Magic trailing 74-63 and sparked a surge. Nelson scored the Magic's last 11 points of the period, including a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds that tied the game at 80 going into the fourth quarter.

Notes

The Magic are the only NBA team never to have won a season series against San Antonio. Howard is 33-of-37 from the field in his last three games. Michael Finley was only 5-of-17 from the field with 16 points in his last three games before scoring 18 against Orlando.
Redick has scored in double figures in three of his last four games after doing it only once in the first 50 games.

[SpursInSevenIn07]

We're in a league where the Atlanta Hawks beat the Phoenix Suns tonight. A fluke winning dunk by Dwight Howard, big deal.

[ManuTim_best of Fwiendz]

"Even the losers were amazed..."

They could have at least referred to the losing team by their name!

[dbreiden83080]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The first game-winning basket of Dwight Howard's career was so impressive, even the losers were amazed by it.

Howard leaped high over Tim Duncan to grab a long inbounds pass from Hedo Turkoglu with one hand and dunk it with 0.2 seconds left, giving the Orlando Magic a 106-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

"Dwight had to go up and touch the clouds over Timmy and get it one-handed and put it in," the Spurs' Brent Barry said. "It was a remarkable play."

It was the first game-winning shot of Howard's career at any level and finished off a night in which he scored 30 points and had eight rebounds. He also blocked three shots, including one by Spurs guard Tony Parker with 0.8 seconds left to set up the game-winning play.

"Thank God we have an unbelievable athlete capable of making an unbelievable play like that," Magic coach Brian Hill said. "Everything had to be perfect, starting with the pass and Dwight just finished it off the way only he can."

Magic rookie J.J. Redick added a season-high 16 points, including a critical three-point play in the final minute.

"That was just freak athleticism," Redick said of Howard's play. "We've all seen spectacular lobs and dunks, but I told him after the game: 'Dude, I've never seen anything like that in that situation."'

Added Spurs coach Gregg Popovich: "That was a fantastic catch by a really dynamic young player. But Dwight was great the whole night. It was a fantastic win for Orlando."

Hill said his team needed a victory. The Magic had lost 11 of 14 and looked on their way to number 12 when San Antonio went in front 44-26 with 5:44 left in the second quarter.

However, Hill went to a three-guard lineup of Redick, Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo, and Orlando slowly clawed its way back into the game. Nelson, who had a season-high 31 points, scored 16 straight for the Magic at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. Arroyo had 12 points and seven assists.

They helped erase what had been an 11-point third-quarter deficit.

"Beating a good team like San Antonio has to give you confidence, especially at home," Nelson said. "To get that kind of energy and electricity from your fans really has to help you out."

San Antonio led 103-97 with 1:54 to play on Manu Ginobli's driving layup, but the Magic scored the next five points, including a three-point play by Redick. His layup and free throw made it 103-102 with 46 seconds to play.

Bruce Bowen missed two free throws for San Antonio with 27 seconds left, but Parker rebounded and was fouled. He made only one of two free throws to push the Spurs' lead to 104-102.

Nelson tied it at 104, weaving inside heavy traffic and lobbing in a 15-footer with 5.9 seconds to play. Howard blocked Parker's driving layup attempt with 0.8 left to give Orlando a shot at the victory.

The Magic center jumped high over Duncan to grab Turkoglu's pass from the right sideline and throw it down. San Antonio couldn't get off a shot before time expired.

Nelson scored 16 straight points for Orlando at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth to erase what had been an 18-point deficit. His 20-footer with 10:28 left in the game gave Orlando its first lead since the opening minute, 85-84.

The Spurs shot 55 percent in the first half and led by as many as 18 points. Barry, who had nine points in the first five minutes of the game, hit a runner in the lane to make it 44-26 with 5:44 left in the second period.

San Antonio led 59-48 at halftime before the Magic went to a three-guard lineup and shot their way back into the game. Redick and Carlos Arroyo joined Nelson midway through the third period with the Magic trailing 74-63 and sparked a surge. Nelson scored the Magic's last 11 points of the period, including a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds that tied the game at 80 going into the fourth quarter.

Notes

The Magic are the only NBA team never to have won a season series against San Antonio. Howard is 33-of-37 from the field in his last three games. Michael Finley was only 5-of-17 from the field with 16 points in his last three games before scoring 18 against Orlando.
Redick has scored in double figures in three of his last four games after doing it only once in the first 50 games.

In summary we suck shit and the Magic benefitted from that not too mention lousy officiating.

[NBABaller]

Yeah the Hawks did something your fluke team couldn't

Beat the Suns

Instead they decided to

http://s09.picshome.com/8f0/chokinglakers.png

against the freaking slumping Magic

[TDfan2007]

wow, I just want to give Tony and Bruce their props for being complete chokers at the FT line. Excellent job guys.

A complete waste of great games by Tim and Brent.

*sigh*, man it sucks to watch your favorite team just piss away games in the 4th quarter over and over and over again.

[Pablo Escobar]

We're in a league where the Atlanta Hawks beat the Phoenix Suns tonight. A fluke winning dunk by Dwight Howard, big deal.
nice name you stupid little bitch i like

[Texas_Ranger]

WTF is wrong with the Spurs in the last quarter?!

[1Parker1]

"Even the losers were amazed..."

They could have at least referred to the losing team by their name!

:lmao Spurs get no respect!


BTW, we should have a prediction contest for what Johnny Ludden writes about in tommorow's article. I foreshadow the following headline: "Spurs Have Problems Holding Big Leads"

[1Parker1]

We're in a league where the Atlanta Hawks beat the Phoenix Suns tonight.

Except the Suns were playing without their MVP. If Duncan hadn't played tonight, Spurs woulda lost by 18.

[dbreiden83080]

WTF is wrong with the Spurs in the last quarter?!

This has got to be rough on Duncan he is going to be 31 this year and should be contending for another title not carrying a bunch of underachievers on his back, those days should be behind him.

[NBABaller]

http://s07.picshome.com/835/147623067_243df2ca3c.jpg

[Kori Ellis]

WTF is wrong with the Spurs in the last quarter?!

They actually lost the game in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

[dbreiden83080]

http://s07.picshome.com/835/147623067_243df2ca3c.jpg

HAHA Newbie well you guys are probably losing to the Mavs in the playoffs after Nash gets another underserved MVP award. That will be 3 MVP's and how many titles have they won i lost track.

[NBABaller]

HAHA Newbie well you guys are probably losing to the Mavs in the playoffs after Nash gets another underserved MVP award. That will be 3 MVP's and how many titles have they won i lost track.

I'd rather lose by 20 without Nash then losing by 2 and choking a 18-point lead by a total domination of Duncan courtesy of Howard


http://s09.picshome.com/8f0/chokinglakers.png

[SpursInSevenIn07]

people need to get some lives. it's funny how every game to some people seems to dictate whether we're good or not. last year and the year before, were people wasting their time saying the spurs suck because they lost to the orlando magic? or because we lost to the timberwolves or bobcats? oh, dwight howard made a winning dunk on us, oh no oh no!

we better beat the charlotte bobcats next time! our season hangs on that game!

the fact that we can "struggle" so much and yet hang on to 3rd ahead of teams like lakers, utah and houston, tells you how good we still are. if you watched any of the games on tnt last night, you will see how unwatchable the majority of nba teams are. we still put on good games. the only team we need to be concerned with is dallas, we've lost twice to them by an average of 4 points,. four! dallas has not won on their own floor vs the spurs this season. if you anti-spurs dallas maverick buttlickers would stop turning losses to the magic into RIP spurs for a second, you might gain some common sense back.

[Flopper]

meh...unfortunate event with Howard.

[NBABaller]

people need to get some lives. it's funny how every game to some people seems to dictate whether we're good or not. last year and the year before, were people wasting their time saying the spurs suck because they lost to the orlando magic? or because we lost to the timberwolves or bobcats? oh, dwight howard made a winning dunk on us, oh no oh no!

we better beat the charlotte bobcats next time! our season hangs on that game!

the fact that we can "struggle" so much and yet hang on to 3rd ahead of teams like lakers, utah and houston, tells you how good we still are. if you watched any of the games on tnt last night, you will see how unwatchable the majority of nba teams are. we still put on good games. the only team we need to be concerned with is dallas, we've lost twice to them by an average of 4 points,. four! dallas has not won on their own floor vs the spurs this season. if you anti-spurs dallas maverick buttlickers would stop turning losses to the magic into RIP spurs for a second, you might gain some common sense back.

You need to be concerned about every team in the NBA

your team plain and simple SUCK

[SpursInSevenIn07]

Except the Suns were playing without their MVP. If Duncan hadn't played tonight, Spurs woulda lost by 18.


for the suns, most valuable player = only valuable player. lack of depth exposed tonight. goodbye suns in 2nd round.

[NBABaller]

And expect another spanking on Sunday

[THE SIXTH MAN]

your team plain and simple SUCK
If your going to troll on a forum you can at least try to spell out complete sentences.
:lol

[ponky]

wow, a suns fan talking smack to the spurs fans, weird

anyway, i didn't catch the game until the 3rd quarter thanks to my stupid tivo but spurs probably sucked to give up the lead (mavs do that a lot, it happens)...just unfortunate about the howard dunk. i was amazed at that perfect throw-in and dunk but it's not like there was anything the spurs could've done at that point, they played well enough in the 4th to stay in it, just one of those games that could've gone either way...imo, the spurs seem to be playing better these last two weeks

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

wow just saw that final play. That was nastiness at its finest!

Dwight is a beast

[ponky]

wow just saw that final play. That was nastiness at its finest!

Dwight is a beast

btw, congrats on YOUR team's win tonight! :) :toast

[THE SIXTH MAN]

wow just saw that final play. That was nastiness at its finest!

Dwight is a beast
That's got to be the best play of the year hands down.

[NBABaller]

wow just saw that final play. That was nastiness at its finest!

Dwight is a beast

And Duncan was the victim as usual...again!

[DR WU]

If SA just hits their last four freethrows it's not a contest.

[ponky]

That's got to be the best play of the year hands down.

i agree. i was in a state of shock for a couple of seconds, like HOW WAS THAT SHOT POSSIBLE?!?!?!??!

[ponky]

And Duncan was the victim as usual...again!

duncan was behind him and there was nothing he could've done, that's not really a fair assessment...plus, duncan had a very good night

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

btw, congrats on YOUR team's win tonight! :) :toast
cheers

:toast


its been a long time coming :lol

[THE SIXTH MAN]

i agree. i was in a state of shock for a couple of seconds, like HOW WAS THAT SHOT POSSIBLE?!?!?!??!
It sucks being on the losing end, but as a fan you just have to give props were props are due. :toast

[cambrad]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/24/fullj.getty-71797054fm009_spurs_magic_10_20_45_pm.jpg

[dbreiden83080]

I'd rather lose by 20 without Nash then losing by 2 and choking a 18-point lead by a total domination of Duncan courtesy of Howard


http://s09.picshome.com/8f0/chokinglakers.png

WTF did not watch the game i guess Timmy is the last reason they lost tonight the man is a legend Nash is not fit to carry his Jock.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

i know u guys hate the outcome but DANG, look how high he was !

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/e5/fullj.getty-71797054fm010_spurs_magic_11_07_41_pm.jpg

[ponky]

i know u guys hate the outcome but DANG, look how high he was !

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/e5/fullj.getty-71797054fm010_spurs_magic_11_07_41_pm.jpg

THIS is the pic i was looking for, the other one doesn't show quite the lift he gets, just WOW!!!

[Nashfan]

If you look at the pictures closely it looks like Parker came into the picture late after Howard had actually dunked the ball. The first picture looks like Howard was just going up and had not actually dunked the ball quite yet.

[ponky]

If you look at the pictures closely it looks like Parker came into the picture late after Howard had actually dunked the ball. The first picture looks like Howard was just going up and had not actually dunked the ball quite yet.

it's just different angles, look at the first pic, the fans in the background...then look at the second pic, the fans from the first pic are mostly cut off on the far left...you can tell by the guy in the white t-shirt standing in the aisles with his arms crossed

[Nashfan]

it's just different angles, look at the first pic, the fans in the background...then look at the second pic, the fans from the first pic are mostly cut off on the far left...you can tell by the guy in the white t-shirt standing in the aisles with his arms crossed


Yeah, I guess that could be it on second look. :)

[Trainwreck2100]

This loss was almost as bad as TMac's ten point 45 second crap

[ponky]

Yeah, I guess that could be it on second look. :)

yup, plus, in the second pic, a lot less of the court is pictured, look at the paint and the logos...haha, i really analyze crap like this, too much photoshop work!

[jbspurs]

I'd rather lose by 20 without Nash then losing by 2 and choking a 18-point lead by a total domination of Duncan courtesy of Howard


http://s09.picshome.com/8f0/chokinglakers.png


Are you making fun of your team?

[wildbill2u]

duncan was behind him and there was nothing he could've done, that's not really a fair assessment...plus, duncan had a very good night
Go to NBA.com and check out the video. Duncan was fronting him out high and lost track of Howard as he spun past Duncan and went to the basket. By the time Tim got back in the play, Howard was inside him at the basket and above the rim for the dunk.

It was a great individual effort by Howard, and not so great on the part of Duncan.

[ShoogarBear]

I'd rather lose by 20 without Nash then losing by 2 and choking a 18-point lead by a total domination of Duncan courtesy of Howard


Man, there's nothing like being reglated on by fans of the notoriously playoff-clutch Phoenix Suns.

[LEONARD]

I can't put into words the level of joy I felt on that lob dunk... :fro

[1Parker1]

I can't put into words the level of joy I felt on that lob dunk... :fro

I can't put into words the level of joy I felt in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last season :fro

[angel_luv]

Don't do it! Don't do it! :lol

:dont

[LEONARD]

I can't put into words the level of joy I felt in Game 6 of the NBA Finals last season :fro

Good one...I'm sure you did!!

I can't put into words how I felt in game 7 of the SECOND ROUND last year when the Spurs choked on their home court... :clap

(your next line will no doubt refer to 3 titles to none, or that I'm a Mavs fan on a Spurs board)

[Trainwreck2100]

Good one...I'm sure you did!!

I can't put into words how I felt in game 7 of the WCF's last year when the Spurs choked on their home court... :clap

(your next line will no doubt refer to 3 titles to none, or that I'm a Mavs fan on a Spurs board)


:rolleyes
it wasn't the WCFs and thus the rolleyes

[LEONARD]

:rolleyes
it wasn't the WCFs and thus the rolleyes

:oops

My bad...I forgot the Spurs didn't get that far...

[Trainwreck2100]

:oops

My bad...I forgot the Spurs didn't get that far...

that's okay, it's not your fault your team choked in the Finals.

[LEONARD]

that's okay, it's not your fault your team choked in the Finals.

True, it's not my fault...

If you could re-write history would you rather the Spurs choked in the finals last year or choked in the 2nd round? :spin

[Trainwreck2100]

True, it's not my fault...

If you could re-write history would you rather the Spurs choked in the finals last year or choked in the 2nd round? :spin

take your pick, a loss is a loss

[LEONARD]

take your pick, a loss is a loss

Give me the finals appearance / win over the Spurs in the 2nd round every time :lol

[Trainwreck2100]

Give me the finals appearance / win over the Spurs in the 2nd round every time :lol


Okay, but if you are comfortable with losing in the Finals every time even the appearance will get stale. Just ask the Bills

[LEONARD]

Okay, but if you are comfortable with losing in the Finals every time even the appearance will get stale. Just ask the Bills

It certainly would...but it would still be preferred over losing in the 2nd round or WCF's...

It's not realistic this year...nobody in the east can hang with any of 5 or more teams in the west...

[Trainwreck2100]

It certainly would...but it would still be preferred over losing in the 2nd round or WCF's...

It's not realistic this year...nobody in the east can hang with any of 5 or more teams in the west...


That's what could have been said last year

[NBABaller]

This loss was almost as bad as TMac's ten point 45 second crap

No, that loss is worst than the .04 by Derek Fisher in 2004...LOL :lol