Lack of execution a concern in the 4th quarter lately

[Jimcs50]

Lack of execution a concern in the 4th quarter lately

By Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted December 21, 2004


Steve Francis plays Santa Claus for charity today. But first he will practice with the Orlando Magic, who have been giving away fourth-quarter gifts this season.

The Magic's execution down the stretch cost them Sunday against the Miami Heat, the third game in the past week they had let get away in the final quarter.

They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs in a similar fashion.

They face the Spurs again Wednesday night at TD Waterhouse Centre.

The Spurs trailed by 10 heading into the fourth before outscoring the Magic 28-15 last Wednesday in San Antonio.

That game came down to the final 10 seconds, with the Magic needing a three-point play or shot to tie. Francis drove to the hoop, looking to draw the defense and set up a teammate for a 3-point shot. But San Antonio didn't take the bait and forced Francis to dribble out to shoot a wayward 3-pointer.

The Magic were tied with the Lakers going into the last quarter but were outscored 21-14. Orlando also was tied with Miami before being outscored 31-21 in the fourth.

The Magic expect that the more experience they have together will benefit them as the season progresses, improving their execution.
Forward Grant Hill said the only way the club can learn to handle fourth-quarter situations is during the games.

"It's a matter of being in those situations in the games," he said. "With the schedule, you don't have time to practice it."

The Magic have lost four of their past five games, but Francis says, "I still believe in our team."

Etc.

Francis will hold his "Holiday Extravaganza" today for 75 children from the Central Florida Boys and Girls Club. Francis will distribute toys and books. . . . Francis leads the club in scoring at 21.5 points. His career-best for a season is 21.6, accomplished in the 2001-02 season. He averaged just 16.6 point last season with the Houston Rockets. . . . The Magic play their next three games at home, facing the Spurs, the New York Knicks (next Monday) and the Milwaukee Bucks (next Wednesday).

[ducks]

might help if they get a good point gurd right JIM?

[Jimcs50]

might help if they get a good point gurd right JIM?

What is a gurd???

[ducks]

that is suppose to be guard

[Jimcs50]

that is suppose to be guard

ooooohhhh....well then...carry on.

[Solid D]

That game came down to the final 10 seconds, with the Magic needing a three-point play or shot to tie. Francis drove to the hoop, looking to draw the defense and set up a teammate for a 3-point shot. But San Antonio didn't take the bait and forced Francis to dribble out to shoot a wayward 3-pointer.

So tell us something we don't already know.

[Jimcs50]

So tell us something we don't already know.

You did not know that until I had to tell you guys that after the game. All of you said that Francis just wanted to go in for a layup, but forgot that he needed 3 pts and then dribbled out...remember?

[pjjrfan]

I don't know how they lost in the other late game situations, but it seemed to me like Deja Vu, with Francis when he was with the Rockets. He has the ball with the game on the line and he can't make the right play. Last year he dribbled the last 15 secs of a game and then lost it and the game. My thinking is if the Magic want to win late in the game, they need to make sure Hill has the ball and not Stevie Franchise. I trust his judgement better than I do Francis'.