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. But Francis said that he'll "take over" the game in the final period if the Magic are still struggling to close out games "in March." 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). Link
Same old Steve, eh? The Magic fans are starting to say the same things we were. http://forums.delphiforums.com/magicjam/messages/?msg=14106.1 -"I do think Francis thinks as he keeps dribbling the ball, and dribbling the ball, and dribbling the ball....He's thinking "How am I going to prove I'm a good player this time down the floor?" Steve! We all know you're a really good player, with a huge, courageous heart! Now give up the dang ball! Pass a little sooner! Show how good a defender you can be!" -"I doubt any team with him bringing the ball up will win any titles." -"Pass the dang ball to Yao...er, I mean Dwight Howard!!" Okay that last one isn't real.
Figured they wouldn't be complaining after the season they had last year. Then again they are in a slump at the moment.
I'm guessing he means it's the last games of the regular season when they are fighting for higher playoff seeding.
They aren't really complaining. I don't see any "trade Steve" threads. But they are seeing his flaws for what they are.
Well he took over tonight against the Spurs. I finally saw the Magic, I saw the fourth quarter of that game. Steve really didn't have a melt down, everyone on the team didn't play well as the Heat turned up the D. Hill even had a critical turnover late so you can't really blame that loss on Steve. As far as dribbling too much, I honestly didn't see that in the fourth, maybe once he took an ill-advised shot, but it was a layup.
It's a minority of fans with the Francis comments, and it's certainly less than what's going on around here. Francis wants the Magic to figure things out as a team before having to take over himself. He can do it, and everyone knows he can, but he feels it's more important for the team to do things as a unit -- and that's what it takes, on both ends of the court, to close out quarters. And, for those who didn't see it, that is exactly what happened tonight as the Magic beat the Spurs. No miraculous heroics required.
Did you guys see that dunk Steve had on Duncan!? He went coast to coast, crossed over the Spurs backcourt and punched it on Duncan.
just got to see the highlights on SC (back in houston, no LP) and DAMN was that move impressive. a crossover at full speed and then two steps and slamming it on someone. and it's not like this was just anybody. he crossed over bruce bowen and slammed it on tim duncan, two all-NBA defenders. posterizing chris mihm or trevor arisa (or whoever) is one thing, but throwing it down on duncan is something else. only the three buzzer beaters of the night beat it out on SC's top 10. and he must have more alley oops to cato (from the right) and mobley (from the left) with that start up top, spread the D out, drive in, draw the defender and then lob it over him play than any two combos in the league. it's amazing that play still works after being around so long.
Sigh, if we kept SF, Cat and Cato, we could have sit comfortably at 6th or even 5th spot at western conference right now. I still admire Rox management's willingness to take the chance, but so far the trade doesn't seem work well for Houston. Of course JVG as a big fat nagitive factor doesn't make it better either.
90% of the post I see are positive post on francis.When I do see negative comments they they are from members with names like rocketrob, so that should tell you somethig right there.I see we still have people in houston that don't want him to suceedand will never admit the trade hurt us.why when he has good games I always see bashing??
I don't think we could've, although we all should have expected the players that came with T-Mac to be completely and utterly useless (I seriously hate Lue right now). Still though, the Magic aren't gonna be winning any championships any time soon.
