Franchise and Mobley were still kinda doing the "Rockets" that is isolate, and jack shots. To Mobley's credit, he was hitting them all. He was popping J's all over the place. Franchise can really dribble, but sometimes, like you guys rant about, a little too much. Great numbers from Cat, and Franchise was also in double digits. Cato kinda sucked in the beginning, but in the 2nd half he started playing better. Franchise also threw an alley-oop to him, just like the Rockets days. I'm not sure if you guys miss that, but I remember they connected on that play every game last year. It's great to see that they are still doing that.
Damn I wish they were coming on TV more than they are this year. Stupid Cleveland...I gotta watch LeBron James 81 times this year instead But Orlando's gonna shock a LOT of people this year. If Grant works off all his rust, and once this team gets on the same page a little more, they can take their weak division.
Hey cheaprings: did they run Hill at point forward much this game? I remember they were talking about having him run 1-4 during the course of the season, which would benefit Steve (when Mobley's not on the floor) cuz it plays to his strengths as well as one of Grant's strengths. Also, did Jameer Nelson look any good out there?
Looks like Francis, Mobley and rookie Dwight Howard put up some great numbers, but in the end they still lost. It will be interesting to see how Orlando does this year. I would think Magic fans have to be happy by Dwight Howard's first game.
I think he finished with 18, most coming off dunks. He was like 2-9 from the foul line though. He also fouled out.
Howard and Battie foul out trying to guard Gasol, and Steve fouls out Watson and Burks. Losing by 4 to Memphis in the preseason = not too shabby. I doubt the Heat are rethinking their season after playing us. Can't say agree with the decision to start Hill. That's asking for trouble. It's far too high risk to think about doing thing other than bringing him off the bench for 20 mins a game. If you start him, you're opening the door. If Howard can produce like that and progress during the season, I'm even more convinced that this team makes the playoffs. Evan
Magic actually had the lead in the closing minutes but couldn't hold on to win. At least with mobley and Francis scoring it will allow Grant to come back slowly w/o too much pressure on him to score. I'm sure he's just happy to be on the court at this time. This will be an interesting team to watch.
Magic players put up great counting stats last year too. In fact, they were one of the better scoring teams in the NBA(12th overall). But they're TERRIBLE on defense, especially after Doc Rivers got fired. No one on that team last year exerted any energy on defense. Which was why their record was so bad. If this doesn't get remedied, and it looks so far that it hasn't, the Magic are still going to suck. Francis, Mobley, and Cato did flourish defensively under JVG last year. I'm not certain they can maintain their intensity this year.
What happened in Orlando last season has no bearing on this season just like in what happened in Houston last season has no bearing on the Rockets this season
What do you mean by this? How can the last season have no bearing on this one? Orlando still has the same coach, and coaches make the biggest difference on defense. The Magic's offense is likely going to suffer next year. T-Mac and Howard together scored 45 points on that last year's team. Which Mobley and Francis certainly can't match. Even if the Magic improves marginally on defense with Mobley and Cato, it's still might not be enough to offset their losses on offense. And we're talking about the WORST team in the league last year, who gives up 7 more ppg to their opponents. If Orlando had brought in a good coach who can preach defense, like Memphis with Hubie, then this team has potential. As things shape up right now, it doesn't look too good.
So Rudy T ran the same offense he did with Hakeem that he did with Francis and Mobley. Its a completely different team, I’m sure the coach will adjust.
....Cato, Battie and Dwight = GOod enough interior D IMHO......... If Francis and Mobes can do some good D then Orland do can be a VERY good EASTERN team this year. How well do you guys think Hill will do? His comeback is guranteed, but do you see him putting up big numbers or just gets injuried again?
Without a doubt, the Magic should be able to compete for the 4 spot in the East. Other than Detroit, Miami, and Indiana I cant think of a team that is just a whole lot better than Orlando. If Grant Hill can stay healthy, he may be the point forward Steve and Cuttino need and always wanted while they were here.
Here's some highlights from the Magic/Grizz game....found it on another board. http://home.earthlink.net/~stealthninja/preseasongame1.wmv
