You only need to be a casual Orlando Magic fan to understand why General Manager Otis Smith has stated recently that he doesn’t plan on tinkering with the Magic’s roster before the trading deadline next month. In fact, even a co-worker of mine, who hasn’t watched a Magic game in years, knew that we had a 30-8 record and were playing the Kings tonight. There is a buzz about this team that we haven’t had since the Finals run. And this current Magic roster has more of one particular thing than even that 1995 team had: chemistry.
Things are clicking so well right now for the Magic that if we were to play .500 ball for the rest of the season (22-22), we would still equal last year’s 52-win mark. A few weeks ago, I wrote in this same space that the Magic were on pace to reach 40 wins before 20 losses. Well, we have now reached 30 wins before 10 losses! As I said back then, they don’t give out awards for first half records, so for now, we should just celebrate a level of regular season success that we have never experienced in our 20 seasons.
Otis and the rest of the Magic front office realize that they have finally found a formula that is working. The chemistry that the players and coaching staff have with each other is leading to team and individual success. This success is serving as a catalyst for something that is brand new for our players this season: supreme confidence that they will win the game! This was especially evident in our most recent win over the San Antonio Spurs. Unlike the previous two games against the Hawks, the Magic didn’t rush out to a huge lead. Instead, the point difference between the two teams stayed in single digits, with the Spurs briefly taking leads in the 2nd half. But the Magic never panicked and never strayed from what was working for them. It was actually a sweet revelation for me as a fan when with a few minutes left in the 4th quarter, I knew we were going to win. I knew because it was extremely evident on the faces of the players.
As outside observers, we cannot know for sure how the players feel about each other. We aren’t privy to their private moments, to their dinners out with each other, or to any teammate bonding they do throughout the course of the season. But we do know that three of our four stars – Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Hedo Turkoglu – are enjoying their fifth season playing with each other. A key reserve, Tony Battie, has also been with them for five seasons. Key reserves Keith Bogans and JJ Redick have been with the team for at least three years each. These players know each other well as people and as teammates. The chemistry starts with Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson. Their amicable personalities, their insistence on a lighthearted locker room, and their inclination toward jokes, pranks, and nicknames, make it impossible for any teammate to not feel welcome, accepted, and part of the unit. There are no concerns with breaking the ice for the new guys here! This explains why veterans like Anthony Johnson and Mickael Pietrus, as well as younger players like Courtney Lee and Marcin Gortat, can fit right in without missing a beat or messing with the dynamic.
Two huge pieces of this chemistry composition are head coach Stan Van Gundy and Rashard Lewis. They are each in their 2nd year with the team and share the distinction of being the elements that seem to have put us over the top. Somehow, Van Gundy has imposed his defensive will on this team while simultaneously allowing the players to play to their strengths on offense (i.e., 3 pointers by the barge load!). More than anything, the key observation here is that Van Gundy has the attention and the respect of his team, to a man. As for Rashard, he is the quiet glue that keeps the whole thing going. I can’t believe I’m writing that about Lewis and not Turkoglu. But it just seems that Lewis is right there for a huge bucket when we need it, or a block when we need it, or a pass when we need it. He is becoming our most consistent player and oh yeah, write this down: no one, no one on this team is playing with as much confidence as Rashard Lewis. Lewis is just as deserving, if not more so, of an all-star invite as Jameer Nelson.
The chemistry is evident on the court every time Turk throws an out-of-nowhere lob to Howard; every time Nelson flicks a quick cross-court pass to Lewis for a three-pointer; and just as importantly, every time the starters yuck it up on the bench in the fourth quarter while enjoying a double-digit lead.
This team is having more fun than they have ever had. In their minds, they must be saying to themselves: “all this hard work is paying off!” And winning makes everything better right? The plane ride home seems shorter, the next day’s practice seems easier, their wives/girlfriends seem prettier, and the OCTB tastes even more tender and juicy (what, fans can’t enjoy the benefits of success too?).
The season isn’t even half over, and it certainly is going to get harder for our guys. Teams will start circling us on the schedule, coming at us hard. Our newfound elite status still needs to be proven this season against Boston, Cleveland, and ugh, Detroit. But for now, Magic fans can forget about wasted draft picks, departed free agents, and bad trades. They can enjoy seeing a confident and tight group of players entering each game – home or away – knowing they are going home happy.
This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
It is truly a great feeling being a Magic fan right now. The games we are behind in the 4th quarter are much more winnable then they ever were. This team is showing confidence and maturity that is going to win them alot of ball games.
And Rashard Lewis is vastly under appreciated.
He had a name
His name was Wince Harder
Posts: 10215 | Location: Getting a stew going | Registered: July 03, 2007
I'm having a hard time getting used to expecting to win games, that hasn't been the case in a very long time.
The offense has been nice, I think the communication and effort on D has been even better. I like that our guards are crowding perimeter players and I love how aggressive Dwight is now. I actually feel like we can get stops when we need them.
I often wonder, if my Grandmother had miraculously sprouted a pair of testicles whilst my Grandfather was alive, would I then have to also refer to her as Grandfather? -rtillaree
Posts: 10084 | Location: Trying to figure out why the Fan Voice Blog gets 10 views and JJ/Carlos/Jameer/SVG sucks threads get a million views | Registered: February 15, 2006
It is actually great to watch the stability this team has shown and its ability to grow and develop on both ends of the floor. When is the last time if ever the Magic have had a coach that got so much out of each players talents.
Chemistry was no more apparent than last night when all the guys were going crazy for Richarson when he hit that 3.
Doesn't it just feel great to go into a game not worried about a loss...confident that the guys will find a way to pull it off...I have to say it feels just like it felt when the Bulls won the 72 games or whatever and I was a fan...
"Michael, you are not quite the ladies man I had pictured. Hopefully, we will remedy that when we are in the spa spreading body chocolate on each other."
Posts: 6496 | Location: "No dejes q este tren se pare, Yo quiero q tus manos a mi me reparen, Ayudame a llegar a tu estacion, Seguir hasta que explote el corazon" | Registered: February 27, 2006
Chemistry. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 why someone like Artest, Marbury, Francis, and others wouldn't work for us.
Thus, it is either that Otis really takes chemistry and the ability for everyone to get along as the most important thing, or he really does get cold feet on all these potential deals. At 31-8 I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
Posts: 5582 | Location: The Magic Castle | Registered: November 16, 2006
Originally posted by davcivic: Doesn't it just feel great to go into a game not worried about a loss...confident that the guys will find a way to pull it off...I have to say it feels just like it felt when the Bulls won the 72 games or whatever and I was a fan...
The only thing that holds me back from saying this team is the best Magic team of alltime is postseason success. However, I will gladly say that this is my alltime favorite team. Its an absolute pleasure watching these guys take the court every night. They come to work every night with a professional attitude and yet they still enjoy playing the game. To me, that makes it all the more enjoyable to watch.
Quote from Davcicic, "I love the Magic so much that I would take them to the back of the school and get them Pregnant!!!!"
Posts: 8105 | Location: Playing another game of "What the hell is PEC talking about this time?" | Registered: March 13, 2006
To me this is the Heart and Hustle team with skills. They obviously work hard, they work well together, starters or reserves...doesn't matter.
And we have a coach that can keep them motivated without kissing their rears.
And to think that we are just gonna get better.
Posts: 817 | Location: I quit saying all newborn babies looked like Yoda when, after years, I finally met one that didn't. Yoda accepted my apology. (Spell checking courtesy of Yankee Chris) | Registered: March 12, 2007
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