Most of the talk surrounding the Orlando Magic this year has centered on Dwight Howard and possible trade rumors. Despite the trade talk, however, the team has started off strong at 6-3. Their record puts them in a tie for second place in the Southeast Division with Atlanta, behind Miami, who has the league’s best record. Fans that have purchased Orlando Magic tickets can only hope that Dwight Howard decides to stay.
As has been the case in year’s past, the story behind the team’s success this year is Dwight Howard. Howard leads the team in five major statistical categories: points (18.6), rebounds (14.6), field goal percentage (59.1), blocks (2.4), and steals (1.4). So far this year, however, Howard has been somewhat pleased with the output of his supporting cast. Those that have purchased Magic tickets should breath a sign of relief knowing this fact.
Forward Ryan Anderson seems to be making a bid for Most Improved Player of the Year as he has gotten off to a hot start. Anderson is averaging 18.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. As a player who started out the year without even a secure starting job, he has clearly been the strongest supporting player behind Howard. Anderson is hitting 39.7% from behind the three-point line, and turned in a Howard-esque 23 point, 15 rebound performance in a win against the Washington Wizards. Be sure to buy Orlando Magic tickets for their next game to get your chance at seeing this up-in-coming player.
Forward Hedo Turkoglu, after something of a down year last year, appears to be returning to form as well. He is averaging 13.6 points and shooting 45.2% from the three point line. The Magic are also pleased with the emergence of new acquisition Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Davis came over from Boston in the off season, and, after a slow start has had a couple of impressive games. With the addition of Glen Davis, the Magic had hoped Dwight Howard might want to stay because those two are buddies. In their last game against Sacramento, Davis came in to fill in for Howard, who was in foul trouble early. He was a more than adequate replacement, scoring 20 points and pulling down 8 rebounds in a win. This was certainly an exciting match up and you shouldn’t miss opportunities to see games like this one. Be sure to buy your Magic tickets now for their upcoming game. Coach Stan Van Gundy plans to keep Davis coming in from off of the bench, which means that the Magic may finally have a reliable backup to turn to when Howard gets put in foul trouble. Also, giving their star player well deserved rest between quarters will ensure that he does not burn out and can still put on a good show for those that bought Magic tickets for that game.
What has yet to be seen is if Orlando can hold their own with the creme-de-la-creme of the league. Their three losses came to Miami, Oklahoma City, and Chicago. These are clearly three of (if not the three) top teams in the NBA but Orlando lost to all by eight or more points and were embarrassed by Miami 118-85. Although it’s early in the season, none of Orlando’s wins has come against a team that had a winning record when they played.
Therefore, Howard wants to go to a team that has a legitimate shot at the NBA title. It’s difficult to make the argument that the Orlando Magic do after their showing against the Heat this year. Orlando will get another chance to prove their mettle on January 11, when they face the Portland Trailblazers. Portland has ridden the hot hand of Lamarcus Aldridge out to a 6-2 start. Orlando will need Dwight Howard to stay out of foul trouble to win the game. Make sure you buy your Orlando Magic tickets for this game to support the team to victory. If Orlando can get past Portland, maybe Howard will start to look more favorably on their chances to win the title.
