Orlando’s win last night in Atlanta was something of a statement game. The Magic were coming off a tough last-second loss at home the night before and the winner of this game would sit atop the Southeast Division. The Magic are playing without Jameer Nelson, so they need either Jason Williams or Anthony Johnson to step it up on a nightly basis, and last night it was the 35-year-old Johnson. He posted 17 points, three assists and two rebounds in just 21 minutes.
Dwight Howard had 22 points and 17 rebounds, while Vince Carter chipped in with 21 points and nine boards.
In just 31 minutes of playing time, Kevin Durant posted 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals in a 102-74 win over the Magic. Durant shot 11-17 from the field as the young Thunder upended a shorthanded Orlando team. (The Magic were without Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson due to sprained ankles, and Rashard Lewis is still suspended.)
The Magic were busy this summer, but did they get better? Only time will tell. Vince Carter, Brandon Bass and Jason Williams are in, and Hedo Turkoglu, Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston are out. Orlando fended off a strong run from the Mavs for the services of Marcin Gortat, and actually played Mark Cuban and Co. pretty well by stealing the up-and-coming Bass away in the process. It appears that Bass may start at power forward, which would move Rashard Lewis to small forward. Since the mismatches Lewis created at power forward were one of the Magic’s strengths last season, this may not be written in stone. Orlando also has the option of starting Mickael Pietrus at small forward and moving Lewis back to PF. But the biggest change to the lineup is the loss of Turkoglu and the acquisition of the 32 year-old Vince Carter, who will likely take over Turkoglu’s initiation of the offense. But keep in mind that the Magic made their playoff run without the services of All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson, and his return will be a significant boost to an already strong roster. The Magic didn’t just tinker with their Finals roster from last year, they made a pretty major overhaul, so it will be interesting to see how this group gels. Stan Van Gundy is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and the regular season should provide plenty of time for the Magic to work the kinks out. A deep playoff run is likely.