[Oakland, CA] Even with all of the trade-induced drama surrounding the team, the Orlando Magic are one of the best teams in the NBA. Shhh, don’t tell anybody.

Even though the Magic sit atop the Southeast Division with an 8-3 record, the basketball pundits will never say that Orlando is in the top four or five teams. Why? Well, there are several reasons.

First, Orlando has yet to beat a truly great team other than the Portland Trail Blazers. After victories over Miami, Chicago and/or Oklahoma City, then you will start to hear the TV doggies bark.

Second, Dwight Howard‘s impending trade keeps everybody from saying anything positive about the team because they are an unknown quantity down the stretch. Whatever can be said now won’t mean much after the big fella is traded. Or he could stay, who knows (Jermaine Dupri certainly doesn’t).

No matter, the Orlando Magic broke hearts and set records last night at Golden State. The Warriors went down 117-109 in a high scoring affair that saw the Magic’s superstar center make history (the good kind). And it was at the foul line, no less.

Howard made made 39 trips to the free-throw line, setting an NBA record for charity attempts in a single game. D-12 only managed to turn 21 of those into points, however.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Jason Richardson sprained his left knee

“I just tried to be aggressive and get to the line,” said Howard. “I didn’t care if I missed 30. I was still going to go up there and shoot the next one with confidence.”

The free-throws helped Howard to a monster game – and the first 40-20 game of his career – as he poured in 45 points, grabbed 23 rebounds, had four steals, made three assists and notched two blocks.

Yes, he missed 18 free throws which, if he was a 90%+ shooter, would have netted him another 15 or so points which would have put him at 60 or more points on the night. That’s the stuff of legend. But he missed them, so it is an almost-legend.

“It is amazing,” joked Magic guard J.J. Redick. “It’s amazing that he made 21.”

Warriors head coach Mark Jackson employed the hack-a-Howard due to key injuries on his team as well as Howard’s dismal free-throw shooting percentage (42.6% on the season, ouch).

“He’s a great player. And he’s a bad free throw shooter,” offered Jackson post-game. “Giving ourselves the best chance possible, we tried to mess up their rhythm, take their 3-point shooters out of it, which we did. They made plays.”

As for the Golden State, Monta Ellis made his share of plays, scoring 30 and tossing 11 assists while David Lee gave them a 26-point, 12 rebound effort. It was Lee’s sixth consecutive double-double. Keep an eye on that kid.

Injury report: Orlando’s Jason Richardson exited the game at the 8:46 mark in the third after a court collision that resulted in a sprained left knee. He did not return to action.

Next up for the Orlando Magic: they face the New York Knicks on Monday, the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Oakland, CA] Last season, the Miami Heat earned a well-deserved reputation for blowing out teams in the first three quarters and then falling apart in the fourth. It was something that they had apparently gotten away from this season.

Apparently not.

Late last night – in stunning fashion – the Heat gave up a 17-point lead with 13:15 left in the game and wound up in overtime against the heretofore hapless Golden State Warriors at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. There, they were beat 111-106 having lost all momentum and composure down the stretch.

The Heat even had Dwyane Wade, who was back in business after missing three games with a foot injury. He managed an incredible 34 points, six rebounds and four steals in the losing effort, only the second such defeat for team on the young season.

For Golden State, the hero was the recently-signed Nate Robinson, who went 0-6 in the first three quarters. However, Robinson roared in the fourth by dropping in 15 points, including a pair of arm raising 3-pointers.

Also showing up for the Warriors:  forward Dorell Wright and forward-center David Lee. Wright, a former player for Miami, scored 20 points – eight of those in the OT period – and pulled down 10 rebounds. Lee also impressed with 20 points, 14 boards, four steals and three assists.

For Miami, LeBron James managed 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. But his performance was marred by five turnovers and a late-game disappearing act (commence last season flashback now).

“It was great to see Nate Robinson, who people questioned and doubted, [succeed],” said Warriors coach Mark Jackson after the tough win. “I didn’t know what he was when he was on other teams. And I understood the question marks. But I know he’s a fighter. And I know he’s a competitor.”

“And, no pun intended, I know he’s a Warrior. And the guy left it on the floor. Thank God for second chances,” added Jackson.

“Coach just tested us,” said Robinson. “He asked us who wanted it more, us or them. It was us. We just kept staying together throughout the whole game and it showed.”

The Miami Heat are now 8-2 and face the Los Angeles Clippers tonight for another late West Coast contest.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Image: Golden State Warriors

Miami Heat