[Orlando, FL] “Practice? We’re talking about practice. We are not talking about the game, when it really matters, we are talking about practice.”

These are the famous magical words of former Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson. Well, coming into tonight’s game with a record of 20 wins and 9 loses, it looks like these 76ers may have been doing just that, practicing.

On pace for their first winning season since the 2004-05 golden year, Philly may have found “the answer” to all their questions about how to win; it’s really quite simple, it’s called playing TEAM BALL.

Welcoming all-star Andre “Iggy” Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers to town tonight, the Orlando Magic (18-11) knew going into this game they would have their hands full, to say the least. But that’s something they are used to – just look how they handled the Miami Heat earlier this month.

And with the likes of Jason Richardson, J.J. Redick, and Ryan Anderson playing very good as of late, I think this game has all the making for a nail biter.

With the game starting out with Dwight Howard winning the jump ball over Lavoy Allen (who?) then going down and opening the game with a pretty bank shot, it felt like the big man had finally decided to show up again (Howard’s last game, you may remember, he put up a pathetic 11 points and nabbed only four rebounds).

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson taking it to the hoop

And after going up 18-6 in the first six minutes thanks to J-Rich and Anderson (again), it felt like this game might end up going the Magic’s way after all. Helping their cause was that it appeared as if t a high school team had kidnapped the actual 76ers.

Calling all cars: if you have any information on the whereabouts of a certain basketball team from Philadelphia, please contact the NBA.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Ryan Anderson 14, the Dr. Phillips JV girls basketball team 16. The Magic were up 29-16 after one.

This just in … the Philadelphia 76ers have been finally spotted at the Amway Center. The Sixers started off the quarter on an 11-6 run led by Louis Williams, cutting the lead down to 8 by the 7:36 mark.  But before you knew it, the Magic had built the lead back up to a 12.

After the 76ers went on a little 8-2 run to bring it to within 6, everything seemed to fall apart for the visitors. The Magic went into the locker room at halftime leading 55-39.

First half leaders for the Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson (14 points), Dwight Howard (13 points, 7 boards). Philly Cheese Mistakes: Louis Williams (11 points, 4 assists).

Going into the second half, the 76ers knew they had to change their strategy if they wanted a chance to win, and it appeared that they had figured it out early. Giving the ball to “Iggy” to see what this NBA All-Star could do, he put up 7 points in the first minute and a half.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard rules the paint

But every shot Iggy hit, the Magic had an answer to – for much of the quarter, the Sixers never got closer than 10. But after a few hit shots and a couple of lucky bounces, the 76ers found themselves down by only four points (66-62) with 5:46 left in the third. Maybe I should eat that Philly Cheese Mistake now.

Then again Philly went stagnant, finding themselves down 9 after at the end of three quarters, 79-70. Anderson had 22 for the Magic at this point, and Iggy led the stooges with 15.

Not sure if the 76ers were just playing that bad, or if the Magic’s defense was that good – either way the Magic started off the fourth going up 84-71. They never looked back. After some more basket matching and plenty of three’s for the Magic, the final score: Orlando Magic 103, Philadelphia 76ers 87.

Wow, the Sixers looked extremely out of sync with each other, turning the ball over more than usual and playing sloppy. It was like watching a bad college team. If this is what they look like on a regular basis, Philly fans shouldn’t expect to win anything anytime soon.

And they had been doing great at the start of the season.

Leading the way tonight for the Orlando Magic was none other than Ryan Anderson with 27 (he’s now one of the best in the league). Also in double figures for the Magic: D12 had 17 points (somewhat disappointing) and 14 rebounds, Jason Richardson (14), Jameer Nelson (12), J.J. Redick (12) and Hedo Turkoglu with 11 (he needs to wake up).

The top point scorers for the 76ers were Louis Williams with 21 points and 7 assists, Andre “Iggy” Iguodala (15 points, 5 boards and 4 assists) and Elton Brand (13 points).

Mike’s Pick

The Orlando Magic play their next game at home this Friday against the pesky Milwaukee Bucks. Matching up for the second time in a week, expect this one to have similar results as to the last time they played. Not much has changed other than Brandon Jennings‘ head continues to grow slightly as his stats continue to diminish (averaging just 10.3 ppg over the past 6 games).

Expect the Magic to win this one comfortably, especially with the way they have been playing as of late.

My Prediction: Magic 102, Bucks 91

Game Notes: Just like earlier this week, starting center Andrew Bogut is still out and the Bucks will be starting Drew Gooden in his place.

Position Advantage:

PG – Even

SG – Magic

SF – Magic

PF – Magic

C – Magic

Bench – Magic

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Milwaukee, WI] Traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks (12-14), the Orlando Magic (16-11) had to try to get the sour taste of defeat out of their mouths after last night’s OT loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

But a sour taste is something that Bucks fans – and the entire team, for that matter – are trying to avoid after comments made by their emerging star player Brandon Jennings earlier in the week.

Uh oh, trouble in cheese town?

“I am going to keep my options open, knowing that the time is coming up,” said the 22-year-old Jennings. “I’m doing my homework on big market teams.”

Way to endear yourself to the fans, Brandon.

The Bucks have been blessed over the past decade-and-a-half with some pretty talented guards. With the likes of Ray Allen and Michael Redd – two top notch gentlemen of the game – they have never had to deal with such a prima donna getting waaaaay ahead of themselves.

Jennings, who skipped his senior year of high school to play professionally in Europe for a season, entered the 2009 NBA draft instead of attending a year of college. But so far, he has backed up his big mouth with big action, averaging 18.9 points and 5.3 assists this season. But could he keep it up tonight against the Magic?

Coming out of the gate strong, the Magic took an early 7-0 advantage, thanks to 5 quick points from “Mr. Convenient” himself, Ryan Anderson. But as quick as you could say Mbah a Moute, the Magic found themselves in an 11-7 hole, as the Bucks went on a little 11-0 run.

Photo: Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

Orlando Magic players Hedo Turkoglu and Glen Davis sandwich Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova

Leading the way for the Bucks in the first was Mike Dunleavy, who had 8 points. At the end of the first quarter, the score was Milwaukee 21, Orlando 16.

Heading into the second, the Orlando Magic found themselves again in a hole, this one 5 points deep. And they would stay there for almost the entire quarter. Coming alive off the Magic bench was J.J. Redick, who decided to join the party and put up 10 points in the quarter and 12 for the half.

It was a back and forth affair with the Magic putting up 27 points to the Bucks 28 for the quarter. Something that we don’t see very often: Dwight Howard was outscored by Bucks big man (and former Magician) Drew Gooden, 5 to 8.

The score at the half: Milwaukee Bucks 49, Orlando Magic 43.

The second half started out with a bang as Orlando’s Jason Richardson came down and hit a three pointer putting the score at 46-49. And he was just getting started. After only scoring 3 points in the first half, someone decided to tell him he was on TV and in front of friends and family. He scored 16 points in the third quarter alone.

After going scoreless for nearly 21 minutes, Brandon “Big Mouth” Jennings decided to show up for the Bucks, albeit briefly. He put up a measly 5 points in the quarter, giving him 7 for the game. I guess no one told him that you actually have to play four quarters to get a max contract in the league (note: not completely true).

Photo: Orlando Magic

Ta da: Orlando Magic star of the night, J-Rich

After three, the score was Milwaukee 73, Orlando 72.

The fourth quarter was both ugly and a thing of beauty, all at once. It was really a tale of two halves, or of a quarter (which would just be two-eighths, but who’s counting?).

In the first six minutes the Magic were outscored 15-6, putting the Bucks up by 10, and the score at 88-78. But then J-Rich – the Magic’s savior as of late – stepped up and hit four three-pointers in the final 4:55, the last of the bunch giving the Magic a 94-88 lead.

And that’s all the Orlando Magic needed to pull of a tough win on the road. The final score was Orlando 99, Milwaukee 94.

Leading the way for the Magic was Jason Richardson with 31 points and 4 rebounds. D12 had a poor night, adding 11 points and 14 rebounds while Hedo Turkoglu came up big with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The leading scorer off the Magic bench was Redick, who finished with 14.

The top point-getter for the Milwaukee Bucks was none other than Drew Gooden, recording 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against the best defensive player in the league. He was actually impressive, but over the years he has never been able to deliver those kind of performances consistently.

Also in double figures for the Bucks were Ersan Ilyasova with 17 points and 16 rebounds, Mike Dunleavy with 14 points and Carlos Delfino (12 points, 5 rebounds).

MIKE’S PICK

The Orlando Magic play the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-15) next at home on Monday. The T-Wolves are greatly improved over last year, but still in need of some serious help. They are coming off a two point loss to the Knicks, so I expect this game to be close.

My Prediction: Orlando 97, Minnesota 91

Game Notes: Look for this game to come down to a battle of the big men: Kevin Love versus Dwight Howard. Whoever has the best night will likely lead their team to victory. After seeing early NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Kyrie Irving last week, we get our first look at the only man capable of challenging him, Ricky Rubio.

Rubio could potentially cause some match up problems for the Magic. Yes, I am talking about you Jameer Nelson.

Position Advantage:

PG – Minnesota
SG – Magic
SF – Magic
PF – Minnesota
C – Magic
Bench – Even

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Lead photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] Coming off of quite possibly the biggest statement game of the season, the newly re-energized Orlando Magic (16-10) headed into tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks (17-9) riding in on the hopes that D-12 could have another monster 25 point, 24 rebound performance like the one he had against in-state rivals the Miami Heat.

Winners of 4 out of their last 5 games, things have finally started to click for Orlando.

“We needed a good win, we came out tonight with pretty much the same energy we had last game and we got a good win,” said Dwight Howard after their most recent victory against the Miami Heat. ”

“We just have to continue to do that, be more consistent as coming out with the same intensity, every night. I think we did a better job coming out in the third quarter they made a little run but we kept playing and got a good win,” added the big fella.

But could they keep the temperature up against Atlanta?

Shooting out of the gate just as fast as Larry Hughes‘ Magic career was over, both teams started out slow, scoring a combined 37 points in the first quarter. Yawn.

However, Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson came ready with his dancing shoes on, scoring 8 in the first quarter by sinking his first three shots, including two three-pointers. They were badly needed to keep Atlanta from taking control early.

At the end of the first, the score was Atlanta 20, the good guys 17.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson from the outside

The second quarter was a little more successful for the Magic – they outscored the Hawks 22-21. The biggest play of the quarter was something not seen very often: Dwight was blocked while going for a dunk. Gasp. By whom? Josh Smith, showing Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy why he should have been a part of this year’s All Star Game.

Smith was the leading scorer for the Hawks in the first half of play, recording 8 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots while shooting a miserable 3-for-10 from the field. Leading the way for the Orlando Magic was none other than Superman 2.0 himself, putting up 9 points, 8 rebounds and – surprisingly – 0 blocked shots.

Atlanta held a 41-39 lead at the half.

The second half started out with both teams matching baskets. It was still a 2-point game after D-12 dunked it home with 4:36 left in the third quarter (giving him 14 points after three). The Hawks finished the quarter on a 8-3 run led by Smith who was rocking 16 and 16 after three.

The score going into the fourth: Atlanta 61, Orlando 54.

It was obvious that the Orlando Magic needed someone to step up to pull this one out, and Ryan Anderson reported for duty, putting up 12 points. But the Hawks put up a fight, lead by Smith who scored a hard lay up giving the visitors a five-point lead.

That shot seemed to be the final blow to thew home team’s chances, you know – nighty night. But a late push by the Magic men gave them a chance to win or tie the game with 17.9 seconds left, and that’s just what they did. With 1.7 seconds left Mr. Howard followed up Jameer Nelson‘s missed lay up with a dunk, taking this one into overtime tied 78-78.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic PG Jameer Nelson drives against some tenacious Hawks defense

OVERTIME

With both teams going strong, it had the feeling of a dog fight. Both teams scored a quick five points, putting the score at  83-83. But with 2:22 left, six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson decided enough was enough.

The veteran tried to put the game away by scoring the next four points, giving the Hawks a 87-83 lead. A late three by Anderson (who else?) brought the Magic to within one point, and with 11.6 seconds left J-Rich was at the line with a chance to tie it up at 88, but he missed his second free throw.

After Zaza Pachulia split a pair of free throws at the other end, the Magic had two shots to win the game but both came up short.

The final score: Atlanta 89, Orlando 87.

Josh Smith was the game’s leading scorer, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocked shots. Three other Hawks ended in double figures: Joe Johnson (14), Marvin Williams (13) and Jeff Teague (13). Former Orlando player (and fan favorite) Tracy McGrady scored 9 off the bench.

For the Orlando Magic, ace outside shooter Ryan Anderson led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Dwight Howard finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

The Magic (now 16-11) play their next game tomorrow night in Milwaukee against the Bucks (12-14), who themselves are coming off an 113-112 overtime nail-biter win to a Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland Cavs squad.

My prediction: Orlando 102, Milwaukee 93.

Game notes: The Bucks will be playing without skilled center Andrew Bogut, so look for Dwight to have a big game. Milwaukee will be starting former Magician Drew Gooden in his place.

Position Advantage:

PG – slight Bucks

SG – slight Magic

SF – Magic

PF –  Magic

C – Magic

Bench – Magic

By: Michael Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Photos: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic