Hedo Turkoglu and Dwight Howard script a 104-95 Orlando Magic win over Houston Rockets - NBA Recap
Orlando Magic had run out of gas in their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night, however on Monday, they came back strongly to record their first win of the season against Houston Rockets.
The Rockets, playing their first game under new head coach Kevin McHale, put up a good fight and were behind by only 4 points 89-85 midway through the fourth quarter. However Magic changed gears after that and reeled off a 12-5
spurt, capped by a Hedo Turkoglu three, to turn the game in their favour.
Turkoglu was outstanding and marshalled the winning team with a game high 23 points including 3 for 4 from the downtown. Dwight Howard, who failed to make an impact in the last game, shined tonight with 21 points and 7 rebounds
while JJ Redick also pounded 20 points. Looking back at the game, Reddick said;
"There was more ball movement, more energy, and when that happens it's a little easier to get into a rhythm. Basically speaking, with offensive players, when you're in a rhythm, you shoot the ball better."
Although the Rockets outclassed Magic in assists and rebounds, Magic covered for it by dominating in the shooting department. They shot at an impressive 53.0 percent from the floor including 40.9 percent from the long range.
The first half was evenly fought and ended with the Magic leading slightly by 53-50. The trend continued in the second half and midway through the third frame, Lowry drilled a jumper that brought Rockets within a striking distance
at 65-66. They had an opportunity get ahead but Scola missed two shots in the next few seconds. Magic, taking advantage, bolted off an 11-0 run after that. Houston responded with an eight point unanswered run though as the teams headed into the final quarter
with Magic ahead by 77-73.
Kyle Lowry was the standout player for Rockets with 20 points and 12 assists. Luis Scola added 19 while Courtney Lee, coming off the bench late, had 15. Newly acquired Samuel Dalembert did not take much time to settle in the new
team and accumulated 10 points on 5 for 6 from the field.
"I went out there and got some minutes and kept it going. That is what a team is all about. I like this group. This year we really have to emphasize on defense and then we can get extra possessions...If we can do that, we will
be OK." said Samuel post game.
Tags: