Howard, Turkoglu star as the Magic breeze past the Warriors 110-90
Hedo Turkoglu gave Magic fans a glowing demonstration of why he was such a pivotal part of the block-buster eight-man trade two weeks ago.
On Monday night against the Golden State Warriors he posted his third career triple-double and his first for Orlando. The 6ft 10in forward showcased immense ball-handling skills scoring 10 points, 10 assists and 14 rebounds.
As many as eight Orlando players reached double figures with the mighty Dwight Howard leading the way. Howard pounded 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, as he rendered a red hot Golden State offence completely powerless, and ineffective in the second half.
Monta Ellis led the Golden State with 20 points and six boards, as the Warriors surrendered a powerful position in the first half, to go down reeling in the second for a second night running.
The match started at an even pace as both teams gradually built their momentum. The game was tied six times in the first eight minutes of play, before the Warriors finally pulled away with a seven-point unanswered run. J.J. Reddick and Jason Richardson immediately
countered for Orlando, as they combined for an 8-0 spurt to wrest the initiative. The Warriors though had the final laugh, scoring five consecutive points to finish the first quarter at 28-24.
The deadlock ensued in the second quarter, but the Warriors gradually built their advantage, as they cashed in on the cold shooting of the Magic. Orlando only knocked down 1-of-7 from long range and slumped from the field, as the visitors outscored them
25-20 in the quarter, to head towards the locker-room with a 53-44 advantage. The Warriors had things going their way in the first half, as they kept Dwight Howard under control to out-rebound Orlando 25-17.
The arrival of the second half though, marked a spring in step of Dwight Howard, as the Magic changed their defensive tactics. The intimidating centre completely clogged the middle of the court, and forced the Warriors offence to stay with Orlando's shooters
out on the perimeter. The tactical change completely took the Warriors by surprise, as they drained one shot after another. The Warriors’ loss was Orlando’s gain as they ripped off a 35-18 quarter to completely assert their dominance on the game.
Leading by 79-71 after the third quarter, the Magic started the fourth with five consecutive points to further increase their cushion. The Warriors tried their utmost to get within striking distance but every time they surged close, Orlando seemed to have
a counter-punch.
Soon the shooting woes of the Warriors took centre stage again. Between the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, the Warriors missed all seven shots from the field. They missed a three-pointer and a free throw, and had four turnovers as
the Magics sparked to a 99-79 lead. Golden state never threatened after that as the Magic nailed three triple pointers in the penultimate minute to seal the game 110-90.
The Magic shot at nearly 50 percent from the field, and nailed fifteen three-pointers on the night, as they romped to their sixth consecutive victory. The Warriors on the other hand, could only manage 5-of-20 from the three-point line, despite being the
best in NBA from downtown. In a magical display, every Orlando player who attempted a shot got into double figures, as Howard played a key role in opening up the floor for his offence.
Warriors coach Keith Smart singled out the phenomenal centre as the difference between the two teams post-match.
"When you've got to deal with Dwight Howard, it's going to force your team to help in ways you don't really want to help," Smart said. "Unfortunately, we don't have anyone who can guard him one-on-one."
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