Orlando Magic crushes Washington Wizards in John Wall’s debut
After sweeping their pre-season games, the Orlando Magic started the season with a bang when they hammered the Washington Wizards, 112-83, in John Wall’s NBA debut on Thursday 28 October
at the Amway Center in Orlando.
Dwight Howard led the Magic’s attack as he scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to give the Orland a winning debut at their new arena, before their much-anticipated showdown with the
Miami Heat, and the Magic players are very eager to face the star-studded team.
"Honestly, I'm sick of listening every hour about Miami – Miami that, how great they are, how big they are, what kind of record they gonna have," said centre Marcin Gortat, who provided a
lift from the bench with his eight points and seven rebounds.
"They are a great team, they have three superstars, and they got a couple good role players on the team. They looking good on the paper, but they got to start winning," he added.
Vince Carter also sparked Magic’s offense with his 18 points, while Jameer Nelson chipped in 16 points and dished out six assists for the Magic, who won all their pre-season assignments
by an average winning margin of 25 points.
Their domination continued as Orlando unleashed a flurry of long-range bombs, building an early 14-point lead at the end of the opening period, which bubbled to 24 points, 58-34, at the half.
They never looked back and led by as much as 35 points in the final quarter en route to their first win of the season.
The 2010 first-overall pick, Wall, displayed flashes of brilliance, but struggled to find his rhythm in his first professional game. The 20-year old guard tallied 14 points, on 6-for-19 clip
from the floor, and dished out nine assists for the Wizards.
"It was tough," Wall said. "It's really telling me what I need to work on, but I already know. But as a team aspect, we have a lot we need to work on."
Cartier Martin had 17 points, while Kirk Hinrich and Al Thornton added 12 and nine points, respectively, for the Wizards, who shot 29-for-78 from the field.
"You're concerned when you bring a young team into this type of environment," Wizards head coach Flip Saunders said. "We played scared. We had 49 missed shots and we only had three offensive
rebounds."
Gilbert Arenas, who is looking to redeem himself after serving a suspension last season, missed the game with a strained tendon in his right ankle. The 28-year old guard was suspended for
50 games after being charged with gun felony for bringing weapon into their locker room.
Before the game, Orland Magic owner Rich DeVos formally opened the new Amway Center in an emotional ceremony.
"This is a Magic building. But it's your community center. It's your place for many adventures to take place," said the 84-year old DeVos, who delivered teary-eyed speech in the ceremony.
"So we know that this place will be a place of comfort and joy, and that everybody who comes here will be honored and loved and cherished."
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