Bleacher Report - Articles by Steve Resnick

Orlando Magic Dominate Game 3 Against Detroit Pistons

Steve Resnick — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:31:36 -0400

Before game three of the Eastern Conference Semi-finals between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons, the city of Orlando was buzzing about the Magic.

I walked around downtown and all I heard was people asking each other if they were "going to the game".

My house was just like downtown Orlando. It was abuzz with strategy for the Magic, expectations of the Pistons, and whether or not the Magic could win against their arch-rival.

Then it started...and this was what I saw:

First Quarter:

Mo Evans' defense on Rip Hamilton is outstanding to start this game. His awesome D on Rip is similar to how well Rashard Lewis played on Chris Bosh in the Toronto series...

Chauncey Billups did not get fouled, he tripped over Jameer Nelson after Nelson had fell and didn't move...

Everyone on the Magic is playing extremely well right now on both ends of the court...

Pam Oliver is having a little problem saying both "strained hamstring" and "hamstring strain"...

For the first time all series, the Orlando Magic (specifically Dwight Howard) are actually getting calls...

Thanks, TNT, us in Orlando know exactly how much better our season would have been if Battie was healthy. We appreciate you talking about it for five minutes...

Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson are dominating this quarter...

Of course Tayshaun Prince scores on a buzzer-beating layup. Big thing so far? Dwight Howard has Three blocks. In one quarter. In the first quarter.

Second Quarter:

TNT is horrible at split-screens...

Pistons continue to get every single call...

The Magic's threes are not falling early this quarter...

The Pistons look like their communication is not flowing as well as it usually is and that is allowing the Magic to score all over the place...

Marcin Gortat started the quarter and slammed down a dunk and got a block in only two minutes, showing off his potential as a pretty decent starting center...

Rashard Lewis has been playing great all season long (including playoffs), especially at the PF position...

The Magic's D is a little relaxed compared to last quarter, but is still pretty good...

In order for the Magic to win any game, Hedo Turkoglu needs to slow down and play logically...

Theo Ratliff is flopping like crazy, and the refs are actually seeing it and not calling fouls...

Detroit continues to look a little lost without its All-Star, Chauncey Billups...

the NBA should put a ban on Chris Kaman's hair...

TNT forgot to turn on Pam Oliver's mic for the first five seconds of her tidbit...

No one on the Magic is playing well on offense except for Rashard Lewis...

Dwight Howard is continuing his defensive dominance: he ends the first half with a total of five blocks.

Third Quarter:

The Magic look tired starting out...

I don't understand how or why Rasheed Wallace doesn't have two technicals. He has been running his mouth since a foul call last quarter. Literally...

The Magic have woken up midway through the quarter, topped off with a nice Mo Evans dunk...

Rodney Stucky is going to be sick at the point in the future...

Jameer is starting to play like a decent starting PG...

The Pistons (specifically Tayshaun Prince and Stuckey) are getting ridiculous calls...

With the Magic not hitting shots you have to wonder, where's JJ Redick?...

There is traveling call on Dwight Howard that is truly unbelievable...

Dwight is getting hack-a-Shaq'ed like crazy...

The Magic are falling apart, except Rashard Lewis...

The Pistons are complaining way too much and the refs aren't doing a thing about it...

The Magic's D is starting to slow down...

Keyon Dooling is worthless...

Oh and Dwight Howard finishes the first three quarters with six blocks.

Fourth Quarter:

Orlando is starting this quarter with a sense of urgency...

Rasheed Wallace (without sound) looks like an angry drunk...

Turk played great for the first five minutes until he had to come out with five fouls...

I miss watching Reggie Miller play, but I love hearing him commentate during the game...

Jameer continues to play pretty decently...

Rashard Lewis' D continues to make players change shots...

Bogans just stole the ball and got called for a foul? Astonishing...

Dwight is just dominating the whole Piston's team in the paint, which is making Reggie Miller go crazy...

Rashard Lewis is just killing everyone...

Dooling comes in with five minutes left and is playing great...

James Augustine came in for the last minute and made a nice hook shot down low...

Dwight doesn't get any blocks this quarter and finishes the game with six blocks.

The Orlando Magic took advantage of the Pistons' missing piece in Chauncy Billups and played a great game. Dwight Howard dominated, as usual, but this was Rashard Lewis' game: 33 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Watch out, Detroit Pistons, in the words of Magic public announcer Paul Porter: Here come the Magic!

Time Machine: Reversing Chauncey Billups' 3-Pointer in Game 2

Steve Resnick — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:46:18 -0400

The National Basketball Association did the right thing. They came out on May 6th and announced that, after review, the 3-pointer that Chauncey Billups made with 5.1 seconds left in the third quarter should not have counted.

Sucks for the Magic...right?

Let's rewind time for a moment, shall we? What if the shot hadn't of counted?

I can tell you one thing: The Magic would have ended the third quarter not only with a one point advantage...but also with momentum.

They would have entered the final quarter ready to strike back and end the game with a victory. They would have swatted away the Pistons shots, grabbed every rebound, taken care of the ball and scored on every possession.

Yeah...right.

19 turnovers. That is what finished the Magic off in the second game. Not Billups 3-pointer, nor the Magic bench's crappy play (4 points, 8 fouls, 1 steal, 1 assist, 4 rebounds). It was the ball handling.

Will the Magic prevail in the third game of the series? Or will Detroit continue their dominance?

Well shall discover...

NBA Playoffs: Don't Forget the Orlando Magic

Steve Resnick — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:26:29 -0400

Underrated.

That is one worst most commonly used when describing the annual "Underdog of the Conference" during the playoffs.

Is it just a coincidence that that same word was used many times during the regular season to describe the Orlando Magic? I think not.

On Sunday, The Orlando Magic will continue their hunt for the Larry O'Brien trophy by beginning their best-of-7 series against the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Magic went 2-1 against the Raptors in the regular season and many people, myself included, are counting on them to come out on top. Why?

Jameer Nelson, Carlos Arroyo and Keyon Dooling are all decent point guards, but will really have to step up their games to get to Jose Calderon and T.J. Ford's levels. Rashard Lewis should do an average job defending Chris Bosh on defense, but should destroy him on offense since he is a natural small forward.

Each team's bench will be a vital role in how far their teams go in the off-season. The Orlando Magic's bench consists of defensive-minded players such as Keith Bogans, Keyon Dooling and Adonal Foyle. They also have offensive threats in J.J. Redick and Brian Cook. Also coming off the bench for the Magic are Arroyo and some little used players like Pat Garrity, Marcin Gortat and James Augustine.

The Toronto Raptor's bench consists of Ford, Andrea Bargnani, 3-point Specialist Jason Kapono and Slam Dunk Contest participant Jamario Moon in addition to Maceo Baston, Primoz Brezec, Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garbajosa, Joey Graham and Kris Humphries.

The Magic also have a better coach in Stan Van Gundy than the Raptors do with Sam Mitchell. SVG's career regular season winning percentage is 61.4% compared to that of 45.1% (Mitchell's). The post season also proves more successful for Mr. Van Gundy, whose record of 17-11 (60.7%) looks much better than Mitchell's 2-4 (33.3%).

There are many factors which will determine who wins this match up: Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh, Toronto's PGs vs. Orlando's PGs and the Coaches success in getting the players to perform at their highest level.

Which team will come out victorious? If the Magic players can play to their full potential, then they should sweep the Raptors, winning the series in four games. However, if they struggle, this match up could easily go to the maximum seven games.

New York Yankees Take on Virginia Tech

Steve Resnick — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:31:00 -0400

In a 2002 New York Times Interview, Boston Red Sox President Larry Lucchino called the New York Yankees the "Evil Empire" and the name has stuck ever since.

On April 16, 2007, 32 college students were killed on a murderous rampage by Seung-Hui Cho and many other students were seriously injured. After the deaths had been counted, this event was declared the most deadly school shooting in U.S. History.

Also on April 16, 2007, The New York Yankees were preparing to play a game against the Cleveland Indians to take place in New York on the following day. Upon hearing of the event, many of the Yankees, including owner George Steinbrenner, felt the same feelings they felt during the September 11th attacks at the World Trade Center.

George Steinbrenner, who is usually known as "The Boss", had heard news of the massacre and was deeply affected. Months after the event, The Boss released a statement which said, "The events that took place this spring in Virginia have deeply affected us all, but the Virginia Tech community has shown great spirit and resolve during this difficult time, and the New York Yankees are proud to join so many others in supporting the healing process."

Yankees Captain and second baseman Derek Jeter then presented Charles Steger, the President of Virginia Tech, with a $1 million dollar check to go to the Virginia Tech Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, which will cover the costs of counseling and other expenses of the victims of this horrible tragedy, on behalf of the New York Yankees.

In March of 2008, the Yankees continued one of the most gracious gifts a professional team has ever given to another baseball team: Happiness.

When The Boss announced the donation, he had one stipulation: that the Yankees would get to play an exhibition game against the Hokies in the Spring of 2008.

The Yankees took the field against the Hokies on March 19, but the game was obviously about something more than baseball.

Said about the donation and the game: "The things that went on at Virginia Tech ... it just puts things in perspective," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "Baseball is not everything, and you [take] your life for granted. But this is an example of the great organization we are representing. I think the Yankees are doing the right thing."

"There are certain things that happen that are so devastating that time stops," said Yankees All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez upon comparing the massacre to the events on September 11th, 2001, "For me, this is one of them. This is probably the proudest day I've ever [had] to wear a Yankee uniform."

The Yankees first stop was the memorial that had been set up for the 32 victimes.

"People always ask, well, what can you do? How does this help? I really don't know." said Derek Jeter, "If it just makes people smile or enjoy themselves for the three hours that we're here, it's all worthwhile."

During pre-game ceremonies and memorials and during questions after the game, the Yankees wore Virginia Tech orange and maroon hats with their "NY" emblem emblazoned on the front and a "VT" symbol on the sides to show part of their support.

The Yankees might have beaten the Hokies 11-0, but both the Yankees and the Hokies will remember more than just the score.

To make the game a little more meaningful, during the first innning Girardi sat in the stands with VT Football coach Frank Beamer

When attempting to describe the Yankees impact on the commity at Virginia Tech, Yankees GM Joe Girardi said that "[a] young lady came up to me and said her brother was one of the children killed, and her mother thanks us for being here...that really hit me hard."

"I think it was just the sort of thing we were looking for," said Virginia Tech pitcher Rob Waskiewicz, who retired the side in order in the third. "We've been through some hard times, and people are starting to feel better, but I think this was a great thing."

To end the day, Hokies' second baseman Matt Hacker said: "It was everything everybody wanted it to be."

VT Baseball Coach Pete Hughes, an avid Boston Red Sox fan, declared"I grew up my whole life just hating the Yankees. I mean just hating them," he said. "Now, I'll look at them differently. We'll all look at them differently."

I guess the Yankees aren't so evil after all...if, at least, for one day.

Virignia Tech has requested that anyone whom would like to make a donation, please do so by donating to the Hokie Spirit Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in donating, please click here.

If you would like to make a donation to Virginia Tech, please call 1-800-533-1144 or visit http://www.vt.edu/remember for more information.

Bronx Blooming: The New-Look New York Yankees

Steve Resnick — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:32:13 -0500

For the first time in what seems like 15 years, the New York Yankees have started a youth movement.

Instead of trading young talent in the offseason, which has been happening for the last couple of years, the Yankees elected to not only keep their young stars, but extend some of their contracts.

The Yankees currently have 13 pitchers and seven fielders at or under the age of 28. With the likes of Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, and Shelley Duncan manning the roster, the Yankees look prepared for the next decade.

Of much concern this offseason, for the Yanks, has been the first-base platoon.

With Jason Giambi likely spending most of his time at DH, the defensive position is up for grabs. Duncan only played in 34 games last season, nine at first base, but had seven home runs (three in his first four games), with 17 RBIs, while slugging .554. He also showed a very strong arm in the outfield last season.

Also vying for the spot is veteran infielder Morgan Ensberg—who the Yankees signed to a minor-league deal this offseason—Wilson Betemit, Jason Lane, and youngster Juan Miranda.

Another source of concern (and criticism) this offseason has been the Yankees' pitching staff.

Leading the starting pitchers will be veteran Andy Pettitte and third-year-pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, with the other three spots to be decided between Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlain and Mike Mussina.

Hughes had a breakout year last season before being sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kennedy has only pitched three games in his Major League career, but went 1-0 with an ERA of 1.89 with an average of 7.11 K/9.

Chamberlain was the Yankees' young star last year. Setting up closer Mariano Rivera, Joba pitched in 19 games and ended the season 2-0, with one save and an ERA of 0.38.

Yes, you read that correctly, 0.38.

Mike Mussina had a terrible, injury-plagued season last year and should be back his normal, 15-win self by the beginning of the season.

It seems as though there are budding stars everywhere on the Yankees.

Cano is the Yankees' biggest in-house star. Just missing Rookie of the Year two years ago to Huston Street, Cano returned last season with a vengeance, ending the season with career highs in homers (19), RBIs (97), walks (39) and triples (seven.)

Shortstop Derek Jeter had a normal Derek-Jeter-type season last year, batting over .300 with 39 doubles and 73 RBIs. Then there's that other guy...third base All-Star Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez. His season was ridiculous last year, belting 54 HR, 156 RBIs and drawing 95 walks with a .314 batting average.

The Yankees have a minor problem in the outfield this season, with four good outfielders. Bobby Abreu is the only definite, manning right field for the third-straight season.

Melky Cabrera, Johnny Damon, and Hideki Matsui can each play center or left field. They could all, also, split time at the DH with Jason Giambi. Also in the mix could be veteran Jason Lane, who signed a Minor-League contract with the Yankees this offseason.

Whatever mix they use, I'm sure the Yanks will have a great outfield next season.

Also in this mix is ex-player and new Yankee manager Joe Girardi. In his last managerial term, he led the Florida Marlins to a 78-84 mark. What will he do with the star-studded Yankees?

With the farm system looking great and the big club team having an amazing mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Yankees look set for the next decade.

Watch out American League East, the Yankees are back in town!

Orlando Magic: The Case for J.J. Redick

Steve Resnick — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:17:15 -0500

Consider these stats: 3-18 from the field, two rebounds, one assist.

That hardly looks like a line from a basketball player who in 2006 won such awards as...

The ACC Player of the Year, ACC MVP, Adolph F. Rupp Trophy Player of the Year, The Sporting News National Player of the Year, United States Basketball Writers Association's Oscar Robertson Trophy College Basketball Co-Player of the Year, Naismith College Player of the Year National Player of the Year, John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award, National Association of Basketball Coaches Co-Player of the Year, James E. Sullivan Award, and the Anthony J. McKelvin Award (ACC Athlete of the Year for all sports).

However, that was J.J. Redick's line after Duke University's stunning 2006 loss to Louisiana State University in the NCAA tournament.

Redick will go down as one of the best college basketball players in the history of the sport. Not only did he win more than 10 awards in his four years at Duke—he also broke such NCAA records as career three-pointers made and career total points scored, and finished his career as the leading scorer in ACC Tournament history.

Keeping all this in mind, who wouldn't want Redick on their NBA team?

He's a stunning shooter and would, arguably, give Kobe Bryant a run for his money in a game of 21.

Redick finished his college career averaging 19.9 PPG, and shooting 91.2 percent from the free throw line, 43.3 percent from the field, and 40.6 percent from three-point territory.

NBA analysts, though, have criticized Redick's defense at the pro level, and this offseason he decided he'd had enough.

Redick worked hard on his defense before the '07-'08 season, causing Nick Adams of Orlandomagic.com to announce that, "Redick has impressed [me] so far with his defense on Jason Richardson" during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Where has this gotten him?

Redick has played in a total of 58 games during these past two seasons, averaging 5.3 points and 1.0 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc in about 13 scattered minutes.

The Orlando Magic are currently 12th in the NBA in three-point percentage, but are second in three-point shots attempted. Shooting so often and only being 12th in the league doesn't sound so good to me.

Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are the team's best three-point shooters, with Lewis shooting 38.6 percent (41st in the NBA) and Turk shooting 38.2 percent (47th).

JJ's 35 percent this season would rank him 81st in the NBA, but he hasn't played enough minutes to be considered in the rankings on ESPN.

On Wednesday, Orlando GM Otis Smith spoke with the Orlando Sentinel and announced that J.J.'s trade value "is pretty high right now."

"What (Redick) can do—shoot—is at a premium in this league," Smith said. "We just happen to have an abundance of shooters. The fact of the matter is, we have players around him who give us something (defense) that he doesn't give us".

Well, Otis, maybe if you let Redick play some real time, we can see his defense and his overall potential.

Anyone who's with me—please add your name to this online petition.