33-8 Orlando Magic? There Must Be a Mistake..

When you glance at the power rankings this week you might have to do a double-take. The Orlando Magic are sitting pretty.

"Right now, there's nobody in the NBA playing better than Orlando," says Boston head coach Doc Rivers.

Doc was the head coach when Orlando went a head throbbing 21-61 in the 2003-2004 season. The Magic are 33 and 8 halfway into their season. They are 16-3 at home and 17-5 on the road. They have also won their last seven.

"They're winning games, they're winning them on the road," Rivers said before the Celtics met the New Jersey Nets on Saturday.

The Magic finally are playing at their peak because of their tough, improved defense, and high octane, sharp-shooting offense. They score 111.8 points and allow only 102.4. Those stats rank them fifth and third respectively in the NBA. On their last four-game, seven-day road trip they put away division leaders San Antonio, Los Angeles (Lakers), and Denver. Not to mention sinking an NBA record 23 (out of 37) three-pointers against Sacramento.

The Magic have one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the league with four players averaging at least 17 ppg. Their bench also provides strength, and shooting, while starters get much needed rest.

The biggest story for the Magic this season has been the all-star type play from fourth year point guard Jameer Nelson. Jameer has averaged 17.1 ppg along with dishing out 5.4 apg. After Orlando's tight win against the Lakers on Friday Kobe Bryant praised the ever-improving guard.

"He's playing at an All-Star level," said Bryant. This was after Nelson scored 15 of his 28 in the fourth quarter including a pair of clutch three-pointers.

Other role players include the improvement of JJ Redick, who is playing a bigger role on the team with Mickael Peitrus being injured. But rookie guard Courtney Lee has been the biggest suprise thus far. At Western Kentucky he was the best player easily in his conference and on his team.

"Coming from a system where I was 'the guy' to just coming in and settling down to define my role more as a scorer/energy guy when I come in has been the hardest transition," Lee said about his NBA life.

Lee has provided constant defensive, and offensive energy off the bench, and lately starting. He is just another role player in this talent-filled Orlando roster.

Orlando takes a few days off and takes on Boston on Thursday as they try to continue to stun the NBA world.