Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic was a force against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. (Luis Alvarez, The Associated Press)
Orlando Magic trade enthusiasts were given some fuel for thought by a veteran NBA scribe, while Dwight Howard gave the Magic a clutch game-winning basket.
We have all of that and more in today’s Magic and NBA news update, including LeBron James and the Miami Heat’s meltdown vs. the Dallas Mavericks which includes video of The King giving Heat coach Erik Spoelstra a less-than-friendly bump.
Without further delay, let’s roll the links:
1. Magic’s ears perked to make trades, Orlando Sentinel, Brian Schmitz
The Buzz: Scoop tells us that if you’re not named Dwight Howard and playing for the Orlando Magic, you could be dealt in a blockbuster trade.
2. Magic beat Wizards 100-99 on putback by Dwight Howard, Orlando Sentinel, Josh Robbins
The Buzz: I don’t know if putback is the right term here, considering Jameer Nelson’s heave never came close to the basket, but regardless of the phrasing, it was a game-winning shot.
3. Vince Carter, John Wall sit out Magic-Wizards game, Orlando Sentinel, Josh Robbins
The Buzz: Interesting nugget here: Former NBA player and current union official Kermit Washington visited the Magic locker room before the game. Duck!
4. Looming NBA lockout pits Magic vs. players, Orlando Sentinel, Brian Schmitz
The Buzz: So the Magic are already telling players they’re cutting their salaries? I don’t know about you, but “being up front” about something that might happen isn’t exactly a strong motivational tool for a team that needs to win in the here and now.
The Buzz: Raise your hand if you don’t think Gilbert Arenas performed well last night despite his 31 points.
The Buzz: My one question is this: How many times did LeBron James utter “what should I do?” in this postgame players-only exchange?
7. The LeBron James Erik Spoelstra bump (video), South Florida Sun Sentinel, Ira Winderman
The Buzz: LeBron James delivers this less-than-friendly shoulder bump to Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during Saturday’s nights loss to the Mavericks. Roll the video, please.
8. Hate the Heat? Loving its slow start? Enjoy it while you can, Los Angeles Times, Mark Heisler
The Buzz: I agree with my LA Times colleague here: The Heat will end up as one of the NBA’s elite teams by the end of the season.
The Buzz: Here’s indisputable visual evidence that J.J. Hickson wore the ugliest shoes in NBA history on Saturday night.
The Buzz: Dorell Wright also hit 5-of-5 3s in a decisive third-quarter run to help the Warriors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves.
OT. Lakers’ Andrew Bynum wants to play in three weeks, Los Angeles Times, Broderick Turner
The Buzz: Andrew Bynum is still recovering from knee surgery, but he has set this goal for himself to boost his recovery. We’ll see if it works.
