GT: Orlando @ Charlotte

[Bensational]

The 18-0 run in the second that doomed the Magic:
7:13 Jeremy Lin makes layup (Nicolas Batum assists)
6:46 Nicolas Batum makes 13-foot two point shot
6:26 Nicolas Batum makes 25-foot three pointer
5:48 Marvin Williams makes two point shot
5:16 Cody Zeller makes free throw 1 of 2
5:16 Cody Zeller makes free throw 2 of 2
4:47 Marvin Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Lin assists)
4:09 Nicolas Batum makes 14-foot two point shot (Marvin Williams assists)
3:23 Cody Zeller makes two point shot (Nicolas Batum assists)
2:43 Nicolas Batum makes 17-foot jumper


Batum clearly was the dagger-wielder in this 2nd water run. Fournier was the one player on the court during the whole of this fiasco. Not sure what to say but here's hoping this was a teaching tool for the Frenchman.


..

well it won't serve as a teaching tool for Skiles, since he's tried this same tactic and been burned many times before, with Fournier on Durant/LeBron/Melo/etc. he often gets burned, and rarely gives much run to Gordon on that defensive matchup instead.

although, given that he just said he thought Ilyasova was better on smaller players than Gordon, maybe he just doesn't think Gordon can defend the 3 spot very well at all?

[Instincts]

I have to say from someone who has had questions about Dipos decision making and overall bball iq, it is very encouraging to see that he continues to noticeably improve. Not a finished product by any means, but he continues to develop nuance to his game, such as change of speed dribble, the foul drawing pump fake which is still a work in process, then last game noticed him being patient on the perimeter assessing the defense which paused the defender and lead the a straight drive to a left hand layup.

The defensive nuance has been noticed as well. I haven't seen him get lost off the ball recently.

And wow does he seem to bring the motor every night, it is great to watch especially when you consider the added improvement mentioned above. One other improvement is he seems to be finishing at the rim with more confidence and creativity. And the the jump shot looks much more consistent. A lot to like and I can't say I was expecting it, I have always thought nuance / bball iq was the hardest skill to better. Very encouraging, I have to say after his recent play and response to benching that his ceiling has been reraised. Huge for the magic that he looks like a piece again.

[the_hobo]

Just doing my duty and reminding everyone that Nicholson was +13 and stuffed the stat sheet in limited minutes. Ilyasova needs to just stay off the court for the rest of the season.

Andrew is black hole in offense, dude is alergic on passing.

He had 3 assists bro lol

[BadMofoPimp]

Just doing my duty and reminding everyone that Nicholson was +13 and stuffed the stat sheet in limited minutes. Ilyasova needs to just stay off the court for the rest of the season.

Andrew is black hole in offense, dude is alergic on passing.

He had 3 assists bro lol

Some people just plain hate backup players having a good game.

Perhaps, dude just remembers that one play where Nicholson didn't pass when he should have. Every player is guilty of that.

[Blue_and_Whte]

The 18-0 run in the second that doomed the Magic:
7:13 Jeremy Lin makes layup (Nicolas Batum assists)
6:46 Nicolas Batum makes 13-foot two point shot
6:26 Nicolas Batum makes 25-foot three pointer
5:48 Marvin Williams makes two point shot
5:16 Cody Zeller makes free throw 1 of 2
5:16 Cody Zeller makes free throw 2 of 2
4:47 Marvin Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Lin assists)
4:09 Nicolas Batum makes 14-foot two point shot (Marvin Williams assists)
3:23 Cody Zeller makes two point shot (Nicolas Batum assists)
2:43 Nicolas Batum makes 17-foot jumper


Batum clearly was the dagger-wielder in this 2nd water run. Fournier was the one player on the court during the whole of this fiasco. Not sure what to say but here's hoping this was a teaching tool for the Frenchman.


..

well it won't serve as a teaching tool for Skiles, since he's tried this same tactic and been burned many times before, with Fournier on Durant/LeBron/Melo/etc. he often gets burned, and rarely gives much run to Gordon on that defensive matchup instead.

although, given that he just said he thought Ilyasova was better on smaller players than Gordon, maybe he just doesn't think Gordon can defend the 3 spot very well at all?

Everyone gets burned by Durant/Lebron/Melo. Generally Fournier has been solid defensively but there has to be an adjustment to put AG on someone like Batum if they're heating up like that. Evan has been one of our more dependable scorers so it makes sense that he was out there although he had a terrible game.

Its abundantly clear that we miss Nik badly and being that AN is our only other post scorer I could see him getting more burn although I don't think he'll generate the double teams as consistently as Nik does.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Mario not passing to anyone like hes a star.if that were Fournier people would be throwing a fit.

Whatcha talking about? I posted about wanting to slap him

I missed that.

[jezzer45]

I love what dipo has been doing but in order for him to ascend to the next level someone needs to check him late in the 4th(a teammate. Jameer could have been perfect). I mean how many mistakes can one make (with 2 minutes or less).

In my mind he is turning into a legit 2nd option. Hope he continues his growth.

[shadrock]

Cant say i disagree. He looked soft as butter tonight:
"I think it was all about the intensity and the toughness," Fournier said. "A big part of that was me. I was soft tonight. For some reason, I was not focused, not playing hard at all."

Then maybe "for some reason" he shouldn't get paid for that game.

Exactly! I mean I feel for a guy like AG who can see that he is inconsistent but has said he is working endlessly to try and be more consistent. But with Fournier its almost like he lacks the heart to compete. I saw his effort in the 2nd qtr yesterday and it pissed me off so much I turned the game off.