Rashard Lewis scored 21 points against Indiana. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)
Currently on a four-game winning streak, the Orlando Magic receive their biggest test of the season this week. Tonight they visit the Spurs, the NBA’s hottest team and winners of 10 in a row. On Wednesday the Heat come to town, and I don’t think any extra Internet bandwidth needs to be used by aimlessly talking about LeBron and friends (what can I say, I’m an environmentalist).
The Magic’s defense has been great — they’re first in the league in defensive efficiency — but the offense is still lagging behind at 19th in the NBA. What better time to turn their offense around than this week? Talk of the offense leads our links today.
1. Magic hope to revive offense as they start tough stretch, Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel
The Buzz: With the schedule toughening up, the Magic won’t get away with as much.
2. Notes on a scorecard: Why the Spurs offense keeps humming along, Tim Griffin, Spurs Nation
The Buzz: The Spurs aren’t playing a grind-it-out, defensive style of ball. They’re scoring a lot of points.
3. Former Magic player Rony Seikaly puts a different spin on his career, Brian Schmitz, Orlando Sentinel
The Buzz: The former Magic center is now a DJ in South Florida.
4. Stan Van Gundy likes Rashard Lewis’ energy, Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel
The Buzz: Lewis seemingly broke out of his slump in the third quarter Saturday night against Indiana, scoring 13 points. SVG liked his energy in the contest.
5. Amar’e Stoudemire recognizes Blake Griffin’s dunking greatness, Eric Freeman, Ball Don’t Lie
The Buzz: After Blake Griffin’s jaw-dropping dunk against the Knicks, Amare’ Stoudemire gave Griffin a look that said, “Not bad, young fella.” The video is down below.
6. MRI shows Udonis Haslem with torn ligament in left foot, Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel
The Buzz: The Heat will be without Udonis Haslem for the foreseeable future. Haslem has a torn ligament in his foot. The Heat are now without two key players: Haslem and guard Mike Miller.
7. Spurs’ Parker countersues Longoria, NewsCore
The Buzz: Tony Parker says he didn’t have any physical relations with Brent Barry’s estranged wife.
8. With Pau Gasol on target, this has all the makings of another blowout for Lakers, Mike Bresnahan, L.A. Times
The Buzz: Pau Gasol and Matt Barnes have made history with the Lakers in the past couple days.
9. Many Pistons intrigued by the boys of the UFC, Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press
The Buzz: Many Pistons players attended the UFC fight in Detroit this Saturday. Good times were had by all.
10. West trip turns into 3-1 slam dunk for Knicks, Alan Hahn, Newsday
The Buzz: Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni pleaded with the media to be easy on Russian rookie Timofey Mozgov, who got YouTubed by Griffin (video is below).