Magic takes division with win over Boston
Güncelleme Tarihi:
AFP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 27, 2009 00:00
ORLANDO, Florida - The Orlando Magic clinched its second consecutive Southeast Division title Wednesday with an 84-82 victory over reigning National Basketball Association champion Boston.
Dwight Howard blocked a potential go-ahead lay-up by Paul Pierce with 3.8 seconds to play, finishing with 24 points and 21 rebounds.
Turkish forward Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu had 13 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Magic.
Orlando improved to 53-18, percentage points ahead of Boston for second in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.
"We get another banner," said Howard, of the division title that was secured as division rival Atlanta also lost to San Antonio. "Hopefully we can get two more."
"The politically correct answer in the NBA is to say that we don't care about winning division titles and we're on to bigger things," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Hopefully, we are, but I do care. I'd rather it be us than anyone else. I think it's big."
The Orlando Magic forced 18 turnovers and held the Celtics to 37 percent shooting.
"When we sit down and look at the film, we can see that we can get quality shots against very good defenses if we move the ball," Van Gundy said. "It gives you more confidence, and yet people continue to question the toughness of our team."
Meanwhile, LeBron James scored 22 points with 11 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers won a club-record 58th game, 98-87 over New Jersey. Cleveland also improved to a league-leading 33-1 in home games.
Turkish forward Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu had 13 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Magic.
Orlando improved to 53-18, percentage points ahead of Boston for second in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.
"We get another banner," said Howard, of the division title that was secured as division rival Atlanta also lost to San Antonio. "Hopefully we can get two more."
"The politically correct answer in the NBA is to say that we don't care about winning division titles and we're on to bigger things," Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Hopefully, we are, but I do care. I'd rather it be us than anyone else. I think it's big."
The Orlando Magic forced 18 turnovers and held the Celtics to 37 percent shooting.
"When we sit down and look at the film, we can see that we can get quality shots against very good defenses if we move the ball," Van Gundy said. "It gives you more confidence, and yet people continue to question the toughness of our team."
Meanwhile, LeBron James scored 22 points with 11 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers won a club-record 58th game, 98-87 over New Jersey. Cleveland also improved to a league-leading 33-1 in home games.