Ranier823's Orlando Magic Dynasty

[T-Mac2004]

Orlando Magic Dynasty

Settings
Rosters: Latest NLSC Rosters (v1.07)
Difficulty: All-Star
Season Length: 56 Games
Playoff Length: Best of 5
Game Length: 3 Minutes Per Quarter (want to get this going quickly )
Sim Length: 4 Minutes Per Quarter
Ejections: 2 Fouls (this should make for interesting games)

Roster
G Tracy McGrady
F Juwan Howard
F Drew Gooden
G Tyronn Lue
G DeShawn Stevenson
F Keith Bogans
C Andrew DeClercq
C Steven Hunter
G Reece Gaines
C Zaur Pachulia
F Britton Johnsen
C Sean Rooks
IR: F Pat Garrity, G Derrick Dial, F Grant Hill
Coach: Johnny Davis

I'm going to try different starting lineups as I go along. I don't think I'll be making any trades as the rosters are already final, and because of the ease of making tremendous steals through trading. Well, on to the first game...

Season Debut in the Big Apple
Game 1 Preview:
The opening game of the season features two of the premiere players of the NBA. Marbury's Knicks faces off McGrady's Magic to gain first-game impressions among the league. The Knicks have to run the offense through Marbury, see what he can do with the rock, and how well he can distribute the ball to open men. The Magic, on the other hand, will have to run iso plays for T-Mac and play exceptional defense, as the Knicks have several scoring options.


Orlando Magic (0-0) @ New York Knicks (0-0)

Game 1 Recap:
Tim Thomas and Allan Houston set the tone early for the Knicks, by halftime combining for 16 of New York's 26 points to Orlando's 13. The Magic, however, went on a 15-2 run in the third quarter, and stuck with the Knicks until the end of regulation. Tied 41-41, they went into an extra period. Overtime was a quick, heated contest, until the end, where Stephon Marbury hit a three-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to seal a Knicks victory.

Player of the Game

Stephon Marbury: 17pts, 3reb, 2ast

Notable Stats (Knicks)
T. Thomas: 14pts, 2reb
Houston: 13pts, 3reb, 2stl

Notable Stats (Magic)
McGrady: 21pts, 2ast
Howard: 10pts, 7reb

Final Score: Orlando Magic 49, New York Knicks 52

[T-Mac2004]

Tangle with a Hornet
Game 2 Preview:
The New Orleans Hornets will face the Magic in the second game of the season. The Hornets, coming off a 30-18 win over the Hawks in the season opener, are ready to battle. Will the Magic, losing a heartbreaker in New York yesterday, win this home game?


New Orleans Hornets (1-0) @ Orlando Magic (0-1)

Game 2 Recap:
The Magic began off by feeding Juwan Howard down in the post, knowing what he can do after his solid performance in New York. It proved to be effective, as well as isolation plays set up for McGrady. The advantage for Orlando was 17-12 at halftime, and continued on throughout the second half as the Magic won 36-26.

Player of the Game

Tracy McGrady: 11pts, 2reb, 2ast

Notable Stats (Magic)
Howard: 6pts, 7reb
DeClercq: 5pts, 6reb

Notable Stats (Hornets)
Magloire: 6pts, 4reb
Davis: 4pts, 2stl

Final Score: New Orleans Hornets 26, Orlando Magic 36

Post-Game Interview
Tracy McGrady: Tonight's win was an amazing win for us. Everyone put in extra effort to win this in front of our home crowd and that's what we did. We now just have to carry that effort to upcoming games, especially against Detroit. They are a stingy team that will present a tough challenge for us.

[James_1]

nice job. ur scoring must have been even if t-mac shot 11 to win player of the match

[Andrew]

That's an interesting challenge, setting Foul Out to 2 because of the reduced quarters. Have you found it to be a problem so far, or have you adjusted the sliders to compensate?

[alexboom]

good idea to set ejections after 2 fouls, but isn't that a little too much ? you can reach very quickly those 2 fouls, maybe 3 would be the best solution ?

I may consider this idea for my 2min quarter franchise

[T-Mac2004]

I haven't made any changes to the sliders as of now. Ejections set at two fouls is working well for me so far. I get about 2-3 ejections per game, usually in the second half, which is how I want it .

[T-Mac2004]

Wallace x 2 = 1 Detroit Win?
Game 3 Preview:
The Pistons are the Magic's third opponent, and what the Magic fears the most are the two Wallaces. Ben Wallace, defending Defensive Player of the Year, and Rasheed Wallace, former Trailblazer, will take control of the post. What the Magic need to do is play a strong perimeter game, and avoid the Wallace twins as much as possible.


Detroit Pistons (0-2) @ Orlando Magic (1-1)

Game 3 Recap:
Surprisingly, the Magic were the ones to play incredible defense in their first meeting of the season. They held Detroit to 11% shooting in the second quarter and 20% in the fourth. Still, though, the score seemed to be in Piston control as the Magic struggled on offense as well. But Drew Gooden of Orlando drove the lane and slam dunked the ball with 14.2 seconds left to put the Magic ahead 32-31. On the very next play Tyronn Lue stole the ball Havlicek-style and layed it in for a bucket with exactly 10 seconds remaining. The Pistons couldn't recover and the Magic hung on 34-31. Drew Gooden's slam dunk were his only points of the game and his first of the season.

Player of the Game

Tracy McGrady: 15pts, 2ast, 2blk, 1stl

Notable Stats (Magic)
Gooden: 2pts, 3reb
Lue: 6pts, 1stl

Notable Stats (Pistons)
Billups: 10pts, 2ast
R. Wallace: 9pts, 5reb, 1blk

Final Score: Detroit Pistons 31, Orlando Magic 34

[T-Mac2004]

DeClercq Going to Work
Game 4 Preview:
The Magic are hungry for revenge as the New York Knicks come into town. The Knicks, defeating the Magic in an overtime heartbreaker, also went on to beat the defending champions San Antonio Spurs in the Alamo 38-31. Allan Houston and Stephon Marbury combine for 22 points per game going into Orlando. Could this scoring threat be stopped?


New York Knicks (2-0) @ Orlando Magic (2-1)

Game 4 Recap:
Things looked grim for the Orlando Magic as Tracy McGrady picked up a foul early in the first quarter. He was taken out of the second and third quarter to save him from early ejection. But no one expected Andrew DeClercq to step it up for the Magic. The center posted five points and three rebounds in the third quarter, and went on to grab two offensive rebounds in the final minute of the game to seal an Orlando victory. Marbury and Houston were combined 3 of 16 shooting. Orlando and New York are tied 1-1 for the season series.

Player of the Game

Andrew DeClercq: 5pts, 7reb (3 offensive), 2ast

Notable Stats (Magic)
McGrady: 8pts, 2reb
Bogans: 6pts, 5reb, 2stl

Notable Stats (Knicks)
Marbury: 6pts, 2ast
Williams: 6pts

Final Score: New York Knicks 27, Orlando Magic 36

Post-Game Interview
Andrew DeClercq: I was on the bench when McGrady picked up a foul two minutes into the game. You could just feel the shock among the bench. We promised to each other before the game we weren't going to get sweeped by the Knicks, and it looked like they were going to do that. Well, when I came out in the third quarter to replace Steve who fouled out, I had the mentality to play well, and that's what helped us to a win.

[T-Mac2004]

The R-Lan Magic
Game 5 Preview:
The Chicago Bulls shouldn't be taken lightly by the Magic, who had blown out the Houston Rockets by 15 points two days ago. The Magic will need to stop Eddy Curry, who is the leading scorer on the Bulls (7.0), although he is 5th on the team in minutes played (8.3min).


Chicago Bulls (1-3) @ Orlando Magic (3-1)

Game 5 Recap:
The former NBA Champions showed the type of basketball it takes to win a championship as the Bulls shot for 65% in the first half and held the Magic to 23%. The Bulls held a 23-10 advantage at halftime, and executed three steals in the final period to end the Magic's 3-game winning streak, 37-28. McGrady, who fouled out in the third quarter, took just three shots and finished with 6 points, less than fifty percent of his average. Eddy Curry scored only two buckets, but had three blocks in the first quarter. Johnny Davis said after the game, "Our team absolutely had no O or D. We should be called the 'R-Lan Magic'".

Player of the Game

Kirk Hinrich: 10pts, 4ast, 2stl

Notable Stats (Magic)
Howard: 9pts, 4reb
McGrady: 6pts, 1blk

Notable Stats (Bulls)
Davis: 10pts, 6reb
Curry: 4pts, 3blk, 2ast

Final Score: Chicago Bulls 37, Orlando Magic 28

[James_1]

wow, t-mac doesnt seem to be dpoing much for you. howard played good v bulls

[T-Mac2004]

McGrady hasn't been putting up too many points lately because of foul trouble. He hasn't been able to be as agressive the past couple of games. It's a challenge for me though.

[T-Mac2004]

Dominating Wolves
Game 6 Preview:
Kevin Garnett and the T-Wolves come into Orlando looking for a third straight win. The Orlando defense will have a problem keeping an eye on both Garnett and his backcourt teammate Sam Cassell, who both average 8.0ppg. Therefore, Tracy McGrady will have to keep out of foul trouble early and attempt to outscore the troublesome duo.


Minnesota Timberwolves (2-3) @ Orlando Magic (3-2)

Game 6 Recap:
Minnesota completely dominated, as they outscored the Magic in every quarter. By halftime the score was 26-6, and by then the Magic already had given up. It was no doubt the Magic's most embarrasing loss, who goes on the road to Houston tomorrow. Kevin Garnett recorded 11 points, and 5 rebounds, while Latrell Sprewell recorded a game-high 12 points. Vincent Yarbrough, who guarded McGrady, played spectacular defense to help Minnesota to a victory, who are now 3-3. The Timberwolves are 3-0 since they signed Vincent Yarbrough as a free agent.

Player of the Game

Kevin Garnett: 11pts, 5reb, 1blk, 1stl

Notable Stats (Magic)
McGrady: 9pts, 1stl
Lue: 4reb, 3stl

Notable Stats (Timberwolves)
Sprewell: 12pts
Yarbrough: 2ast, 2blk, 3stl
Cassell: 5pts, 4ast

Final Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 45, Orlando Magic 21

[T-Mac2004]

T-Mac Down in Houston
Game 7 Preview:
McGrady and his team come into Houston, ready to go. Losing their last two games, including a 24-point blowout from Minnesota, the Magic are trying to put a stop to what seems to be an impending losing streak. This game will come down to rebounds, as Orlando and Houston are tied for first in the league in rebounding, both averaging 17 per game. The winner will be the one who gets more second-chance points and limit their opponent to one shot per possession.


Orlando Magic (3-3) @ Houston Rockets (2-2)

Game 7 Recap:
The Magic continues their struggles through Texas as they were unable to keep up with the Rockets. Orlando was outscored 14-2 in the first period, responsibility to Steve Francis, who scored 6 of his 9 points in the first quarter. Things got worse for Orlando as Jim Jackson ran into Tracy McGrady on a fastbreak layup in the second quarter. McGrady appeared to be holding his back after the play. McGrady was unable to return and Houston went on to win 42-21.

Player of the Game

Steve Francis: 9pts, 3ast, 2reb, 1stl

Notable Stats (Rockets)
Yao: 9pts, 6reb
Jackson: 9pts, 2ast

Notable Stats (Magic)
Gaines: 8pts, 2ast, 2stl
Stevenson: 5pts, 3reb

Final Score: Orlando Magic 21, Houston Rockets 42

Post-Game News:
McGrady will be inactive to play for at least two weeks said team doctors after the Houston game. "Due to the collision, Mr. McGrady will be out for at least two weeks. He is suffering a broken nose, and his lower back injury from last year has kicked in as well. It doesn't look too serious, however. It'll take a while for his back to recover. He should be back for the Boston game (15th game)", said Dr. Smith. Rookie Reece Gaines will replace Orlando's leading scorer on the starting lineup.

[James_1]

wow u got killed t-mac still doing nothing. have u contemplated trading him?

[T-Mac2004]

I don't think I'll be trading McGrady. He's still leading the league in scoring at 10ppg, and he is injured right now so I doubt anyone would want him. I'll see what he can do when he comes back.

[T-Mac2004]

Teammate Reunion
Game 8 Preview:
Drew Gooden, Mike Miller, and Ryan Humphrey all face former teams as the Grizzlies will battle the Magic in Orlando. Gooden and current Jazz player Gordan Giricek were traded with Miller and Humphrey in a deal between Memphis and Orlando last year. They all meet now in Orlando. To win this game, the McGrady-less Magic will have to find a way to outscore Pau Gasol, leading scorer of the Grizzlies at 8.6ppg. Will the Magic stop Gasol and his team in front of their home crowd? Or will they add on to their 3-game losing streak?


McGrady will reunite with his former teammate Mike Miller, but it won't be on the court.


Memphis Grizzlies (3-4) @ Orlando Magic (3-4)

Game 8 Recap:
Homecoming from a devastating trip from Houston, Orlando was unable to contain former Magic member, Mike Miller. Miller scored 11 points in a 32-29 victory over Orlando, who finally showed some signs of recovering from three consecutive losses. They almost did, until James Posey hit a three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left to give Memphis the victory.

Player of the Game

Mike Miller: 11pts, 6reb

Notable Stats (Magic)
Dial: 4pts, 3reb, 2ast, 1stl
DeClercq: 4pts, 5reb

Notable Stats (Grizzlies)
Gasol: 6pts, 5reb
Watson: 4ast

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 32, Orlando Magic 29

[T-Mac2004]

Dial, The X Factor
Game 9 Preview:
A game at Denver begins a five-game western road trip for the Magic. The Nuggets hold the best record in the league at 7-1, it's only loss to the Rockets by two points. A western road trip is the least the Magic need right now and if they are going to make the best of it they will have to start off by stopping Denver's transition offense, for that is their biggest strength.


Orlando Magic (3-5) @ Denver Nuggets (7-1)

Game 9 Recap:
The Magic did what they had aimed to do and that was to stop Denver's transition offense. With Andre Miller in foul trouble early, Denver's fast break was weak and ineffective. Derrick Dial stepped up for the Magic with eight points and three assists. Just his second game of the season, Dial was activated for his first game after McGrady was put on the IR. His impressive play against Memphis earned him a starting spot in Denver, where he impressed Coach Davis even more, leading Orlando out of their four-game slump.

Player of the Game

Juwan Howard: 6pts, 7reb, 1blk

Notable Stats (Nuggets)
Anthony: 11pts
Boykins: 7pts (4min)

Notable Stats (Magic)
Dial: 8pts, 3ast, 1stl
Lue: 6pts, 2reb, 1stl

Final Score: Orlando Magic 38, Denver Nuggets 33

Post-Game Interview
Derrick Dial: Man, coming into this game all the team was thinking about was a "five game road-trip". We couldn't believe that a road trip in the West would come at this crucial point of time. And we don't even have our best player, Tracy. We grew worried when he was injured. But it gave me a chance to play and get everyone's game to step up. We're going to take it one game at a time from now on, instead of worrying about the five games as a whole.

League News
-Tim Duncan has suffered a sprained foot in San Antonio's 30-29 loss in Washington. The Spurs are currently 3-8. He is expected back in three weeks.
-The Orlando Magic have recieved news that Tracy McGrady may be back earlier than expected, possibly the fifth game in Orlando's road trip (@ Sacramento).

[T-Mac2004]

Brand Shut Down
Game 10 Preview:
Though the Clippers are just 1-4, the Magic will play on Elton Brand's homecourt. Brand is fourth in the league in scoring and rebounding and will be extremely difficult for the Magic to stop. Juwan Howard, who will be guarding Brand, is needed for Orlando to play good defense on Brand and to keep him off the boards.


Orlando Magic (4-5) @ Los Angeles Clippers (1-4)

Game 10 Recap:
No one was able to stop Brand's rebounding, recording seven rebounds for the Clippers. But his scoring was surely stopped when Drew Gooden came in for the ejected Juwan Howard in the third quarter. Gooden held Brand to 0 for 5 in the third period, as well as stuffing one of his shots. This supported a large comeback for the Magic, who led by five with under a minute left. However, Corey Maggette of the Clips hit six straight points in a row, four of them coming in one play. Down by one, Drew Gooden drove the lane and hit a game-winning dunk with 15 seconds left. The Magic hung on to win 35-30.

Player of the Game

Drew Gooden: 7pts, 4reb, 1blk

Notable Stats (Clippers)
Maggette: 12pts, 2reb
Brand: 6pts, 7reb

Notable Stats (Magic)
Howard: 8pts, 2reb
Dial: 4pts, 2ast, 1stl

Final Score: Orlando Magic 35, Los Angeles Clippers 30

[T-Mac2004]

Nailbiter in Salt Lake City
Game 11 Preview:
Orlando travels to Salt Lake City to play the Utah Jazz, who for the first time in nearly twenty years are playing without Malone and Stockton. But Jerry Sloan has raised the team into contenders this year, and their record shows it, at 6-4. The deadly duo of Arroyo and Kirilenko will force the Magic to play excellent perimeter defense in order for Orlando to win the game.


Orlando Magic (5-5) @ Utah Jazz (6-4)

Game 11 Recap:
Orlando's winning streak on the road continues, beating the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Magic had control of the whole game, playing especially well on defense and on fast breaks. Utah made a comeback by the end of the game, but Carlos Arroyo's three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out as the Magic won 29-26. DeShawn Stevenson recorded a team-high 8 points on his former team.

Player of the Game

Keith Bogans: 4pts, 2reb, 2ast, 1stl

Notable Stats (Jazz)
Kirilenko: 10pts
Ostertag: 3pts, 4reb, 2blk, 1stl

Notable Stats (Magic)
Stevenson: 8pts, 1stl
Hunter: 4pts, 4reb

Final Score: Orlando Magic 29, Utah Jazz 26