Game plan changes tonight against Orlando, Howard
For new Wizards coach Ed Tapscott, tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic will present a completely different, and decidedly more difficult, challenge than in Tuesday’s 124-100 victory over run-and-gun Golden State.
Orlando (10-4 going into last night’s game at Philadelphia) is one of the NBA’s toughest teams to match up with in the frontcourt with powerful center Dwight Howard and perimeter-skilled forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
Howard had his way with Wizards’ rookie JaVale McGee in a 106-81 Magic win 19 days ago, scoring 31 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. McGee has comparable athleticism, but certainly not the shoulders to match “Superman.”
“He’s got to use his assets, speed, and quickness,” said Tapscott. “We’ll try to put him in situations like that.”
Tapscott said Etan Thomas, who remained on the bench Tuesday, will have a role tonight. Andray Blatche, coming off the best game of his career, will get minutes in the pivot at well.
“We can’t let certain guys get in a comfort zone,” said Antawn Jamison. “We can’t have Dwight blocking shots, dunking, playing Superman all over the place. We can’t have Turkoglu coming off screen and rolls, popping, creating shots for others. We need to make it difficult for [Rashard] Lewis as well.”
Magic at Wizards
Where » Verizon Center
When » Tonight, 8
TV/Radio » TNT/980 AM
