NBA
Orlando Magic, Chase and Magic Forward Jeff Green Team Up to Unveil Ninth Refurbished Basketball Court in the Central Florida Community
Published
10 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
ORLANDO, Fla (FNN SPORTS) // By Orlando Magic – Peering across a freshly refurbished basketball court so brilliantly blue that it looked like it was powered by an electrical outlet, Anaya Cherizard felt like an Orlando Magic rookie about to run out onto the floor at the Amway Center.
The 9-year-old fourth-grader at Lancaster Elementary School couldn’t wait to dribble a basketball across the Magic’s logo in between the two courts, around the bright blue playing surface and down the silver-accented lanes. Simply seeing something so beautiful brought a smile and a spirit to Cherizard’s face and heart.
“I like how they have the Orlando Magic logo on the court and it’s really creative with the colors that they used,’’ Cherizard said through a toothy smile. “I feel inspired by it. When I grow up, I want to be creative and build things like houses for people who need them. Seeing the court built for all of us inspires me.’’
The Magic and Chase teamed up to refurbish the basketball courts at Lancaster Elementary School and their work was unveiled on a sunny Saturday to the delight of some 100 school children. Their work at Lancaster, a school with a large Hispanic student population, was done in honor of Hispanic Heritage and as part of the Pure Magic Tip-Off Presented by Chase, and it received rave reviews.
“The Magic symbol and the colors on the court will make the kids feel part of a sports community,’’ said Lancaster assistant principal Danielle Alchin, who was presented a framed, game-worn “El Magic” uniform. “The newly renovated court will encourage our students to engage in a variety of sports activities. Basketball, obviously, but also Frisbee toss, tennis, paddleball and line soccer. The basketball court will also bring a new level of excitement to our yearly Field Day. Thank you Magic and Chase for providing us with this wonderful opportunity.”
The Magic and Chase have provided opportunities for thousands of school children in Central Florida by refurbishing nine community sports facilities over the past three years. As Champion of the Community partners, the Magic and Chase have worked together to refurbish courts at Pine Hills Elementary, Pinar Elementary, John H. Bridges Community Center, Mollie Ray Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Engelwood Elementary, Three Points Elementary, Ridgewood Park Elementary and now Lancaster Middle School. Chase and the Magic are working to support local communities and celebrate the Magic’s multicultural platforms, including the Magic’s Black History Month presented by Chase and Noche Latina presented by Chase.
“We at Chase work every day to help people have the money and resources they need to achieve their goals,” said Ralph Tejada, a regional vice president for Chase. “The principal and teachers have told us about the great work being done here at Lancaster. That education will open doors and prepare the kids to make their dreams come true.’’
Chase is also the presenting sponsor of The Pure Magic Tip-Off, which features an October full of fan events, contests and giveaways. Activities spread throughout October include opportunities to win prizes and Magic tickets, a Jr. Magic clinic for local students and a chance to meet Magic players at a local Chase branch.
In addition to refurbishing Lancaster Elementary School’s basketball courts, the Magic and Chase also donated $1,500 in PE equipment such as soccer balls, whiffle-ball bats and balls, dodge balls and a folding carry cart. Also, every student in attendance received Magic basketballs, stickers and snacks.
The students also got a chance to meet Magic standout forward Jeff Green, who assisted the Orlando Magic Youth Academy in putting on a basketball clinic. Green, who signed with the Magic in July, said he’s eager to work in the Central Florida community and he knows that he will have that opportunity while playing for a Magic franchise that is serious about making a difference for those in need.
“I love this. I mean, look at these kids who are smiling, they are enjoying themselves and they are enjoying life,” Green said. “For the Magic to partner up with Chase and give back to the fans who support us and are with us through this journey, it’s neat.
“I want people to know me more than just as a basketball player because there’s so much more to me,” Green added. “This is one way to start that process of letting people in Orlando know me. They can see my face, without the uniform, and I can get out in the community and do my part to help out.”
Students like Jansky Etienne, Sophonie Etienne and Cherizard certainly appreciated what the Magic, Chase and Green did for them in refurbishing the courts, donating PE equipment and putting on the basketball clinic.
“This court is amazing because my brothers and sisters are always wanting to play on a new basketball court and this one is so cool,’’ said Sophonie, a seventh grader at nearby Walker Middle School. “Lancaster barely had PE stuff for the kids to play with last year and now they have all new stuff. So this is a very exciting day for all of us.”
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NBA
Orlando Magic Rally Late to Beat Washington Wizards 122-112
Published
3 years agoon
March 21, 2023
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orlando Magic had a lot of ground to make up for at home after their long road run, and the Washington Wizards didn’t make it easy on them–their defense greatly frustrated the Magic.
First Half
The Wizards led most of the first quarter, especially since the Magic made none of their three-pointers…until Moritz Wagner came in off the bench with just over two minutes left in the first. With a couple of shots, he switched the lead to Orlando by a single point at the end of the first quarter, 26-25.
Cole Anthony got a nice and-1 after his rebound from a failed Wizard free throw. Bradley Beal fouled him as he ran into the paint, but Anthony’s fadeaway shot was successful as he fell to the floor.
In the second quarter the Wizards regained the lead, but like in the first quarter, the Magic rallied near the end of the quarter. When Gary Harris, Markelle Fultz and the other Wagner, Franz, got back on the court, the Magic began sinking more shots.
Mo Wagner contributed 11 points in the first two quarters, while Franz, Harris and Anthony each followed with 10 points. The Magic also made up for their three-pointer deficit in second quarter. They were seven of 17 (41.2 percent) on threes in the first half compared to the Wizards’ five of 15 (33.3 percent) and were 23 of 43 on field goals (53.5 percent) compared to the Wizards’ 21 of 40 (52.5 percent).
For Washington, Deni Avdija and Monte Morris led the scoring with 12 points each; Kristaps Porzingis followed with 11 points.
The Magic secured a four-point lead heading into halftime, 60-56.
Second Half
The Magic ended third quarter one point behind, 88-87.
The Magic brought the fire in the fourth quarter, getting on a run between Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero, who went to the free throw line three times late in the fourth and nailed every free throw. The highlight play of the second half happened within the final minute of the game: Banchero had pressure on him and made an ugly fadeaway baseline three-pointer…and sank it in.
The most critical hit of all was Bradley Beal fouling out of the game, which dealt a huge blow to the Wizards’ offense in the final stretch. Porzingis tried to pick up the slack, but the Magic saw the blood in the water and piled on the pressure, closing out the game with a 10-point win, 122-112.
For the night, Gary Harris led in scoring for the Magic with 22 points, going six for nine on three pointers and seven for 10 on field goals. Franz Wagner followed with 20 points with four rebounds and six assists. Banchero contributed 18 points and was six of six on free throws. Fultz contributed 17 points with five rebounds and five assists.
For the Wizards, Porzingis led the scoring by far, with 30 total points, six rebounds and three assists. Beal followed with 16 points, five rebounds and seven assists.
__________________________________
Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
NBA
Orlando Magic to induct Dennis Scott into their Hall of Fame March 23
Published
3 years agoon
March 7, 2023By
FNN SPORTS
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic will induct Dennis Scott into their Hall of Fame on Thursday, March 23 at 3:45 p.m. in Amway Center, near the Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience.** Scott will become the 12th member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
In addition to the induction ceremony, Scott will be honored that night during Orlando’s game vs. New York. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available through OrlandoMagic.com or by calling 1-800-4-NBATIX.
“Dennis (Scott) still remains one of the elite, long-range shooters in both Orlando Magic and NBA history,” said Martins. “His ability to shoot from beyond the three-point arc was a major key to our success during his time in Orlando and his records stand to this day. We are proud to make Dennis the next inductee into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.”
Originally selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft by Orlando, Scott played seven seasons with the Magic from 1990-97. He played in 446 regular season games (322 starts) with Orlando, averaging 14.8 ppg., 3.1 rpg. and 2.3 apg. in 30.7 minpg., while shooting .403 (981-2,432) from three-point range.
During the 1995-96 campaign, Scott set a then-NBA single season-record with 267 three-pointers made, a standard that lasted for ten years. The 267 three-pointers made remains the franchise record for most made in a season. On April 18, 1996 vs. Atlanta, Scott connected on 11 three-pointers, breaking the then-NBA single game-record, a mark that lasted for almost seven seasons. The 11 three-pointers made also remains the franchise record for most made in a game.
Scott also appeared in 41 playoff games (31 starts) with Orlando, averaging 12.2 ppg., 3.0 rpg. and 1.9 apg. in 33.8 minpg., while shooting .364 (92-253) from three-point range. On May 25, 1995 vs. Indiana, he made seven three-pointers during Game #2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, setting a franchise playoff-record that still stands today. Scott helped the Magic reach the 1995 NBA Finals.
Scott remains the Orlando Magic all-time leader in three-pointers made with 981. Entering this season, he also ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals attempted (second, 2,432), field goals attempted (seventh, 5,737), games played (eighth, 446), steals (eighth, 429), points scored (tenth, 6,603), field goals made (tenth, 2,421) and minutes played (tenth, 13,692).
The Orlando Magic unveiled its inaugural Hall of Fame class on April 9, 2014 with the first two inductees, Magic co-founder Pat Williams and the team’s first-ever draft pick and current community ambassador, Nick Anderson. Scott also joins Shaquille O’Neal (2015), the late Rich DeVos (2016), Anfernee Hardaway (2017), Jimmy Hewitt (2017), Tracy McGrady (2018), David Steele (2019), Darrell Armstrong (2020), John Gabriel (2022) and Brian Hill (2022) in the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
The Orlando Magic Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the great players, coaches and executives who have had a major impact during the team’s illustrious 34-year history. It bridges the past with the future of Magic basketball, and the exhibit, located in Amway Center on the terrace level near Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience, provides Magic fans an opportunity to learn some Magic history while in the building. The inductees are selected based on their overall on and off the court contributions to the team and organization, years of service, impact in the community and general character of the individual.
NBA
Jonathan Isaac to Miss Remainder of 2022-23 Regular Season Due to Another Injury
Published
3 years agoon
March 3, 2023By
FNN SPORTS
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac underwent surgery on Friday morning to repair a torn left adductor muscle and will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 regular season. An MRI conducted Wednesday revealed the injury, after he felt discomfort following Tuesday’s practice in Milwaukee.
“Our thoughts are with Jonathan, whose fortitude in dealing with adversity is unique,” said Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “Jonathan has worked extremely hard to return to the court this season and has demonstrated his impact on our team. We will be by his side as he focuses on the work ahead.”
Isaac (6’10”, 230, 10/3/97) played in 11 games this season, averaging 5.0 ppg., 4.0 rpg. and 1.27 stlpg. in 11.3 minpg.
Originally selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2017 NBA Draft by Orlando, Isaac has appeared in 147 career NBA regular season games (106 starts), all with the Magic, averaging 9.0 ppg., 5.3 rpg., 1.0 apg., 1.43 blkpg. and 1.08 stlpg. in 24.7 minpg. He has also played and started in five career playoff outings, averaging 6.6 ppg., 6.2 rpg. and 1.00 blkpg. in 27.3 minpg.
