The Orlando Magic may have snapped a four-game losing streak, which was part of the worst week in team history, but they still don't know if the slump has ended.
That's how bad the Washington Wizards are.
The Magic beat the lowly Wizards, 109-103, but many of the same Magic problems remain. They had 11 first-half turnovers. And they still struggled to start their offense against even the slightest defensive pressure.
"I can't figure out what we're doing wrong," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "We couldn't run anything. We can't get into our offense, and that's frustrating."
The biggest reason might be the lack of a decent point guard. Starter Jameer Nelson, who is having his worst NBA season, has missed the last three games with concussion symptoms. Backup Chris Duhon has not played well, either. And third point guard Larry Hughes was so bad Wednesday, he was waived shortly after the game finished.
The Magic return to action Friday at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who should provide a much better test.
The Magic did have three players score at least 20 points. Dwight Howard had 23 points and 18 rebounds. Ryan Anderson had 23 points and seven rebounds. And J.J. Redick, starting again in place of Jason Richardson, had 21 points.
"When we move the ball, and get a lot of people scoring, we are going to be pretty good offensively," Redick said. "I think we are going to show people we are tough, that we can win some games."
NOTES, QUOTES
--The Magic were ecstatic to hit 30-of-39 free throws Wednesday (.769), although it would have been just another night from the free throw line for most teams in the league. For the Magic, it was remarkable.
Not only are the Magic the worst free throw shooting team in the league (63 percent), but it's not even close. Only one other team, the New Jersey Nets (.689), is below the 70 percent mark.
The biggest reason has been Dwight Howard, who has been just awful from the line this season. In the two previous games, Howard combined to hit just 9-of-28 free throws. On Wednesday, he made 11-of-16. He has been working with assistant Mark Price -- the league's all-time best free throw shooter -- but it has not been working.
--The Magic, desperate for point guard help, are expected to sign Ishmael Smith, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Smith played six games with the Golden State Warriors this season before being waived. He is considered more of a point guard than Larry Hughes, the veteran who had served as the No. 3 point guard. The Magic were desperate with Jameer Nelson on the sideline with a concussion and still not sure about a return.
