Small forward Matt Barnes knows his role as he plays solid defense and he is a good rebounder. Barnes has played in 65 games (42 starts) for the Magic this season and he is averaging 25.4 minutes, 8.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Barnes really showed some skills as he got into Kobe Bryant’s head in a recent game with the Lakers that the Magic won. I like the fact that no one can intimidate Barnes and that will come in handy in the playoffs this year for the Magic.

Jason Williams was once known for his flashy passes and difficult shots, and was turnover prone because of it.  The 34-year-old point guard is a completely different player now and has been a great asset off the bench for the Orlando Magic this season.  Williams, who didn’t even play in the NBA last season, is playing 21.6 minutes per game and is averaging 6.6 points, 3.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and is shooting a career high from the field (46%) and a career high from three (38%).  Williams’ assist-to-turnover ratio is 3.44, which is good enough for the 5th best in the NBA.  Williams will be an important player for the Magic when they go for another run at the NBA Title this season.  Jameer Nelson is a solid point guard for the Magic, but he has more of a “shoot-first” mentality for a point guard and his assist-to-turnover ratio is only 2.5.  For a guy who didn’t even play last year and wasn’t expected to do much for the Magic this season, Williams has been a very good player for them this year.

The Magic shot 52.2% from the floor last night and they outrebounded the Warriors 58-29 which explains the ease of the win. Dwight Howard led the way for the Magic last night with 28 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. Rashard Lewis pitched in with 17 points and 4 rebounds last night. Vince Carter finished up with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in this game. The Magic are now 42-20 on the year.

The Magic got rid of the Sixers quickly in this game as they led it 102-81 heading into the 4th quarter. Jameer Nelson was the star of the game for the Magic last night as he shot 8 of 11 from the floor and he finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists. Rashard Lewis (19 points), Vince Carter (19 points) and Matt Barnes (16 points) all ready helped on offense as the Magic were very balanced last night. Dwight Howard finished up with 14 points and only 3 rebounds as the Magic only needed him for 24 minutes last night. Mickael Pietrus (10 points, 6 rebounds) and J.J. Redick (11 points) pitched in off the bench to keep the Sixers down. The Magic are now 41-20 on the season which has them 2 games up on the Hawks and 3 games on the Celtics for the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Shaquille O’Neal was talking trash after the Cavs beat the Magic last week for the second time this season. He broke it down saying pretty much, “Superman, My Ass!” which got Howard a bit fired up. After all Howard has been outstanding all year long for the Magic this season. He has played in 54 games (all starts) for the Magic this season and he is averaging 35.0 minutes, 18.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.7 blocked shots per game. The Magic might need to trade for a big man though if the Cavs acquire Amare Stoudemire from the Suns because Howard will need help inside if they play them again in the playoffs.