This was one game where Orlando Magic Coach Doc Rivers probably didn't mind the lopsided nature of the box score. Recently, Rivers has
lamented that his club is relying too heavily on all-star Tracy McGrady on offense. But Thursday against the Golden State Warriors, it made sense to get the ball in McGrady's hands as much as possible.
The Warriors simply had no way of stopping McGrady.
Golden State Coach Dave Cowens used a number of different players to try to defend him, but couldn't find an answer. McGrady scored off the dribble, from the perimeter, and on simple pick-and-rolls.
The result was another huge night for McGrady, and a return to the win column for Orlando. McGrady poured in 40 points as the Magic ended a three-game losing streak with a 105-100 victory at The Arena in Oakland.
That McGrady had a big night isn't a surprise. He had already gone for 40 in two of the first three games on this road trip. But the biggest difference Thursday was his points contributed to a victory.
McGrady scored 23 points in the first half as the Magic built a 60-49 advantage. McGrady was the only Orlando player to score in double-digits in the first half, but that didn't necessarily mean he was forcing things.