A big reason why Pat Riley has become one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Orlando Magic head coach Doc Rivers said, is his unique ability to motivate his players.

Riley is famous for his fiery pep talks before games, and Rivers -- who played for Riley in New York from 1992-95 -- calls him the greatest speaker he has ever heard. But Riley also is quite creative with his motivational methods and once dunked his head into a bucket of water. He emerged 90 seconds later and told the players they had to want to win as much as they wanted the next breath.

"One time he showed us this video of rams butting heads and cars crashing together because he thought we were playing soft," Rivers recalled. "One day he drew this really abstract picture and it turned out to be the championship trophy. It never came together until the last line.

"He's such a great orator and it's always something different whether it's the bucket thing or the time he punched his fist through a chalkboard. He did that not because he was mad, but to prove a point about playing through pain and having mental toughness. He's a wild guy, but you know he's doing it because he wants to win so bad."


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A big reason why Miami had ripped off six consecutive victories coming into Thursday was the improved health of center Alonzo Mourning. The all-star center missed most of last season with a serious kidney disease and has had to play this season with less stamina.

Mourning suffered a setback earlier in the season when he acquired a stomach virus that knocked him out of five games. While he was sick, Mourning couldn't take his medicine for the kidney ailment and fatigue was a problem.

But he claims to be close to full strength now, and his play of late backs that statement up. In back-to-back defeats of the Lakers and Portland last week, Mourning had 28 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in the first game and 19 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks against the Blazers.

"I'm feeling better, but really I'm not concerned about me," said Mourning, who is averaging 15.3 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. "I'm more worried about the continuity of this team, and we're a better team with me out there on the floor."


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If the NBA allows the Hornets to move out of a basketball hotbed such as Charlotte -- they are in the process of trying to move to New Orleans -- could Orlando some day lose the Magic if the arena issue isn't solved? Rivers, for one, said he thinks the franchise is safe here because the NBA feels strongly about the Orlando market.

"I think we're safer because we're the only show in town and the NBA really likes that with its franchises," Rivers said. "And even though they are selling, our ownership really wants the team staying here. (Charlotte owners George Shinn and Ray Woolridge) were just looking for the best deal out there. (Magic owner) Rich (DeVos) is still committed to this area and wants to see the team stay here."

As for the Hornets moving, Rivers is not convinced they will end up in New Orleans just yet. Again, he puts the blame at Shinn's feet.

"He alienated the entire city even before there was an arena issue," Rivers said. "I've hear a million times from the guys there that if Shinn would just sell the team there wouldn't be a problem. It's too bad it's come to this because Charlotte has proven in the past to be a good basketball city."

And if they do become the New Orleans Hornets? "I say change the name to Mosquitoes," Rivers said.


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Mike Miller bobble-head dolls were passed out to the first 5,000 fans at Thursday's game. . . Riley said his Heat are still a long way away from being in the playoff race. "We know where we're at and we're still almost last in the division," he said. "We dug ourselves such a hole, but I'm still optimistic we can do some things in the second half." . . . Many assumed Patrick Ewing would sign as a free agent with Miami this past summer because of his long-standing friendships with Riley and Mourning. But Ewing eventually chose Orlando, saying he thought he had a better shot for a championship with the Magic. He said it was nothing personal toward Riley. "I have fond memories of him and he and I are still good friends. I wish the best for him -- except for when he plays us," said Ewing, who isn't expected to come off the injured list until after the all-star break. . . Mourning is now 42-1 in jump balls this season. The only jump ball he lost this season was to Cleveland's Chris Mihm.