The game absolutely everyone was clamouring to see

For those that don’t like to read, (if so, why are you here?) here are the highlights.

Grizzlies 92–84 Magic

Quarter 1

Basketball is (not quite) back!

Chandler Parsons seems really slow

Magic are getting lots of open looks, just weren’t connecting on them

Orlando isn’t involving Gordon in the PnR, sticking him on the perimeter

Gordon really isn’t afraid to fire away from 3, and is for the most part hitting them

Memphis players getting penetration too easily, scoring inside on the Magic

Orlando’s switching seems improved over last year

Don’t know if this team can have the future they want w/ Vucevic, doesn’t really fit the mold. That being said, they don’t have a better option right now.

The team is running lots of midrange shots for Hezonja

Simmons seems like an excellent bench player, though definitely does not seem like a starter quite yet. Excited to see if he can grow into a starter throughout the season.

Quarter 2

Deyonta Davis seems like he could be a killer defensive player

Hezonja’s shots aren’t going in, but his handle looks a lot tighter than last season

Isaac has done nothing so far, hasn’t been involved by teammates

Magic starters working much more in transition, whereas the bench are working more in the half court

Wow Simmons is athletic

Literally keep forgetting Isaac is there.

Running bench offense through Hezonja and Simmons, it seems. I like that model

Isaac is getting as much run as Hezonja did under Skiles. Ouch. Seems he’s only getting chances in transition. Need to at least see what Isaac can do, even if he’s going to be a mostly complimentary player on the team.

Ross is doing a great job of getting open. Just needs to hit on his shots.

Starters are significantly better passers in halfcourt and transition. Not only in the basic box scores, (assists) but in terms of ball movement and using multiple passes to get the ball where it needs to be.

If his shooting is really this good, ORL needs to get Gordon involved in both pick and pop and pick and roll situations, while still letting some plays run through him and letting Gordon work 1-on-1 against slower defenders

Said it once, I’ll say it again: all indications pointing towards Deyonta Davis being a special defensive player who can defend both on the perimeter and in the paint. Haven’t seen him do anything on offense. Don’t expect much from him there.

Quote of the half from the Grizzlies commentator: “Ross not shy — also not successful”

Quarter 3

Well Hezonja lobs to Biz are back. Lets see if Biz can catch some this year

Bench passing getting a bit better than it was. Augustin way smarter, more selfless than last year.

No horrific plays, but this definitely isn’t fun basketball

Hezonja getting to the line a lot in this game. Still clearly not a complete player, but trending in the right direction

Getting to see Speights, Mack, Iwundu, Rudez, Kalin Lucas (who???)

Nevermind. These third stringers are horrific.

Are teams contractually obligated to play Pitbull songs during breaks?

Quarter 4

Basketball? I’m 6 minutes in and I can’t watch any more. Good night.

…Wait…Isaac had the most points on the team? When did that happen?

Highlight of the Game:

This Jarell Martin Dunk

Hezonja Play of the Night:

a) yes this will continue to be a thing

b) I’m cheating, and starting this off with two plays. One was an alley-oop thrown, the other an alley-oop converted for points.

c) he had twelve points tonight!