Griz rely on depth, defense in win Swift splits time at center, paces team with 16 points By Ronald Tillery Contact October 13, 2004 ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic finally tipped off the post-Tracy McGrady era with the NBA's No. 1 draft pick impressing everyone on the court, and a revamped lineup providing hope for a competitive season. When Grizzlies forward Shane Battier assessed his team after one week of training camp, he said the atmosphere felt more like an extension of last season than the anticipation of something new. The new look Magic understood Battier's sentiment Tuesday night when the teams played their first game of the NBA's exhibition season. Injuries, foul trouble and an excused absence depleted the Grizzlies roster. But their depth and defense produced a 99-95 victory for the Grizzlies in TD Waterhouse Centre. "We came out and wanted to win this game," Battier said. "We wanted to look good doing it and try to recapture the rhythm we had last year. We did that in spurts. We got out on the break really well and we created some turnovers. If we work on those things during the season, we'll be OK." Griz coach Hubie Brown believed the good outweighed the bad. The Griz played without Jason Williams, who remained in Memphis to be with his pregnant wife. James Posey and Bonzi Wells sat out because of injury. And the point guards stayed in foul trouble most of the night. Still, the Griz built double-digit leads in both halves and then finished the game strong after the Magic's late rally. Brown used 12 players and left satisfied with their effort. "We wanted to get to the foul line over 30 times, so that was good," Brown said. "Plus, the five guys in double figures was good. I also thought our three centers did a great job. We didn't want any player to play more than 24 minutes. That was a negative." Battier played 31 minutes and Mike Miller logged 30 because of the shortage at shooting guard and at the point. Earl Watson started, and rookie Antonio Burks played behind him. But both had fouled out with 8:58 left in the fourth quarter. That's when the Griz displayed why their deep rotation will again serve as their main ingredient for success this season. "We wanted to see where we are," center Lorenzen Wright said. "You can't get a handle on where you are until you play another team. Now we know what we have to work on. It got rough in the second half. But everybody stepped up and played. We won, so it's good right now." In defeat, the Magic were pleased mainly because of the glimpse rookie Dwight Howard gave them of what the future may bring. Howard, taken No. 1 overall in the June draft, amassed 18 points and 9 rebounds in an impressive fashion. One play that aroused the crowd was Howard's power dunk over Griz forward Dahntay Jones's reach as the Magic erased a deficit in the third quarter. "He really ran the floor well, finished the ball strong at the basket," Magic coach Johnny Davis said, "and he didn't look in awe nor intimidated at all." Both teams, though, were sloppy at times and appeared out of sync -- something to be expected in the first preseason game. The Griz forced 20 turnovers and met their defensive goal of holding an opponent under 24 points in a quarter three times. Offensively, the Griz struggled from the perimeter but got good production in the paint. Brown praised his three-headed center: Wright, Stromile Swift and Jake Tsakalidis. Swift, continuing his solid training camp, led the Griz with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting. "He played well the other day in the scrimmage," Brown said. "He played well again tonight. We expect him to play well." That he's playing in a contract year means nothing, says Swift. He wants to simply establish consistency. "I just want to go out and bring energy on a consistent basis," Swift said. "I'm not putting any pressure on myself. Hopefully, I'll get off to a good start. I know during the season I'll have a bad period like most players do. But then I want to finish strong." Finishing camp on a high note is what Burks is shooting for. Injured for most of the first week, Burks gave the Griz an extended look, playing 16 minutes and looking impressive on offense. "He made some great plays off the dribble," Brown said. "He did an excellent job pushing the ball on the break. He made some beautiful plays with Stro." Burks played most of his time opposite All-Star guard Steve Francis, who often blew by him and set up teammates at the rim. "I had a good learning experience," Burks said. "I learned that some guards are much quicker than me so you can't overplay a guy like Steve Francis. But pushing the ball is what I do well. "If I play defense well and stop fouling, I'll be OK." -- Ronald Tillery; 529 --

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