Orlando Magic Glowing From Jameer Nelson's Playmaking

Jameer Nelson was showing his magic for the Orlando Magic Friday night.

In his team’s 110-106 NBA victory over the Detroit Pistons, Nelson was especially impressive with his playmaking. His scoring was OK with 13 points, but he was 4-of-11 from the floor which is nothing special.

What was especially impressive was for Nelson to dish out 10 assists. It was Nelson getting the show going and that’s good news for the Magic if he can do it on a more consistent basic.

“You see he had 10 assists,” said Magic forward Glenn Davis. “That’s big for a guy who can also score. He hit big shots. That is the way he plays. Quick jumpers when he is feeling good and he is a leader also.”

Nelson knows he has to take control for the Magic, 3-5, without Dwight Howard, to be competitive.

“It was big for us to win a game down the stretch like that,” Nelson said. “To be down 10 or 13 points late in the game in the second half and to get stops…I know we can do it, we just had to do it. We had to be more aggressive. We have to do everything harder on defense.”

Nelson showed some leadership skills against the Pistons and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It is easier to do when you’re playing that way,” he said. “Guys can see what you are doing and obviously they know I can lead. I’ve been in the league long enough to know how to do it.”