It’s been a long time since Vince Carter has had a night like tonight.
Vinsanity made its first appearance in an Orlando Magic uniform. Carter lit up the admittedly depleted New Orleans Hornets for 48 points to carry the Mgic to a 123-117 victory.
Carter hit 19 of 27 shots from the field, including 6 of 10 three-point attempts. The highlight-reel dunker scored 34 of his 48 points in the second half.
Dwight Howard might be Superman on All-Star Weekend, but he's still not the go-to-guy on the Magic.
The showing had to be especially appreciated by the Orlando organization who put themselves out on a limb to bring the 8-time All-Star to town. The Magic gave up Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and let Hedo Turkoglu sign with the Magic – - and they were all key players in last year’s Eastern Conference playoff run by the Magic.
Carter has been struggling from the outset of the season – partly with injuries…but mostly with his game. He had not demonstrated the takeover ability that once made him one of the most explosive forces in the NBA. And with Dwight Howard’s offensive abilities seemingly not progressing at all, Carter’s creative playmaking ability is needed more than ever.
Vinsanity was rekindled tonight, and after many questionable activities in the offseason it gave the Magic the one thing that they needed most…
Hope.
T Lamont is an administator and author covering all sports for Ball or Nuthin'. Send T Lamont a question or comment for future discussion (tlamont@ballornuthin.com). 
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Still trying to figure out why the Magic would trade their young back court for a hope and a prayer. This type of game from Vinsanity will be few and far between.
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TLamont Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
The only young guy that they got rid of was Courtney Lee. Rafer Alston's getting up there in years. I believe Tony Battie was the other guy they shipped away. The big loss (to free-agency) was Hedo Turkoglu who, by the way, was obviously playing for a contract last year. He ain't done squat in Toronto this year besides collect his fat paychecks.
So, after winning the Eastern Conference last year, the Magic were actually a desperate team. Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson (when healthy) wouldn't get the job done. I'm not saying that Carter will either. But some nights, against some opponents he comes with his swag on. They needed him just to have a chance against the Cavs, Celtics and Hawks.
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Hope is a is a double-edged weapon. It can bring you out of despair, but the worse thing is it can validate bad decisions. Just ask any Redskins fan. BAM!
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R.T. – that was obviously directed at you. And yes, I am instigating. Instigation is a complimentary service offered by Ball or Nuthin'.
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