Making Magic at the halfway point

Orlando decided to start the second half of its season the same way it started the beginning of the season -- with a two-game losing streak.

But it really is no matter. What the Magic have done in 41 games is truly astounding. They have become relevant again and are giving fans real hope that a title is within grasp.

Just take a second to digest what Orlando has accomplished in 41-plus games. The team tied the best start in franchise history at 33-8. It swept San Antonio and the Los Angeles Lakers, teams that have been to nine of the past 10 NBA Finals, for the first time in 20 seasons.

For the first time since the Tracy McGrady-Grant Hill pairing, the Magic might have two NBA All Stars and for the first time every could realistically get three.

It has been an incredible ride.

Dwight Howard has shown some maturity and gotten better in the post. More importantly, he has decreased his turnovers substantially and become a better passer. This has given Orlando more open looks from beyond the arc and made Stan Van Gundy's offense a reality.

Jameer Nelson has transformed from a fringe starting point guard to a true leader on the court. Howard has needed someone on the perimeter to take over and give him the space to operate. Nelson's maturation has helped do that.

He has proven me wrong, among others, and become one of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference. He SHOULD be an All Star for the way he has played this season. He seems to have complete control of the offense, knowing when to score and when to pass.

Rashard Lewis has also become more comfortable with the team and that has led to a more aggressive game from him. Lewis is a great 3-point shooter and has played well from beyond the arc. But he is attacking the basket with renewed fervor and aggression. Lewis has been a big difference in this year's team.

Orlando has gotten a rare thing from a young team -- everyone has improved. The next step is to deal with the pressure that comes with being a top team. It comes from the media, from the fans and from within. It is a pressure the team has not faced.

But to this point, this season has been a dream come true for longtime Magic fans. It has been 12 years since Magic fans could even realistically talk championship.

Orlando is in a good spot right now. In a much better spot than it has been in a long time. I do not think it is relevant whether the team wins a title this season. The perception of the Magic has changed. And that is half the battle.