Orlando Magic 123, Atlanta Hawks 86

Orlando dominated early and never looked back, asserting their dominance both inside and outside to close out the preseason with a perfect 8-0 record for the first time in franchise history (not that it matters).

Unlike the games earlier this week, this game was a thing of beauty on both sides of the night and even made Stan Van Gundy smile at times. A rare sight indeed... and more proof that it is still the preseason.

But let's start breaking down this thing.

The Magic started from the outside. With the Hawks double-teaming Howard down low on every touch, he was happy to pass the ball to the outside. Ryan Anderson got going first by hitting a few outside jumpers. Vince Carter kept it going with some nice outside shots and some aggressive attacks to the basket. He finished with 26 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Definitely no doubt that he can still jump when necessary.

But we knew those two guys could do that if the defense focused too much on Howard. What finally seemed to come around was the defense.

The Magic used an aggressive trapping zone early in the game and forced a lot of turnovers and put the Hawks in bad positions to score. More or less typical Magic defense. It seemed like they were trapping and doubling more than they usually do, but the aggressiveness was there early and that is what mattered.

I am sure Van Gundy was much happier with the effort tonight as it was clear Atlanta wanted no part of it after playing last night in Jacksonville against Miami. The Hawks were out of this one early as the Magic outscored them 37-16 in the first quarter.

Onto the second half then. That's when Dwight Howard took over.

Howard had 20 of his 25 points in the third quarter as Atlanta could no longer afford to double him with the Magic hitting their 3-point shots. In this quarter, Howard displayed an array of post moves and scored at ease. Mostly from the post too and not on the pick and roll.

If he can put together that kind of effort in the regular season, he will make the leap we have all been waiting on. Granted, Atlanta does not have the front court that can put up much resistance to Howard. But I think we all know we are quickly approaching the time when no one can.

The defense was good, giving up 38 percent shooting. The offense was good, scoring 101 points in three quarters, shooting 62 percent and 10 of 16 from beyond the arc.

This game was a statement on national television for the Magic to say we are ready for the regular season -- even against a lackluster Hawks team.

The only complaint I can make is the second unit does not produce at nearly the same rate as the starters. This occurred in both the second and fourth quarters. But no starter was on the floor.

That's going to change as Stan Van Gundy likes to have at least one starter on the floor at all times (and by starter I mean Jameer Nelson, Dwight Howard or Vince Carter).

A good way to close, now they count.