A collapse by Phoenix led to a 100-85 beating by Orlando, increasing the pressure on the Phoenix coach. Bob had to suffer through the game as his players were ineffective and his former fans were heckling. To make matters worse, the team was dominated by hated Orlando, a bad thing for any Phoenix coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of Phoenix losing ways. While Phoenix deny it, rumors about that they have already started a search for a new coach who can turn this franchise around.

It was just more fuel for the fire today when Orlando took Phoenix behind the woodpile for a 100-85 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Orlando win, many people believed the Phoenix certainly had the talent to knock them off. Celaya did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Wright led the Orlando to victory.

"You hate to see somebody with Bob's character go through this. It's just a sad sight," commented Orlando coach Bob. "We're obviously delighted to get the victory over such a worthy adversary in a big rivalry game like this, and all I can do is credit my players, my assistants, and our fans."

Orlando was led by Wright (24 points, 6 boards, 0 assists), Dixon (7 points, 9 boards, 2 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Carey (15 points, 1 assists). Phoenix was led by Celaya (24 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks), Green (15 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, a steal, a block), Hunt (11 points, 7 boards, 0 assists, 3 blocks).

Orlando improve to 9-8 and 7-1 at home. They advance to #2 in the Southeast and improve to #5 overall in the Eastern Conference. Phoenix drop to 7-10 with this loss. They remain at #3 in the Pacific and fall to #11 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Orlando roster Phoenix roster