NJNJ Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 http://www.blogcdn.com/nba.fanhouse.com/media/2010/01/matt-barnes-0110-200.jpg ORLANDO -- On a team filled with high-priced stars, it's the low-budget journeyman who is becoming their leader. Matt Barnes smiles at the irony. With their heart and toughness being questioned through a recent slump, the Orlando Magic have turned to the unheralded forward Barnes to kick start the second half of the season. He may be the 10th highest-paid guy on the roster -- making only $1.6 million -- and he wasn't here when they won the Eastern Conference title last season, but he is the key now to getting back to that level. The Magic (27-15) beat the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, but they remain second in the Southeast Division behind Atlanta with only the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference. "This easily is the most talented team I've ever played for,'' he said. "But the energy level hasn't always been there. I expected our record to be better, but you get what you put out there. You put out a lackluster effort, you'll get beat. And we did.'' The Magic went into Wednesday's game having lost seven of the previous nine games. They may have started the season with a 17-4 record, but they are only 10-11 since. Barnes has become the favorite of Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, who railed on his entire team earlier in the day, blaming their problems on complacency and a low energy level. Barnes is the one guy who has escaped that wrath. "His energy level has been very, very helpful to us. He's really given us a boost,'' Van Gundy said. "One of the things we liked about him when we got him this summer was his versatility, and the way he played. He's a guy who can do a lot of different things.'' CONTINUE READING Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog17k Posted January 21, 2010 Report Share Posted January 21, 2010 Barnes is like the only guy on our team who actually cuts. He plays with a lot of energy, he's never just standing around. I like him. He can also rebound like a mfker, lol. Only thing is he can turn it over a bit, but I think he's working on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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