Van Gundy says now is no time to relax

NEW YORK The Orlando Magic began their only back-to-back-to-back of the season Monday with an impressive come-from behind win over the New York the teams fourth straight win and ninth in 12 games to start the season. Now the question is whether they can keep it up for two more nights, with Charlotte and San Antonio visiting the Amway Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. But the teams compact schedule and, namely, the challenge of playing three games in three nights isnt something that has head coach Stan Van Gundy too concerned. Its all about your frame of mind, Van Gundy said after Orlandos 102-93 win over the Knicks. We would have no legitimate excuse in this back-to-back-to-back because, obviously, today is just one game. Then tomorrow, Charlottes coming in on a back-to-back also. And then on the third night, at least youve got San Antonio playing on a back-to-back so in my mind, theres no excuse. In fact, Van Gundy is more concerned with a potential mental drop-off than he is with the physical toll three games in as many nights may take on his team. I think our biggest thing going into tomorrow now is weve gone and won four straight road games, (and got) a great win here today, is going home against a team that we beat on the road and relaxing and not playing as well, he said. Thats our challenge right now. Its not a matter of rest. (The Bobcats are) playing at home at 2:00 today in Charlotte. Were both going to hit Orlando at about the same time; were both going to have played today. Instead of complaining about his teams undesirable situation, Van Gundy would rather argue that the leagues rigorous schedule cramming 66 games into a four-month window is equally tough on everyone. Youre going to play a third of your games this year well almost 21 out of 66 games we will have played the day before, Van Gundy said. So if youre going to make that an excuse, theres not much way to have a good season. Van Gundy would rather focus his efforts on making the most of the limited practice time his team has going forward. Despite Orlandos hot start to the season, Van Gundy still sees plenty his team can improve on, particularly on the defensive end. Im still not happy with our defense, Van Gundy said. If it doesnt improve, were not good enough with the defense were playing now. And its going to be tough. Starting with today, 39 days from today to the All-Star break, we play 24 games and we practice five times, so I dont know how were going to make it a whole lot better. For now, the Magic will have to be content working out their issues during games even if they come in sets of two and three. After the break, well get a little bit more of a chance, Van Gundy said. But for right now, were still going to need more focus from guys and a better commitment on the defensive end if we want to be really good.