Richardson puts on show from downtown

Jason Richardson just needed the right kind of prodding to put him back on the right track.

After missing late 3-point shots that could have won or tied overtime losses this week at home to the Clippers and the Hawks, Richardson rebounded with a can't-miss performance Saturday night in Milwaukee.

Richardson made nine of his 11 3-point shots -- and eight in the second half -- to lead the Magic to a 99-94 victory.

"I had to make up for the last two games when I missed," he said. "It was a fan in the Milwaukee section that told me I was all washed up. I'm 31 years old. It got me going. I just got zoned in after I heard those words."

Richardson had a season-high 31 points, and his nine 3's tied him for second most in a game in Magic history, trailing only Dennis Scott, who had 11 in 1996.

"It was the Jason Richardson show tonight," said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. "He was on fire. The thing about it is that he never lost confidence. If you're in that kind of role, you don't let past failures make you gun shy."

Despite the hot shooting night from the field, Richardson missed all four of his free throws, which was tough to explain.

"Maybe we need to move him back," Van Gundy said.

The Magic (17-11) return to action Monday night at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.