The Orlando Magic can stop their search for a young, creative point guard to replace Darrell Armstrong for the future.

Troy Hudson, 18 months after he first pulled on the uniform, finally has arrived.
Although there were times -- many times -- when the Magic wondered why he was signed in the summer of 2000, lately he has brought everything into focus.

"It took me a long time to get comfortable," Hudson said. "I don't know why, but it did. I'm at the point now where I can just go out and play, and feel good about my game."

Hudson, although still the backup to Armstrong, has begun to carry more than his share of the load, using the absence of Mike Miller to carve out an expanding role.

He is expected to play major minutes again today when the Magic (35-30) try to win against Allen Iverson and the Sixers in Philadelphia.

"A.I. is the best guard in the game, and my eyes light up at the chance to play against him," Hudson said. "Darrell and I have a job to do against him. We know what's out there."

Hudson has been key in the last two Magic victories, scoring 34 points against the Phoenix Suns and 24 points against the Denver Nuggets. He has provided the second scoring option to Tracy McGrady. He made 24 of 40 shots in the last two games.

"He understands the game better now, and we understand his game better now," said Magic Coach Doc Rivers. "It didn't happen overnight, but both things have come around."

The days of careless turnovers and ill-advised shots -- which marked his first season in Orlando -- are fewer now. If his late-season surge continues, the Magic well may be touting him for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award.

Hudson averaged just 13.4 minutes and 4.8 points last season. Today he is averaging 10.7 points and 21.7 minutes. He has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games. He also ranks second in the NBA in free-throw percentage (.900).

"He withstood a lot of bumps and bruises along the way, a lot of criticism, but he weathered it all," said Armstrong, who is one of Hudson's biggest supporters. "I always thought he could help us, even when some people didn't. And it's great to see his confidence now where it is."

Although Armstrong is the team's emotional leader, Hudson gives the Magic some options they don't have without him in the game. Hudson, at 26, is quicker than Armstrong, and he can create shots more easily for himself and for teammates.

Without Grant Hill, who was sidelined after 14 games, and without Miller, who is on the injured list with a sprained ankle, Hudson is a much-needed scoring option in the Magic's drive toward the playoffs.

"I'm playing free and easy now like I'm just back in the gym. I'm not thinking out there, either. When I think too much, that's when the mistakes come," he said. "This is a lot of fun now."

The Magic, in the No. 5 playoff position, are just one-half game ahead of the 76ers, who are No. 6. They already have beaten the Sixers twice this season. Another victory would secure any head-to-head tie-breaker.

"I think we've got Philly's number," said McGrady, who had his only career triple-double last month against the 76ers. "So let's toss it up and do it again."

The Sixers (34-30), despite a horrible start this season, have begun playing well again. As the defending Eastern Conference champs, they were hurt by injuries early and struggled with their change of role players this season. They have won seven of their last nine. Like the Magic, they still have their sights on one of the top four playoff spots in the East.

"You knew eventually they would come around," Rivers said. "They have Iverson, and he was never going to quit. It just took a little longer for their role players to find their places. They are rolling now."