Standing atop the standings even for a day or two symbolizes how far the Magic have climbed since finishing dead-last at 21-61 in 2003-04.

And, fittingly, they can build on their resum? Thursday night when Doc Rivers -- fired during that woeful year as Magic coach -- returns to Amway Arena for the first time since leading the Boston Celtics to a title last season.

Things have come full circle for Rivers. Now the Magic look to snatch the torch from his Celtics.

The Magic are en route to surpass the expectations heaped on them after a 52-win season.

They've ridden the power of Dwight Howard and a shower of 3-pointers, creating storylines that are cause for review at midseason.

Point of no return

The Magic put all their trust in a point guard not everyone trusted. But Jameer Nelson (right) has delivered, providing a missing piece in their rise.

Howard's star was established, but suspicion still surrounded Nelson. The club gambled, signing him for five years, and let backups Keyon Dooling and Carlos Arroyo walk last summer. It was Jameer-or-bust.

He has rewarded General Manager Otis Smith's faith, building on a breakthrough made last midseason. On Tuesday, he was named Eastern Conference player of the week for a second time this season. "It gives me a clear mind to play free," Nelson said of the franchise's commitment. "It told me they wanted me here even if other people didn't."

Replacing indecision with aggressiveness, he has posted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 193-70. Nelson is averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 assists and a steal per game while shooting 51 percent.

A player some wanted to go has taken over as the club's go-to guy.