By Melissa Potes
EBC Florida Bureau
ORLANDO, Florida (Eagle News) — Fighting to secure a playoff spot, the Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-98. The win marks their fifth in a row.
Center Nikola Vucevic led the magic with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and his 54th double-double this season. He said the Magic played with purpose.
“[We] were prepared and focused and really brought it tonight. They’re [76ers] a great team. We played a great game. It’s a huge win for us,” said Vucevic after the win.
In the first half, the Magic weren’t as crisp defensively as they allowed 34 points in the paint and allowed numerous second-chance points.
The third quarter, however, would be pivotal for the Magic as they shut down the fire-power of the 76ers, holding Philadelphia scoreless for 11 minutes and 42 seconds for 15 straight possessions. Guard Evan Fournier, who had a total 24 points, 7 assists, and 11 of 17 shooting, earned 14 of those points in the third quarter alone.
Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford had nothing but compliments for Fournier’s level of play.
“He’s always a factor because people know he can shoot the ball and he can score. He was terrific tonight,” Clifford said.
Currently playing on a 10-day contract with the Magic, guard Michael Carter-Williams, brought energy on both ends of the floor, capping his night at 15 points.
“That’s my job on this team. To come in here bring energy defensively, push the ball, get guys open looks and then if things open up, then take advantage of it,” Carter-Williams stated on his contribution after the win.
Currently sitting at the ninth seed in the eastern conference and only a half game behind the Miami Heat, the Magic will travel to Miami on Tuesday for this crucial match-up.
“We’re going to have to bring our best tomorrow,” Vucevic said. “If we play well, like we did tonight then we’re going to have a chance. It won’t be easy. It’s going to be a tough game for 48 minutes.”
(Eagle News Service)
