Orlando Magic Rise to 2-0 in the NBA Preseason

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Earlier this week, the Orlando Magic traveled to American Airlines Arena to take on, and eventually defeat the revamped Miami HEAT. Friday, the team would travel to Bakers Life Fieldhouse to take on the Paul George-less Indiana Pacers, hoping to build on their success in South Beach.

Just like in Miami, Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn utilized the same lineup of Luke Ridnour, Evan Fournier, rookie Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, and Nik Vucevic. Via OrlandoMagic.com’s John Denton, Vaughn wanted to collect more data on that lineup, which should come to no surprise.

The Magic once again started out of the gate slow. The Indiana Pacers, led by Roy Hibbert and C.J. Miles, jumped out to a 27-18 lead after the first quarter. Aaron Gordon got himself into foul trouble, picking up three quick fouls early in the first. The most notable coming with him fouling C.J. Miles in the corner on a three-point attempt.

The Magic would go on a 21-5 surge in the second quarter to grab the lead early on. The Pacers, as expected, would push to cut down the deficit. With the help of Elfrid Payton, the Magic would hold on to end the first half up 47-46. The Magic would soon go on another quick 12-5 run in the first 5 minutes coming out of half time. The Pacers would keep it close, making a comeback and tying the game late in the third before an Elfrid Payton jumper gave the Magic the lead going into the fourth.

Once again the Magic came out guns blazing, extending their lead to seven points. To keep up the theme of the game, the Pacers would fight back, tying the game at 85 before sharp shooter, Devyn Marble knock down a three. The Magic would go on to beat the Pacers 96-93.

The Orlando Magic had four players scoring in double figures lead by Tobias Harris who had 16. Kyle O’Quinn off the bench would tally 13 points and 10 rebounds. Nik Vucevic would put up 12, while Evan Fournier finished with 11. Elfrid Payton was on triple-double watch with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Aaron Gordon had 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a couple of Sports Center top 10 worthy plays.

The Indiana Pacers had 6 players scoring in double figures, lead by Donald Sloan with 16 off the bench. Roy Hibbert in limited action had 13. George Hill and C.J. Miles had 11. Former Detroit Piston Rodney Stuckey and Lavoy Allen finished with 10.