Orlando Magic Knock Off New Orleans Pelicans, 95-84

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

After making it to the All-star week with a win against the New York Knicks, and having players represent the team in various activities throughout the week, the Orlando Magic came back to Amway raring to go against Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. Looking to avenge their loss from the season opener, the Magic managed to get some big-time play from its reserves and held one of the league’s improved clubs to under 90 points.

Both teams had rust to shake off in the opening quarter. The Pelicans managed to get off to a quick start, going on a 10-2 run. The Magic would answer by ripping off nine straight points and go on to tie the visitors at 19-all thanks to Willie Green making a layup. However, Tyreke Evans would give the Pelicans a one-point edge over the Magic at the end of the first quarter.

The Magic’s offense continued to struggle in the first few minutes of the second quarter, with the team getting down by as many as nine points. Things would start to turn around for Orlando. Managing to get a couple of easy baskets, the offense began to click, and the defense followed suit as the Magic ground their way back into the game, cutting the Pelicans’ lead down to as much as four at the end of the first half. Playing much better defense, and taking care of the ball, the Magic would trail 47-43 entering intermission.

Coming out of the break, the Magic got things going with a 10-5 run to grab a one-point lead. Even with the Pelicans taking the lead back, it was short lived as the Magic began to take over the game by attacking the basket. Soon, the Magic found themselves with a seven-point lead thanks to their success in the paint. With one more quarter to go, Orlando put together a string of stops, followed by some timely baskets to win the game in impressive fashion 95-84.

Tyreke Evans lead a balanced attack for the Pelicans with 14 points, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis doubled up with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Both Ryan Anderson and Quincy Pondexter finished with 13 points also. Eric Gordon had 11 points of his own.

For the Magic, Victor Oladipo led with a game-high 22 points, followed by Nikola Vucevic with an 18 point, 13 rebound double double. Evan Fournier continued to play well as of late, putting up 16 points. Elfrid Payton finished with 10 points and 11 assists.