Grades: Orlando Magic 120, Houston Rockets 113
The Orlando Magic toppled the Houston Rockets behind strong play from Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton with a dash of Nikola Vucevic. Another impressive win.
The Orlando Magic scored 120 points in back-to-back games for the first time since February 16, 1996. That is a long time and a lot of basketball between that stretch.
It shows just how rare it is to reach the 120-point plateau. When considering the Magic are the second-worst offensive team in the league, scoring a little bit north of 98 points per 100 possessions entering the game, it makes things all the more startling.
This offensive onslaught came out of nowhere. The Magic shot 48.9 percent from the floor and still managed to get to 120 points. The Magic have not shot less than 48.9 percent and made less than 10 3-pointers and get to 120 points in regulation since April 24, 1994 against the Nets.
Again, this is rare stuff.
Orlando again pushed up the pace and were unrelenting. Even when the Rockets pushed back and retook the lead early on, the Magic never faltered. This is a different team brimming with confidence.
You need look no farther than the team’s leaders right now for signs of this transformation. And that is where we go first with our grades:
VICTOR OLADIPO. A. Victor Oladipo was outstanding once again for the Magic, putting the exclamation on this game with a great dunk cutting through the middle of a wide-open lane and taking a steal and throwing down a 360 to put the final exclamation point on this one.<p> </p><p>He finished with 32 points and six assists on 12 for 19. He did not force too much and was in attack mode all game. He even drew a charge on <strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic
A-. Nikola Vucevic too was a rock in the paint. Jacque Vaughn matched his minutes with <strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC
B+. Elfrid Payton has been the catalyst of this offensive rejuvenation. It is not because he is scoring. It is a mindframe that he has brought to get the game to push the pace.<p> </p><p>Payton finished with 15 points and four assists. He ended up shooting 5 for 11 but started the game one for seven. When he reached the fourth quarter, he was looking to drive a bit more and that led to good things for the Magic.</p><p>It is hard to remember he is a rookie with the poise he has brought to the lineup and the control he is bringing to the game. Payton has the keys and is driving this team.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON
CHANNING FRYE. B+. I have said it plenty of times before, <strong><a href=. PF. Orlando Magic
Credit where credit is due, Jacque Vaughn coached a great game.<p> </p><p>He had the Magic continue to push the pace. He was off the bench and energetic, looking like he was about to run out there and play defense. He pulled the right strings — <strong><a href=. Coach. Orlando Magic. JACQUE VAUGHN. A
The funny part was the Rockets actually played a pretty good game, offensively at least. James Harden wass difficult to corral and had 26 points and 10 assists. Dwight Howard had his moments of domination on his way to 23 points. <strong><a href=. . . HOUSTON ROCKETS. B
Next: The similarities between Elfrid Payton and Rajon Rondo are scary