Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 95, New Orleans Pelicans 84
The Orlando Magic put together a solid team effort, particularly on the defensive end, to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans at home 95-84.
The Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 95-84 at Amway Center on Friday for just their third win by 10 or more points this season.
It has been a long road for the Magic this season, but things finally appear to be looking up. A solid 3-2 five-game stretch since James Borrego took over — with wins going into and out of the All-Star Break — have to have the Magic feeling very good about themselves right now.
The biggest change has come on the defensive end where Orlando has taken renewed ownership on their effort and execution. The offense is going to come eventually. But James Borrego put the focus on improving his team’s defense and, if Friday’s game is any indication, it is looking very good right now.
Orlando held New Orleans to 18.8 percent shooting in the fourth quarter and 42.0 percent for the game. They largely kept Anthony Davis in check — 13 points, 11 rebounds on 5-for-15 shooting.
It was about as nice an all-around, grind-it-out performance as the Magic have had in some time. Perhaps the team is beginning to establish an identity after all.
B+. <p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON
<p><strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO. B
A. <p>We are typically not going to expect a whole lot from <strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. DEWAYNE DEDMON
B+. <p>Evan Fournier seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle at times this season. With <strong><a href=. SF. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
. . NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. D. <p>The New Orleans Pelicans still have playoff aspirations and had a good chance at a pretty good effort. This was with Anthony Davis still looking a little slowed by an injury.</p><p>The Pelicans shot better than 50 percent from the floor in the first half. They were looking solid offensively except for turnovers which really kept the Magic in the game and gave them a lifeline. Orlando took that lifeline and locked down New Orleans offensively.</p><p>The Pelicans failed to get into the paint and failed to take advantage of Anthony Davis. Their shot attempts in the paint were down and they were not the aggressors. They let the Magic hang around and then take control of the game in the second half. It was a missed opportunity for New Orleans.</p>