Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 112, Miami Heat 109
The Orlando Magic were the more aggressive team and pushed the pace well against the Miami Heat. And that helped them earn a 112-109 win at Amway Center.
110. Final. 112. 38. 109
The Orlando Magic were heading toward another disaster against the Miami Heat. Elfrid Payton drove right into Hassan Whiteside and gave up a blocked shot that sparked a run out for Joe Johnson to tie the game with a corner three. We have seen that script countless times before.
Then it suddenly flipped. Evan Fournier came around a screen and patiently waited for Nikola Vucevic to come free, pulling the defense in with him. He fed it to Vucevic who dunked to give the Magic the lead again.
Then Orlando rallied and scrambled to choke off Miami’s last-second chance. Even after the Heat got an offensive rebound and a timeout, the Magic buckled down. On the ensuing inbound, Devyn Marble stepped in and recorded a steal to seal the Magic victory.
And what a relief it was to get the win. the defense was playing well but could not finish possessions giving up a ton of offensive rebounds.
But the Magic were the more aggressive and assertive team. They weaved their way through the Heat defense time and time again and the Heat were unable to stop them or keep them off the foul line.
A-. <p>Evan Fournier was absolutely superb throughout the entire game Friday in scoring 28 points and grabbing seven rebounds to go with seven assists. He was the do-everything for the Magic as he was great taking shots and quick coming off his cuts. He helped keep up the pace Elfrid Payton was setting.</p><p>Fournier though was the most aggressive guy for the Magic throughout the evening. That was seen in his 15 free throw attempts — just the third time this year an individual has tallied 15 or more free throw attempts for the Magic. He was the do everything.</p><p>He was good everywhere on the floor. His defense was typically very good — save for a few reckless digs — and he was making his shots and attacking selectively. Another solid game for Fournier.</p>. SF. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
VICTOR OLADIPO. B. <p><strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic
<p>Elfrid Payton is starting to play at his very best of the year. When he does that he can dominate opponents and push the Magic to a higher level.</p><p>Payton did a really good job pushing the pace for the Magic — always an important key for the team. The Magic scored 20 fast-break points and Payton played a big role in that, doing a good job attacking and drawing the defense in. And he finished.</p><p>Payton scored 16 points and dished out 10 assists, making six of his 12 shots. He generally did a good job attacking Hassan Whiteside (his final shot notwithstanding) and led the Magic perfectly. Payton is starting to play at a high level once again.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON. B+
ERSAN ILYASOVA. C-. <p>With <strong><a href=. PF. Orlando Magic
46-33. 5th East. MIAMI HEAT. C. <p>The Miami Heat are fighting for a home Playoff series and have plenty of weapons to accomplish that goal. They just did not play with the fire or intensity it will take. Certainly not on the defensive end as the Magic made good plays time and time again. They just attacked them and controlled the pace throughout.</p><p>Miami shot 45 percent and were really only in the game because of 23 offensive rebounds. The Magic struggled to box out the weak side as the guards were not doing much to support on the glass.</p><p>The Heat could not get stops though. The Magic shot 52.4 percent and got to the line 28 times. The Magic are one of the worst teams in the league at getting to the foul line. Orlando was the more aggressive team for the second half for sure. Miami was caught on its back foot throughout and lost a chance for an important win.</p>