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.