The Orlando Magic struggled its way to a two-point win on Nikola Vucevic‘s game-winning basket. They got contributions from unlikely places to win.
Nikola Vucevic bailed out the Orlando Magic on an otherwise forgettable night for the team in a 101-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic ran a designed play to get Vucevic the ball. The first option, a backdoor cut for Evan Fournier was taken away by Metta World Peace‘s brute strength. Vucevic caught the ball and seeing that option taken away turned and fired over Roy Hibbert.
It was a bailout in every way for the Magic.
Orlando shot just 40 percent and struggled immensely to find any offensive rhythm. The team grabbed offensive rebounds and had second-chance opportunities, but could not finish them. The Magic could not finish in the lane either.
Coach Scott Skiles was more upset with his team’s struggles defensively and the Magic’s inability to get stops consistently. Orlando had its hands downs and was not challenging shots effectively. The team struggled too in rotations.
Skiles had every right to be frustrated and upset after the game. The Magic did not play up to his standard.
At least they won though.