Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 104, Houston Rockets 101

Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) dunks against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) dunks against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Houston Rockets 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic survived a rally from the directionless Houston Rockets at Amway Center, getting some big performances from stars as the game wound down.

Evan Fournier banked in a shot with 13 seconds left, as the Orlando Magic withstood the Houston Rockets’ fourth-quarter rally and their own offensive and defensive shortcomings to take home a 104-101 win at Amway Center on Wednesday.

James Harden‘s last attempt turned into a Trevor Ariza missed three and Marcus Thornton‘s desperation 3-pointer after the Magic went up three went off the top of the backboard. The Magic could breathe a sigh of relief.

Orlando again was brilliant on offense for the most part throughout the game, moving the ball well and attacking the gaps in Houston’s defense. The Magic got a lot of great individual performances.

They had their holes though. The Rockets were able to get into the lane in pick and rolls and lob the ball to Dwight Howard. There were rebounding issues throughout the game. And Orlando struggled to match up with Houston’s smaller lineup.

The Magic blew their lead to start the fourth quarter and had to fight it out but dug the game out in the end.