Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 96, Atlanta Hawks 94

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) looks on as Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots a three point basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) closes in during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) looks on as Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) shoots a three point basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) closes in during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic needed a buzzer beater from Nikola Vucevic to down the Atlanta Hawks. But they played well in getting there and having a chance to finish.

38. 94. 125. Final. 96

The Orlando Magic needed a way to stop the bleeding. Especially when their bad habits seemed to be creeping in as their lead disintegrated and turnovers late put the game in doubt.

Nikola Vucevic went from goat to hero though in one quick moment. The mistakes he made down the stretch dissipated when he fired a jumper over Al Horford at the buzzer to deliver a 96-94 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Magic’s terrible fourth quarter and nearly frustrating ending nearly erased three quarters of brilliant basketball. Perhaps the Magic’s best basketball in quite some time.

That was something to build off. And even in the end, the Magic pushed through their issues and won the game. They all count the same.

And the Magic need every one they can get.

B. <p>Nikola Vucevic was the hero in the end. <strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

B+. <p>It is not anywhere near time to call things official with <strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

B. <p><strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

B. <p><strong><a href=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

30-23. 4th East. ATLANTA HAWKS. C+. <p>The Atlanta Hawks let essentially the worst team in the NBA for the past month take it to them for the majority of three quarters and a good chunk of the fourth quarter. Orlando dominated Atlanta defensively and left the team frustrated.</p><p>That fourth quarter from the Hawks — they scored 34 points and tied the game after trailing by 14 in the final quarter — was what the Hawks can be. They moved the ball quickly and found the open 3-point shots and made them. Orlando seemed generally OK with that — maybe closing out a bit better.</p><p>Atlanta was not playing well in this game and turning it over and allowing Orlando to set the tone and the pace. That is not something the Hawks typically do. But the Magic clearly came ready and prepared to upend them today.</p>