The Orlando Magic raced out a 29-point lead and had things going on offense. A comeback brought the team down to earth and put the team in some focus.
The Orlando Magic were rolling in a way they have not rolled in a very long time. Building a 29-point lead against any NBA team, including the league-worst Philadelphia 76ers, takes a lot of skill and execution.
When it goes up in smoke, that is the part that gets the most frustrating. That has been the Magic’s story for much of the season. The team has had trouble holding leads.
And there were precarious moments as the Magic’s 29-point lead got cut to eight in the fourth quarter and Nikola Vucevic fouled out with three minutes to go. A late Elfrid Payton run saved the lead and the game, making a romp an uneasy’ish win.
Orlando’s defense was a problem throughout the night hidden by first-half turnovers and hot shooting. When that dissipated, even the 76ers could make their comeback.
Wins are wins though and the Magic played well enough early on in the game to pull away and secure a 26th win this season.