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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 114, New Orleans Pelicans 111

By Alvaro Grullon

Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts to making a 3 point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The game went into overtime tied at 105. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts to making a 3 point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The game went into overtime tied at 105. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic come back from a 23-point deficit against the New Orleans Pelicans to close out the preseason with a 2-5 record.

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Pelicans382423206111
Magic222825309114

The Orlando Magic were coming into their preseason finale at home against the New Orleans Pelicans looking to rebound after an ugly loss on Tuesday night in Miami. To make matters more difficult, Anthony Davis was set to return from his ankle injury for the Pelicans.

Early on it looked like the Magic were on their way to another blowout loss. The Pelicans led by as much as 23 points and took control early behind Anthony Davis’ stellar play, scoring 24 of his 33 points in the first half.

The Magic performance in the second half was the complete opposite of what we saw in the first half.  The Magic were able to pick up the intensity on defense and had much better ball movement on offense and as a result they were able to cut the deficit.

It was not until the fourth quarter the Magic defense finally started to play to its potential.

The Magic were scrappy on defense and protected the rim, which allowed them to cut the lead and get back in the game.  With 49.3 seconds left the Magic found themselves down three points.  The next possession, Elfrid Payton banked in a three point shot to tie the game at 105 and force overtime.

The Magic fought back from a 23 point deficit in this game and the main reason was the tenacious defense the team displayed in the fourth quarter, in which they forced the Pelicans to shoot 6/21 from the field.  In overtime, the Magic had all of the momentum.

With the game tied and 19 seconds left, Payton hit a tough runner to give the Magic a two point lead and eventually a 114-111 win at Amway Center on Thursday.

The Magic displayed some resilience in this game after a very sluggish start to the game. The team did not give up in this one and a strong defensive fourth quarter plus some key shots from Evan Fournier and Elfrid Payton in the fourth quarter and overtime helped the Magic complete the comeback.

The Magic end the preseason in a good note heading into their season opened on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.

B+. Evan Fournier has been the most important player on the offensive end for the Magic during the preseason and in this game it was no different. Fournier had some key moments in which his outside shooting was key in helping the Magic cut the deficit, especially in the fourth quarter.<p>Fournier led the Magic on offense with 24 points on 8-for-18 shooting and 4-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc, to go with four steals and three rebounds.</p><p>Fournier played extremely well on the defensive end of the floor too. He was able to come up with some key steals in the fourth quarter and did a great job against <strong><a rel=. SG. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

A-. Elfrid Payton was able to knock down shots when it mattered most for the Magic in this one. Payton hit the game-tying 3-pointer in the fourth quarter and the game-winning runner in overtime.<p>Payton was a different player in this game compared to the one that we have seen early on in the preseason,especially in the second half. He was aggressive on offense and was not hesitant when he had to take the open shot.  Payton was clutch in this game and his ability to hit open shots from the perimeter in this one was key in the Magic completing the comeback.</p><p>Payton ended the game with 17 points, 12 assists and four rebounds. The only knock on Payton was his six turnovers. But once again when he was playing at his best, the Magic were at their best.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B. <strong><a rel=

The New Orleans Pelicans led by Anthony Davis were impressive for the most part in this game. For three quarters they looked like a team that was ready for the regular season to start. They collapsed in the fourth quarter and in overtime, but they certainly have a team that will be tough to beat.<p>Anthony Davis played his first game after suffering an ankle injury, but he showed no signs of rust in this game. He led the Pelicans with 33 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Depth may be an issue for the Pelicans as the season progresses, but if the team is able to get contribution from Buddy Hield, <strong><a rel=. . . NEW ORLEANS PELICANS. B