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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 105, Atlanta Hawks 86

By Ruben Badillo

Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after making a three pointer against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Atlanta 105-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after making a three pointer against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Atlanta 105-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic made sure to bring the noise on Saturday at the Amway Center, running the Atlanta Hawks out of the gym with an energetic performance.

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Dwight Howard‘s return to Orlando was once again a noisy night.

Orlando Magic fans made sure Howard’s return to Orlando was not welcome, booing him during the Atlanta Hawks pregame warmups. Howard also received catcalls every moment he touched the basketball.

That was not the only noise the Magic would make. Their past was in the building, but their future was shining a little bit brighter.

The Magic were able to show how big things are possible for their future Saturday at the Amway Center in a 105-86 win over the Hawks.

The Magic’s smaller lineup allowed it to run 27 fast break points in front of an electrified crowd. Orlando drilled eight 3-pointers and got help from spots on the roster to help crush the Hawks.

Orlando was able to break the game open right after the second half with some amazing plays on both ends of the court. The Magic took a 14-point lead when Mairo Hezonja, Jeff Green and Elfrid Payton made three straight baskets.

Aaron Gordon, who played his second game at his natural power forward position, was extremely aggressive while grabbing three rebounds, and had 10 points right at halftime, finishing with 18 points for the game.

The Magic led 49-46 at halftime, went on a run to start the third quarter and never looked back. Orlando improved their record to 17-7 when being ahead in the fourth quarter.

Howard finished with only 11 points, he also was able to make 3 of 7 shots and 5 of his 13 free throws.

The future looked better than the past this night.

B-. <strong><a rel=. SF. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C-. <strong><a rel=

B+. Elfrid Payton approached a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in only 28 minutes. He shot a good 9 for 10 from the free-throw line. Payton was tough to contain for the Atlanta Hawks, and was able to lead the Orlando Magic to victory.<p>Payton was aggressive getting into the paint and put a lot of stress on Atlanta’s defense. Unlike the previous meeting between the two teams, <strong><a rel=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

32-26. 5th East. ATLANTA HAWKS. D. The Atlanta Hawks just could not catch a rhythm tonight against Orlando. Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer took a risk keeping Dwight Howard in the game after he had picked up his third and fourth foul and it did not pay off. The Magic did a good job crowding Howard and sending him to the foul line when he caught it too deep. The Hawks were always out of rhythm.<p>Atlanta committed 18 turnovers, leading to 26 Orlando points. They also translated into 27 fast-break points for the Magic.</p><p>The Hawks were able to take a nine-point lead midway the second quarter. But the Magic were able to get on a few runs and run over the Hawks. <strong><a rel=