2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

Best Game of 2017

March 31 vs Boston Celtics
32 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks

Aaron Gordon closed the season strong with a 32-point, 12-rebound effort in a victory against the Detroit Pistons. It was one of four 30-point games for the young forward. It was a sign of his offensive potential.

Gordon’s best game was a couple of weeks prior to that stellar season finale performance. On March 31 against the Boston Celtics, Gordon went for 32 points, 16 rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal in a narrow 117-116 defeat.

Gordon only shot 11 for 24 from the field, but he was 3 for 5 from the three-point line, and 7 for 8 from the free-throw line.  In addition, of his 16 rebounds he had five offensive boards.  He was a factor is every facet of the game.

It is a good sign his best game came against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in the middle of a heated Playoff race.

Gordon’s scoring numbers were not typical for him, but he did not do it at the cost of the team. It was a team effort that night. Elfrid Payton almost had a triple-double with 12 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds.  The Magic had five players in double figures that night: Evan Fourier scored 20, Terrence Ross scored 17 and Jodie Meeks had 13.

Even though it was a loss, considering the competition and the circumstance.  It was not only Gordon’s best game but one of the team’s best games too.