Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 101, Memphis Grizzlies 99

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Andrew Harrison #5 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic on November 1, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 1: Andrew Harrison #5 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic on November 1, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic had to play dirty and grind out a victory on the road to continue their winning ways. Despite some late mistakes, the Magic found a way.

The Orlando Magic were holding their breath at the end. That is what they always seem to do when they go to the FedExForum. The leads at the end of the game rarely feel safe and the Memphis Grizzlies always seem to find a way to grit and grind their way to a victory.

The fates were going to try to put the Magic down. But maybe this team is different. Maybe Orlando has exorcised some demons. Maybe the fates will go with them.

Despite turnovers and some stretches of generally sloppy play — capitalized by three inexplicable turnovers from Terrence Ross in the games final possessions — the Magic came through.

Aaron Gordon hit a 3-pointer with about a minute left to give Orlando a one-point lead and Orlando held on from there for a 101-99 victory on Wednesday. Something is indeed different about this Magic team.

It is clearly seen in the spacing the team has and the way they move the ball. Orlando took control of the game early and shot 13 of 29 from beyond the arc. The team was able to play some brilliant basketball in stretches, moving the ball with ease and getting out in transition.

Orlando often was the team getting in its way. The Magic gave up several big runs to the Grizzlies, playing without Mike Conley, and committed 24 turnovers. The perpetually slow Memphis team was able to get out in transition and score fast break points. Tyreke Evans especially pushed the pace and stepped in nicely. And Marc Gasol was a handful as usual.

But the Magic, despite not having their best stuff most of the night, had plenty of strong moments where the offense just got going downhill. When Orlando’s offense is rolling, everyone around the league is having a hard time stopping the team.

The Magic are finding a way to win. Even if they need some luck.

Terrence Ross slipped, stepped on the line and turned the ball over on an inbounds on three consecutive late possessions. The Grizzlies were unable to take advantage missing two open 3-pointers following those miscues.

The Magic made their shot, Aaron Gordon wisely popping to the 3-point line as the defense collapsed around Evan Fournier on a drive. Those are the little plays a team has to make. Especially when they are not sharp.

EVAN FOURNIER. A. It is still kind of weird to say the best scorer on one of the best offensive teams in the league is going under the radar. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic

C+. The place everyone wants to start with Terrence Ross is at the end. And those plays were bad. With the Magic up one, Ross slipped on a wet spot and gave up a transition opportunity. Nikola Vucevic defended it well and forced a miss. Ross then came around a screen and popped out to the corner, but stepped on the line. Another turnover. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS

A. There has been a lot of ink spilled on Aaron Gordon this week — stay tuned for more from Orlando Magic Daily. His shooting has been a revelation this year. It is credited with the team’s sudden resurgence. Everyone is seeing the Gordon they envisioned when the Orlando Magic made him the fourth overall pick.<p>His second game-winning 3-pointer only seems to confirm and validate those claims. He is dangerous from the perimeter. He is dangerous in transition. And he finds a way to score even in the half court. When Gordon is patient and picking his spots, he can fill up a stat sheet.</p><p>Gordon scored 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting. He was extremely efficient this evening and picked his spots. It was a highly effective game from Gordon overall.</p>. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

B+. The Memphis Grizzlies are still trying to figure out who they are with their changes this offseason. So many believed the Grizzlies were preparing to take a step back in a loaded Western Conference and that “Grit and Grind” was dead. The rumors of that demise are far from true.<p>Even with Mike Conley out of the game, the Memphis Grizzlies were still able to muck the game up and dictate terms to the Orlando Magic in the half court. They did a good job forcing the Magic into traps and away from help. Orlando gets in trouble when it dribbles too much and is unable to get the defense moving. When the strong-side zone gets set, the Magic can stagnate. That is what the Grizzlies do. And they still do it well.</p><p>Memphis was also able to get things going and got some great scoring performances from key players. Tyreke Evans led the way with 32 points, taking advantage of Orlando’s lack of depth at point guard. Marc Gasol had 22 points and dominated down the stretch, helping Memphis tie the game and take a brief lead. This Grizzlies team still knows who it is.</p>. 5-3. 4th West. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Next: Jonathon Simmons would make an effective starter

The Magic complete their road trip at 2-1.  They return home Friday to play the Chicago Bulls to start a three-game homestand.