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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 100, Atlanta Hawks 98

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on February 8, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on February 8, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic recovered from the shock of the trade deadline deal and scored their third consecutive win, beating the Atlanta Hawks behind a late flurry.

Everyone it seemed was trying to pick up the slack. The shock of the trade deadline makes the game that day always feel a bit weird. Especially when an important player like Elfrid Payton is dealt away.

So everyone had to do a little bit more. Sometimes that means they were trying to do a bit too much more. When crunch time came around, everyone needed a reminder that they just have to do what they are best at.

Evan Fournier served that reminder for the Orlando Magic late. Entering the fourth quarter having made just four of his 11 shots, Evan Fournier made all three of his baskets in the fourth quarter.

His personal 8-2 run gave the Magic a five-point lead with a minute to lead. From there, the Orlando Magic had to hang on as the Atlanta Hawks nearly completed a comeback from seven points down with a minute to play.

Orlando held on for a 100-98 victory as Dewayne Dedmon missed a stepback 3-pointer late in the game. Orlando has its first three-game win streak since late October.

The Magic got stuck offensively in the first half scoring only 39 points. Their offense struggled some trying to get into the paint and create movement. When the team was not able to get out in transition things tended to bog down. Elfrid Payton’s absence was notable in this situation.

But Orlando found its footing in the second half — so too did Atlanta.

The Magic got the stops when they needed to down the stretch, but this was a difficult defensive game for the team in the second half. It proved difficult throughout as the Hawks seemed to have an answer. Neither team was able to gain separation.

Not until the final moments of the game. That was when Fournier took over. He was patient trying to drive through the lane or set up his shot. And he hit the jumpers he needed. The ones he was missing most of the game to that point.

The Magic played with plenty of energy and were game throughout. It was clear this was a battle between two of the worst teams in the league.

Orlando pulled through in the end, getting that elusive win on a day that still felt like a bit of a loss internally to some degree.

B. Evan Fournier has had some struggle finding his rhythm of late. It seems like he is trying to force things and just not hitting his shot. It is really amazing the Magic have played well through this. And Orlando was holding on despite Fournier’s difficulties early in the game.<p>It looked like Evan Fournier was trying too hard to take over some of the dribble penetration responsibility from Elfrid Payton. Everyone seemingly was doing that. Fournier would drive into the lane and meet a wall in front of him. He seemingly could not make the right decision and would force a contested shot in the paint or make the wrong pass.</p><p>That changed in the fourth quarter. He hit all three of his shots in the final two minutes to deliver the Magic the lead for good and the victory. <a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

The bulk of the point guard duties will now fall to <a rel=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN. B

C+. Elfrid Payton took a lot of heat for his defense, but he was still a positive on the offensive end. It sometimes goes beyond his counting stats. He can make the team go. Even with <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. BISMACK BIYOMBO

<a href=. C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH. B-

B+. The Atlanta Hawks were solid throughout the game and kept the pressure on the Orlando Magic. This was a game largely of two evenly matched teams, all things considered. They both struggled on offense at the same time and struggled on defense at the same time.<p>The Hawks are certainly more willing to let young guys run the show than the Magic are at this point. So maybe you grade them on a lower curve. They shot just 42.5 percent from the floor but made 12 of 30 3-pointers. Taurean Prince and <a rel=. 17-38. 15th East. ATLANTA HAWKS

Next: Orlando Magic trade Elfrid Payton to Phoenix Suns

The Orlando Magic return to action Saturday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Amway Center.