The Orlando Magic did not find things easy against the worst team in the league. But another clutch performance from Evan Fournier delivered another win.
The Orlando Magic know who to turn to late in games when they need a win. Or at least who is most likely to make the big shot.
It does not matter how much he is struggling to that point or what his game was like beforehand, they can count on him to step up when needed most. And with two plays Evan Fournier did exactly that Saturday.
In a back-and-forth affair, Fournier made two big plays to ensure the Magic scored the victory.
Down by a point, he drove to his left and found Jonathon Simmons in the corner for a 3-pointer. After the Memphis Grizzlies tied it up, Fournier took care of things himself. Creating space like he did in Friday’s win over the Detroit Pistons and draining a 3-pointer.
Memphis’ attempt to tie the game was blocked by Jonathan Isaac in a bit of bonus playing time in the fourth quarter, his second clutch deflection since returning from injury. That was enough for the Magic to hold on and defeat the Grizzlies 107-100 at Amway Center on Saturday. It sends Orlando on the road with a two-game win streak.
Fournier’s heroics came after he struggled to get himself going for much of the night. His late 3-point make was his only 3-pointer in six attempts.
But that was the kind of game it was for the Magic for the most part. It was an at time sloppy effort. Memphis, the team with the worst record in the league, was willing to scrap and fight for every loose ball, often beating the team to the glass and those 50/50 balls.
Memphis finished the game with 21 more field goals attempts and 13 offensive rebounds. Orlando turned it over 14 times throughout the game. The Magic were never able to pull away completely. And they found themselves trailing in the fourth quarter.
Again, Orlando mustered up enough offense and defensive grit to turn the tide. Maybe it was just the Grizzlies are not a great team and they ran out of gas. However anyone wants to dissect it.
Orlando picked up a victory and again could feel good about themselves for another night.
Next: Rusty beginnings for Jonathan Isaac, but a good return
The Orlando Magic start a five-game West Coast road trip on Monday against the Utah Jazz.