Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 107, Memphis Grizzlies 100

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 23, 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 - MARCH 23: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 23, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

B. Evan Fournier ended up the hero of the game with another late-game barrage. That has kind of been how Fournier operates. He quietly puts up his points and does his work to get his numbers. His impact is still the question mark.<p>Fournier scored 19 points. And obviously, his impact was great late in the game. He hit the go-ahead basket and was instrumental to the team’s victory. And his 7-for-13 shooting was solid too. This was just a solid all-around game for Fournier.</p><p>His impact defensively could still be greater. and the Magic might still have to figure out how to get him in a position where he can take over games without becoming too inefficient. Fournier largely played within himself and the offense. That is all they could ask for.</p>. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C+. <a href=. C

Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B-. The Orlando Magic are going to let <a href=. PF

F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. B. <a href=

A-. The Memphis Grizzlies are tanking. There is no other way to put it. They rested Marc Gasol and have been without <a rel=. 18-44. 15th West. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

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.