Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 109, Detroit Pistons 107
By Jean Racine
The Orlando Magic got a buzzer beater from Evan Fournier to score a big victory over the Detroit Pistons before a long road trip.
64. 109. 38. Final. 107
It came down to the final seconds in the Orlando Magic’s 109-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
With 2.5 seconds remaining in the game, Aaron Gordon inbounded the ball to Evan Fournier, who then quickly took his man off the dribble, drove to the lane and floated up the game-winner and buzzer-beater.
The Magic executed that play to perfection.
It was a game of execution and efficiency for the Magic, who shot 47 percent from the field, 92 percent from the free-throw line, only turning the ball over 13 times. Orlando did all the little things right, topped along with balanced scoring.
Four of the team’s five starters scored in double figures with three players scoring 20-plus points. D.J. Augustin led all scorers with 26 points, Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon both scored 22 points.
The Orlando Magic’s defense was strong once again, after a Friday night victory over the Toronto Raptors. Orlando held the Detroit to 40 percent shooting from the field and 26 percent from three.
The Magic bottled up Blake Griffin and held him to only 15 points. Detroit’s leading scorer was Luke Kennard, who scored 16 points off the bench.
Orlando was not clean, giving up three game-tying free throws to Reggie Bullock in the dying seconds. That all setup Evan Fournier’s heroics. But the team also lost a 14-point lead in the first half and then again in the fourth quarter as Detroit got itself back into the game.
Injuries also were part of the game as Jonathon Simmons left in the first half after tweaking his ankle. And then D.J. Augustin sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter before gutting it out down the stretch.
But every win counts the same and Orlando never conceded the lead after taking it in the first quarter and got the win on the final possession.
A+. D.J. Augustin had it going against the Detroit Pistons. In his 26-point effort, he got to the free-throw line 10 times and made all 10 attempts. He drained four of seven 3-point attempts and dished out eight assists.<p>In the fourth quarter, D.J. Augustin drove to the lane, faked a behind-the-back pass and hit <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN
C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. A. Nikola Vucevic has become a point center for the Orlando Magic with his passing. He continues to be the glue to Magic’s offense. He is showing he is one of the best passing centers in the league.<p>The big man had another strong showing against the Detroit Pistons. Vucevic scored an efficient 22 points on 66 percent shooting from the field, grabbed 11 boards and dished out four assists. Defensively, he had two blocks and one steal. Vucevic was extremely active in the paint too. He did a good job challenging and deflecting shots keeping <a rel=
AARON GORDON. A. Aaron Gordon had a strong game defensively and offensively. His goal of becoming a two-way player is developing before everyone’s eyes. Defensively, he was tasked with defending Blake Griffin and he held his own against the 6-foot-10, 250-pound power forward.<p>In the first quarter, Griffin tried to go to work against Gordon in the post. He proceeded to back Gordon down, but then he hit a brick wall and his post-up came to a halt. It was like this throughout the game as Gordon was active on the glass and helping protect the lane while taking Griffin out of the game.</p><p>Gordon is the Magic’s best two-way player and had an all-around game. He recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.</p>. F. Orlando Magic
EVAN FOURNIER. B+. Evan Fournier is back. To the point where the Orlando Magic are asking him to take the final shot, at least.<p>After struggling early in the season, he has been shooting the ball better of late. He only scored 13 points against the Detroit Pistons, but he had an efficient game. He shot 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.</p><p>It was classic Fournier on the final play of the game. He beat his man off the dribble with craftiness and threw up a floater over the opposing defenders. Fournier is not going to outrun or out-jump anybody, but the Magic expect him to shoot the ball well and make crafty plays offensively.</p>. SG. Orlando Magic
B. The shots were not falling for the Detroit Pistons. They struggled with 3-pointers, making 8 of 30 attempts. Detroit scored 100-plus points and had balanced scoring.<p>All five starters scored in double figures, but none had a standout game. Luke Kennard had a big game with 16 points but most of that came in the first half. Detroit outrebounded the Magic 51-45.</p><p>Andre Drummond had seven offensive rebounds and 15 rebounds total. Sometimes, the Magic could not keep him off the offensive boards. But they trailed most of the game and were chasing the Magic throughout. Detroit almost left the Amway Center with a win despite trailing for most of the fourth quarter and a sub-par shooting night.</p>. 16-18. 8th East. DETROIT PISTONS
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The Orlando Magic begin a six-game road trip Monday with a trip to face the division-leading Charlotte Hornets.