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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 107, Indiana Pacers 100

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 31, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 31: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 31, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic found some grit to end the game, getting stops and key baskets to defeat the struggling Indiana Pacers and break their losing streak.

107. 38. Final. 100. 100

Terrence Ross made a mistake and he knew it immediately.

With 2:30 to play, Terrence Ross got caught in the corner and tried to pass it to the top of the key to D.J. Augustin. It was a risky and hard pass to make and Darren Collison read it perfectly.

In that crunch time possession, a turnover like that was the one thing the Orlando Magic could not afford. Collison took the ball and scored on a breakaway layup to cut the lead to two and finish a quick 5-0 run for the Indiana Pacers.

These are the plays the Magic constantly make down the stretch that cost them games and prevent them from turning their record around.

The next play would be critical. And the ball would end up in Ross’ hands again.

Curling around to the free throw line, three defenders began to collapse around Ross. He was never bothered with that in the fourth quarter of this game and was not about to start now. He rose as quickly as he ever does and nestled the ball into the basket for his 30th point of the game.

The Magic had a four-point cushion and could breath easier.

On the other end, he made sure the Magic got the stop of the game. On a bounce pass to Myles Turner, Terrence Ross dove for the loose ball and forced it free. The Pacers fouled in the scramble.

There was the little play the Magic needed. And there it was again a possession later with the Magic now up seven when Terrence Ross broke a rebound free from Bojan Bogdanovic to secure the possession and take precious time off the clock.

Orlando momentarily broke the team’s late-game woes. They closed out with strong defense down the stretch when the pressure was at its highest in an 107-100 win over the Pacers at Amway Center on Thursday.

Ross was the star scoring 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 in a 16-8 run to start the quarter and bring the Magic back into the lead.

Both teams had the scent of desperation as the two were on losing streaks and looking to find themselves and some rhythm again. The Magic came out on fire and took an early lead but could not hold off the Pacers’ strong defense through the third quarter.

Orlando found its footing thanks to Ross and then made the plays down the stretch. The plays the team has missed for several weeks now. That good feeling is back again.

A. When Terrence Ross starts to heat up, he is truly something special to watch. The Orlando Magic just do not have — and really in their franchise’s history have not had — another offensive player like him. When he comes around screens with the thought to shoot, it does not matter how many people are surrounding him. The shot is going up and it is probably going to be a decent shot.<p>Ross scored 30 points, charging the Magic’s offense in the fourth quarter especially after a lackluster third quarter. The energy his offense gave the team was vital to the team ultimately pulling into the lead and getting the win.</p><p>As described before, he had some mistakes. Some of his shots are difficult to justify except for the fact they go in. And so when he goes cold, he can be a hindrance to the offense. But when he has things rolling and when he is firing looking to score, he is pretty close to unstoppable. And so are the Magic.</p>. G/F. Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS

Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C+. <a href=. G/F

B+. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC

Orlando Magic. ISAIAH BRISCOE. A-. The Orlando Magic’s point guard situation remains less than idea even with the team getting some good performances on occasion. But there is still a reminder of just how important this position is and how much better the Magic are when it is run well. <a href=. PG

B. The Indiana Pacers are still finding their footing after losing <a rel=. 32-19. 4th East. INDIANA PACERS

Next. Nikola Vucevic named to NBA All-Star team. dark

The Orlando Magic complete their homestand Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets. They are now four games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final Playoff spot.