The Orlando Magic took advantage of another injured superstar by turning in a strong defensive performance and getting back on track.
Kyle Lowry was seething. You could see it in the five-time All-Star’s eyes as frustration grew early on for the Toronto Raptors.
The Orlando Magic had the upper hand throughout despite lackluster offense to start. The team discovered its defense and was taking it to the team without its superstar in Kawhi Leonard. The Raptors needed that extra push.
Lowry finally was able to give it to them in the second quarter. He darted through the lane in transition as the Magic’s misses finally came back on them. He hit open shots and dished out to the perimeter to the newly acquired Jodie Meeks for key buckets. The Raptors were going to make this a game and Lowry was going to be the one to guide them there.
These are the moments the Magic have struggled with before. Even Friday night, Orlando allowed one player’s brilliance to knock the team off kilter. The team let go of the defensive rope long enough in Friday’s return trip from the All-Star Game. It could not happen again. Not against this formidable foe.
Halftime came at the perfect time. And soon the Magic would stop that momentum. The fire would leave Lowry’s eyes, giving way to a team asserting its dominance. The Magic found their rhythm again pulling away for a 113-98 win at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday afternoon.
The Raptors made their pushes, but never took the lead in the second half. And then Orlando finally extended it out too far for Toronto to catch up. Terrence Ross drained jumper after jumper. The ball worked to the open man.
But, more importantly, the Magic defended at a high level. They locked down the paint and forced turnovers. They blocked shots and got out in transition. It was everything they know they will need to be if they want to make the Playoffs — and maybe take down a Raptors team they have matched up surprisingly well with this season when they get there.
That is further on down the road. The Magic got themselves back on track with a solid effort to beat one of the best teams in the East.
The Orlando Magic next play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
They are currently one game behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final spot in the Playoffs. With either nine more wins or nine more Cleveland Cavaliers losses, the Orlando Magic will be eliminated from receiving the top odds in the NBA Draft Lottery.