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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 113, Toronto Raptors 98

By Philip Rossman-Reich

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 24, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 24, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic took advantage of another injured superstar by turning in a strong defensive performance and getting back on track.

81. Final. 113. 38. 98

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.

Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS. A-. <a href=. G/F

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

<a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. JERIAN GRANT. B+

Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B-. <a href=. F

C+. The Toronto Raptors opted to keep Kawhi Leonard out for load management. That certainly had an effect on this game. Whenever a big player misses a game, it changes everything. The Raptors should be a team that can adjust and adapt. Their depth is one of the reasons they are among the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.<p>This game the Raptors seemed like they were waiting for someone to step up. Whether it was Kyle Lowry or Marc Gasol or Pascal Siakam. They were facing a tough Orlando Magic defense to be sure, but it felt like everyone was waiting around for someone else to take over.</p><p>The Raptors ball movement was fine when it got rolling. But, for the most part, they played into the Magic’s hands. Orlando did a good job contesting shots and eventually broke Toronto down. It was not the effort the Raptors surely wanted.</p>. 44-17. 2nd East. TORONTO RAPTORS

The Orlando Magic next play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Next. Evan Fournier returns to his mean to pace Orlando Magic. dark

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.