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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 117, Indiana Pacers 112

By Philip Rossman-Reich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with Jerian Grant #22 after making a shot against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Orlando won 117-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with Jerian Grant #22 after making a shot against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 2, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Orlando won 117-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic got another fire game from Terrence Ross to race past the Indiana Pacers and score another stunning victory.

117. 38. 112. 100. Final

The Orlando Magic had that sinking feeling again.

Their defense was not playing up to snuff in the first half. The team was scratching and clawing to stay in the game on the road. All the urgency was there but the team could not get to the grind it had to get to.

The precision of execution was not there. Not at the elite level the Magic need. They cannot rely on their offense to keep going. Certainly when their defense is giving up so many points.

What would crack first? Not helping matters was D.J. Augustin rolling his ankle on a layup in the second quarter. The team had a lot to overcome once again.

Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic through the third quarter. But it came down to Terrence Ross changing the momentum of the game again. No matter how cold he shoots, he is only a few shots away from saving the game.

He did again, going off for 16 points. Terrence Ross got hot from beyond the arc to give the Magic the lead and then attacked the basket for a monster jam. Evan Fournier took it from there hitting big shots and the defense found its groove to hold on to the end for a 117-112 win over the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday.

Not even a pair of frustration turnovers turned the tide. Aaron Gordon erased one of them with a massive block out of bounds. And, up by only two after a strange five-point play, Evan Fournier made up for his misstep by burying a game-clinching 3-pointer.

There was no cooling this team off. Orlando has now won 10 of its last 13 games and continues to find new ways to win games. Their confidence and momentum are clearly only picking up speed.

A. Terrence Ross can go cold for long stretches of the game and then suddenly catch fire. That is his power and his weapon. That is what makes him such a dangerous player. When he starts getting his shot going, he can change the momentum of any game. And that can turn any lackluster effort into a great one.<p>Ross played his role perfectly, picking up the Magic’s energy right when they needed it on the offensive end. He scored 16 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. He got his 3-point shot going and then suddenly had the Indiana Pacers defense reeling and off balance. He attacked the basket well off the dribble as they tried to crowd him.</p><p>Ross had the Pacers in the palm of his hand. It was just like a light clicking on. To that point, Ross was struggling and forcing his shots. That happens until he finds that rhythm. Once he does, there is no stopping him.</p>. G/F. Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS

C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. A. Terrence Ross was the guy who got the Orlando Magic through the finish line. He put them in the lead. But it was <a href=

A. Evan Fournier had it going early. The Orlando Magic staked an early lead thanks to his shot making and passing. Fournier was getting into the lane and taking comfortable shots — either off the dribble or in spot-up situations. His misses were runners and off balance. But those were few.<p>Fournier finished with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He added eight assists. With <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

B. Aaron Gordon’s game could be described in one sequence late in the game. Gordon had the ball on the perimeter and was searching to get the ball to <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

C+. The Indiana Pacers are a team like the Orlando Magic needing a balanced attack and constant ball movement to win. They are also like the Magic in that they rely heavily on their defense to win now that <a rel=. 41-23. 3rd East. INDIANA PACERS

The Orlando Magic take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday as they continue their road trip. They are tied with the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and trail the Detroit Pistons by 1.5 games for the seventh seed.

Next. Orlando Magic must find supporting star to sustain Playoff level. dark

With five Magic wins or five Cavaliers losses, the Magic will be eliminated from receiving the top odds in the NBA Draft Lottery.