The Orlando Magic overwhelmed the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half going on a 40-11 run to seize control of the game and win comfortably.
As Michael Carter-Williams checked out of the game, there had to be some disbelief.
It certainly looked that way as he sat down and then heard teammates Markelle Fultz and Isaiah Briscoe call him over to get some dap and congratulations.
Michael Carter-Williams had just signed his second 10-day contract and created a major spark in the Orlando Magic. The team was rolling on this homestand with Carter-Williams playing a major role in getting the team there.
Perhaps none more so than in the game against his former team. A game the Magic needed to build momentum for a critical and difficult four-game road trip. A game that should give the Magic a tone of confidence they can continue to beat anyone in almost any way.
Orlando did not sign Carter-Williams for his offense. They signed him to provide defense and pace to the team. He continues to provide those in droves.
And the momentum he is bringing is a rushing tide for opponents. It is crushing them when they start locking in.
The Philadelphia 76ers were the latest to understand that, going without a field goal for more than 11 minutes and giving up a 40-11 run in the third and fourth quarters for a 119-98 Orlando Magic to conclude a perfect five-game homestand at the Amway Center.
What started out as a game where the 76ers were getting to every loose ball and working the offensive glass to make up for Ben Simmons‘ absence, turned into a nightmare. The Magic never let the 76ers get too far away from them and stay in the game. Orlando’s defense was sporadic at best in the first half.
It was nearly perfect in the second half. The bench, led by Carter-Williams, paced the Magic and the team raced ahead. Evan Fournier provided a lot of the offensive punch. But Orlando limited transition opportunities, locked in defensively and left Philadelphia no avenue to get to the basket or score with any kind of ease.
The Magic were a team playing confidently and with a sureness about them.
It was hard to believe. But Orlando has set itself up with a few more wins to take control of the team’s playoff destiny.
The Orlando Magic start a four-game road trip Tuesday in Miami against the Miami Heat. The Magic trail the Heat by one-half game for the final spot in the playoffs. With eight Heat wins or eight Magic losses, the Magic will be eliminated from the playoffs.
With two Orlando Magic wins or two Dallas Mavericks losses, the Magic will be eliminated from receiving the sixth-best odds to win the NBA Draft Lottery.