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Lakeland Magic advance to Eastern Conference Finals in G-League Playoffs

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 29: Troy Caupain #10 of the Lakeland Magic moves the ball against Sekou Wiggs #2 of the Westchester Knicks during the game on March 29, 2019 at RP Funding Center in Lakeland, 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)
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 29: Troy Caupain #10 of the Lakeland Magic moves the ball against Sekou Wiggs #2 of the Westchester Knicks during the game on March 29, 2019 at RP Funding Center in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland Magic got a late reinforcement from Amile Jefferson to power their way through to the Eastern Conference Finals.

It was a long journey for Amile Jefferson. It took a while for him to get his legs.

Amile Jefferson was in Detroit on Thursday night, playing the final two-plus minutes of the fourth quarter in a blowout loss for the Orlando Magic. He was contributing, even in a small way, to the team’s playoff hunt.

But he had his own fish to fry. Much of his season was spent in Lakeland and everything was on the line for the Lakeland Magic on Friday night. He was not going to miss that game.

It took him a while to get his sea legs under him. A fast break dunk was his only real highlight as he muddled through. The Lakeland Magic had control of the game over the Westchester Knicks.

But their lead would not grow to an impossible distance until Jefferson showed up. His fourth quarter would cinch the game and send the Lakeland Magic to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Jefferson scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half, including seven in the fourth quarter, to help Lakeland build a 20-point lead and hold off Westchester for a 104-91 win. He had his typical effort with 21 points and nine rebounds. But a little jet lag was to be expected.

It was still a complete performance for the Magic as they continue to live up to their marketing slogan, #AsOne.

Fellow two-way player Troy Caupain scored 14 points and added seven rebounds for the Magic as they shot 43 percent from the floor but hit 15 3-pointers to pace themselves through the game.

B.J. Johnson, an Orlando Magic training camp invitee who recently finished a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks, added 20 points including four 3-pointers. And John Petrucelli added 15 points.

This is the kind of spread-out basketball Lakeland has played all year. The Magic took control of the game early and withstood a run to close the gap at halftime.

They started the third quarter allowing the Knicks to close within two points. But that was as close as they would get. Lakeland went on a 13-2 run to go back up double digits and never let go.

Jefferson played a role in that, scoring six points in that stretch. He has made a reputation for his work in the paint and solid defense overall. It is perfectly suited for the G-League in so many ways. His versatility carries a lot more value there as he tries to find a way to find a niche in the NBA. Magic coach Steve Clifford has been nothing but complimentary of Amile Jefferson’s work habits and skill.

But it is that time of year where winning trumps everything. His skills help Lakeland win seemingly every night he is there.

It is not clear if the Magic will recall him back to Indianapolis for Saturday’s game. It feels likely he could rejoin the team in Toronto for Monday’s game before heading back to Lakeland for Tuesday’s Eastern Conference Finals game against the Long Island Nets.

Next. Orlando Magic still fighting for sixth seed. dark

But like so much of minor league sports, Lakeland has survived changes to their roster to come out on top. And Lakeland stands one game away from a trip to the G-League Finals.