The Orlando Magic lost a big lead and built it back up again, holding off the offensive-minded Washington Wizards for a road win.
The Orlando Magic had become the latest victim of the Washington Wizards’ offensive barrage.
Their 18-point lead built in the first half with meticulous defense, ball movement and cutting on offense and a controlled pace, quickly disappeared. The Wizards’ 3-point shooting is devastating. They take advantage of any lapses and any mistakes. Washington can erase deficits quickly.
And so there it went. With each Davis Bertans 3-pointer and Bradley Beal attack and each turnover, the Magic went into their shell and the Wizards burst through that door. Coach Steve Clifford would say after the game Orlando did not come out of the locker room truly ready to play.
Orlando was not going to let that rest. Evan Fournier was going to continue his tear through the league. Markelle Fultz was not going to let his homecoming go to waste. And on down the list.
The Magic may not have gotten their defense back under control. But the team showed enough of it and enough offensive determination to outlast the Wizards.
Washington would make its runs. But after taking a one-point lead midway through the third quarter, the Wizards would never lead again. The Magic would find the matchup, would crash the interior and make sure it never happened in a 127-120 win at Capital One Arena.
Orlando set season highs for several players offensively. The team scored a season-high 127 points. D.J. Augustin scored a season-high 24 points, hitting from the outside after a cold start to the season. Markelle Fultz tallied his career-high, making a living getting into the lane and posting up the smaller Isaiah Thomas all night.
And, of course, Evan Fournier continued his scoring binge with 31 points for back-to-back 30-point games.
Orlando shot 51.1 percent overall as the second half devolved into a scoring fest. Somehow the Magic, struggling offensively all year, were able to keep pace and take back control after giving up the lead. And then build their own lead.
The Wizards are not a good defensive team — at all — and the Magic were finally able to take advantage. Once one shot went in, it felt like all of them were going in. And that was certainly much-needed for a team that has struggled on that end.
And a much-needed road win to boost the team during a difficult time for the team.
The Orlando Magic return home Wednesday to face the Phoenix Suns at the Amway Center.