The Orlando Magic finished off their regular season with a strong win and effort to get themselves ready for a difficult playoff series ahead.
Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford declared before the game he was treating the team’s seeding round finale like a preseason game. So the least important thing on the night was the final score.
What was more important was to see the team play with confidence and aggression. Sure, the team may not be digging in its heels defensively, but there was still a lot to get out of the game.
Consider that part mission accomplished in a 133-127 win to close out the seeding round.
Orlando came out firing, hitting a team-record-tying 13 3-pointers in the first quarter. The team took it straight at the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense, driving into the lane and kicking out to 3-pointers with ease.
Nikola Vucevic walked into jumpers and drained them, going after the soft New Orleans defense. He had 13 points in the first quarter alone and missed only one shot. Nikola Vucevic just got whatever he wanted, displaying a solid array of post and dribble moves.
Markelle Fultz returned to the starting lineup and made an immediate impact too. He had the Magic playing at a faster pace and quickly zipped the ball in and out of the lane, finishing when he could.
The Magic’s starters left the game with a comfortable 21-point lead. No one would confuse this game as the team being playoff-ready. The Pelicans were also throwing out a depleted roster.
But after a week of struggle and frustration, it was a step in the right direction. The Magic moved the ball and found open players. They scored efficiently and they dictated the pace of play. They could feel some joy and comfort in the game.
It might be their last time before the daunting task of taking on the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs. But the Magic could breathe easy, even if the bench players once again struggled to hold onto the lead with this depleted roster.
The Orlando Magic finish the regular season and seeding round at 33-40. They will open up their Playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.