This may have been the best Magic game I have ever been too and here is why.
Walking up the arena, I was optimistic, but as soon as I walked into the doors I was blown away. I walked into the middle level and looking down onto the court. No escalators, just a direct view within seconds. Left and right I had open space to walk, plenty of food and drink choices, and entertainment all around. This truly was a top-notch arena. I was blown away. The scoreboard was unreal. It honestly makes Amway’s scoreboard look small. This Arena was truly world-class.
Tip-offs is a few minutes away. I happened to spot Jeff Weltman (President of Magic Basketball Operations) a few sections below, so I take the opportunity to say hi. I shake his hand and let him know, I am looking forward to the playoffs. I did not want to bother him so it was a quick interaction.
OK ok… lets get to the game. Sorry for all the stories but it was a wild night. I ended up sitting one row behind Jeff Weltman, John Hammond, and Becky Bonner. I got to speak with most of them and even had a nice chat with Dante Marchitelli at halftime.
The game started off a bit slow. Vooch had a quick 11 points in the first quarter but outside of that, no one impressed much. The Kings had a quick lead at 13-7 with only 4 minutes into the game. Nemanja Bjelica scored the first few baskets and that was only the start for him. Halfway through the quarter though shots started falling for other Magic players. Evan Fournier and Aarron Gordon got on the scoreboard and Mo Bamba ended the quarter with a slam. The Magic had steam. Some big defense efforts and a few made shots the Magic had the lead at 33-25 by the end of the first.
The second quarter was great. Wes made a fantastic 3 to start the quarter. The Golden 1 center was quiet besides the 7.5 Magic fans in attendance cheering. Markelle Fultz was running the offense clean. Setting himself up for a couple of quick baskets, but also creating for others like Evan who was able to get the free-throw line 12 times tonight (Keep talking that shit about him if you want but he was 12 for 12 from the stripe tonight). Things went well for the Magic in the first 24 minutes of play. AG was moving well, Fultz not only set up offense but was scoring himself and Evan and Vooch were being very very effective.
The second half starts. Things get ugly. The second unit can score. Ross has yet to make a shot. Bamba has only played a few minutes and only had 2 points. And well… That’s about it. The second unit was not much of a threat tonight. Combined they only had 24 points on the entire game. The kings slowly chipped away at the lead. Hield got going but the Magic killer Bjelica could not be stopped. He had every shot he wanted ending the game shooting with 13 of 16 for 34 points. Fox also was getting to the basic at will going 12 of 18 for 31 points. Damn this young team and the fight they put up. What should have been an easy win, In Magic style, was not. The 3rd ended in a score of Magic 86, Kings 85.
The 4th quarter was not so pretty. The Magic lost the lead. A few tern overs and a loud crowd and all of a sudden the Kings tie the game with 15.8 seconds left to go. Fox had made yet another driving layup to the rim. The Kings had done it and the Magic do what they always do. Lose a lead. Fox was fauld on the drive for and AND-1. Kings lead 112-111. Magic ball. The pass was inbounded to Evan, who is double-teamed right away. He can’t dribble out of hit and forces a pass to AG. AG has a while toss to the basket off-balance which goes in with 1.1 seconds left, with an AND 1. Gordon makes the free throw and the Magic are up 114 to 112. the Kings can’t finish and the Magic win.
Player grades
Fultz
B-
Fultz had a hard matchup tonight. He went up vs Fox who had a fantastic night of 31 points. Fultz did not do a good job of containing him but really no one else did either. Fultz did, however, have a nice night of the shooting. He hit it 7-11 for 16 points hitting his only 3 point attempts.
Gordon
B+
AG has had a strang year. Lots of time off with injury but he came out tonight strong. He consistently made shots throughout all 4 quarters including a game-winner. AG needs to continue to play smart and consistant. His biggest downfall was allowing Blejica to have a huge night.
Fournier and Vucevic.
B+
Both players had some bad shot selections and turnovers. A few moments when passing was a better option then shooting. Outside of that though we do not have much negative to say. They combined for 51 points and the both went perfect from the line. Evan was 12-12 and Vooch was 6-6.
This was a must needed win, because the Magic play the Lakers on Wednesday the 15th followed by the CLippers on the 16th in LA. The Magic are 1-1 on this 6 game road trip.
