The first quarter was a rough one for the Mavs, as they fell behind Orlando 31-13 heading into the second quarter. Reserve guard Brandon Jennings had 12 points and seven assists, his second good game since coming in a trade from Detroit last week.
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At the same time, a different path emerged.
The Magic (24-29) will next face a team that’s beaten them six straight times and in 10 of the last 11 meetings.
Yet the teams were still tied 47-47 at halftime, thanks largely to the Magic missing a bunch of point-blank layup attempts throughout the first two quarters.
The Magic are being ridiculed for their seemingly weird trades. Channing Frye was dealt, going to the Cleveland on Thursday. However, after a timeout the Magic never got organized at the offensive end. This will clear up some cap space for them this offseason. But 2016 has been miserable.
Because of Payton’s recent success, the acquisition of Jennings may have been a bit of a surprise to some Magic fans, but it shouldn’t affect Payton all that much. The Mavericks will need more from Wesley Matthews (12.1), who is shooting 38.4 percent from the field.ABOUT THE MAGIC (23-29): Orlando’s Scott Skiles coached Ilyasova and Jennings when he was at Milwaukee and that should help the duo adapt to his system quickly. Despite his age and potential, Harris’ numbers were down after a breakout year in the 2014-15 season. After a quick start, the Magic were unable to hold their lead through the 2nd and 3rd quarters and a late game rally forced overtime, leading to the win. Making the playoffs would be a coup, especially when the Magic are chasing free agents this summer.
Orlando’s Tobias Harris seen here defending a driving Kevin Durant of the Thunder. Orlando has not been a free-agent destination recently, but they were in the past. “Everyone came back with a goal we’re trying to meet, and that’s finishing the second half strong and catch fire leading into the playoffs”.
Orlando has a young core in place. The offense just wasn’t there in the early going, and it put the Mavs in a big hole that they would have to fight and claw their way out of.
But the Magic couldn’t convert, even though Nik Vucevic drew a questionable foul on Myles Turner. DeMar DeRozan has a player option, and it’s doubtful he’s leaving the Raptors.
The Magic moved the ball well all night, swinging it around the court to find the best looks possible. What are the chances they sign anyone better?
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Detroit now has a legitimate starting cast that can play great defense against any team in the league. Everyone is chasing Durant – including the National Basketball Association champion Golden State Warriors. Ilyasova’s contract expires at the end of this year with a team option for next year. Hey, we felt good vibes from being at an arduous practice on Wednesday and then while watching the trade deadline go by with inactivity that we let ourselves dream about a climb to No. 5 in the West.
