Magic Finish Preseason With Win Over Pelicans

Orlando, Fla. –The Orlando Magic finished off their preseason schedule on a high note, securing an overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 114 to 111. The Magic’s defensive play improved as the game went on, culminating in a 16-3 run at the end of regulation. In overtime, the Magic defense was stifling and the Pelicans were out of sorts, as Orlando spread the ball around to five different scorers.

Anthony Davis was a huge factor in this one, scoring 24 points in the first half as the Pelicans got off to a hot start. His removal from the game was a huge part of the Magic victory, as the former All-Pro removed himself with an apparent injury early in the overtime period. Davis did not return, and was unavailable for questions after the game.

Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said that Davis could’ve come back in if it were a regular season game, “Sure, he was [OK]. I played him a lot of consecutive minutes and I wasn’t going to risk him getting hurt in an overtime game in the preseason.”

The Magic were down as much as 23 after Davis’ early domination, but were able to claw their way back into it thanks to sticking to their defensive identity. After Davis’ scoring surge was quelled, the Pelicans’ offense never quite got back on track.

It was Evan Fournier that picked up the team’s spirits after the early deficit – leading all scorers with 16 points in the second half. It only took nine shots, as the Frenchman was 4-of-6 from three-point range, as well as 4-of-6 from the line.

Said Fournier on the comeback, “I feel like we had a better sense of urgency being down 20 and showing more pride. Again just being more aggressive, just touching your guy and being more physical is the whole defense.”

Overall, the Magic would overcome not only their third quarter demons, but also a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to outscore the Pelicans 55-43 in the second half.

Despite the inconsistent play, Magic coach Frank Vogel says he wants to highlight the positives. “There was a lot of positives out there…you have to have perspective when things aren’t going your way,” said Vogel, “The way I saw it, we weren’t as good as we need to be, but Anthony Davis is one of the world and he went off. So sometimes that’s going to happen with an elite player and you’ve got to find a way to respond to it.”

Elfrid Payton showed a glimpse of why the Magic traded for him on draft night of 2014 with 17 points and 12 assists. The often cerebral, slashing Payton expanded his range with five three-point attempts. He showed confidence in his shot, banking in a three to send the game into overtime.

Tonight’s win marks the final regular season game for the Magic, who host the Miami Heat for their regular season debut on Wednesday.