The Orlando Magic were able to get a road victory and get themselves back in the win column. They played the second game of a Back-to-back in The Bay Area. Yesterday they played in San Francisco against the Warriors. They lost that one but took the positive things from that game and were able to turn around and get a win against the Kings. Nikola Vucevic has been playing like a man possessed lately. He scored 42 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. He also shot 17 of 22 from the field. It’s safe to say that he was IN THE ZONE. Orlando Magic Head Coach, Steve Clifford had some high praise for Vucevic and his effort in this game.
“He made the big passes, the big plays,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said. “He’s playing at an incredibly high level every night. He gets special attention, but he’s scoring inside and then he’s shooting the ball so well from the 3. I just think it’s where he is, his approach, his demeanor. He wants us to turn this around and he’s willing to take responsibility for that.”
Michael Carter-Williams returned from injury against the Kings. He scored 21 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists. His strong play helped the Magic get the win. He was able to get his points but also control the pace and run the Magic’s offense efficiently. Carter-Williams made it a point to feed Vucevic early and often. Carter-Williams had high praise for Vucevic as well.
“He’s definitely elevated his game,” Carter-Williams said. “He’s always been an unbelievable passer out of the post. Him working on the 3 this year, extending his range … he’s clearly an All-Star. To me, he’s one of the best big men in the league.”
The Magic are taking a step in the right direction. Getting back in the win column on the road is big. Especially since the team has so many key guys out due to injury. The Magic now travel to Phoenix, Arizona to face off against the Suns on Sunday, 2/14. Game tips off at 9 pm Eastern/ 6 pm Eastern.
