Gordon’s best games provide bellwether for team’s success
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon watched teammate Terrence Ross come up with a steal near midcourt on a pass by Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier. Ross quickly dribbled to the middle of the floor before passing to Evan Fournier on the wing as Gordon began sprinting up the court.
Fournier gathered the pass and stopped, took a quick look and spotted Gordon cutting to the basket.
Gordon caught the pass in stride and elevated for a thunderous one-handed dunk that brought the Amway Center crowd to its feet. The play tied the game at 82-82. On the ensuing possession, Gordon sank two free throws to give the Magic a lead they would not relinquish as they went on to beat the Celtics 105-103 on Saturday.
It was all part of a stellar weekend for the Magic power forward, who continues to serve as a barometer for the team.
Gordon surpassed the 20-point mark to help fuel the Magic past the Celtics on Saturday and the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
The Magic are now 9-2 when Gordon scores at least 20 points and 7-0 when he scores at least 22 points.
“I guess I’ve got understand where I’m getting those points from,” he said after practice Tuesday. “They’re in the paint, in transition, offensive rebounds or cutting. It just means that I’m being more active, and I think when I’m more active the team is better. The energy level is better.”
Gordon’s energy level was just fine over the weekend. He averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds and shot 52 percent (15 of 29) from the field in the two victories. But it wasn’t just about making shots. It was also about shot selection, getting to the rim and
drawing fouls.
“I think it’s been gradual where he’s been driving the ball into the paint, getting to the freethrow line and then also creating a lot of shots for his teammates,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said.
Gordon made all 13 of his free-throw attempts on Saturday, and was 4-for-4 on Sunday. He’s shooting 80.7 percent from the line his past 10 games; his season average is 72.1 percent.
“Just being in the gym more, as simple as that,” he said of his sharper free-throw shooting.
Back to Detroit
The Magic now turn their attention to Wednesday’s matchup in Detroit against the Pistons, whom they lead by half a game in the Eastern Conference standings.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. and can be seen on Fox Sports Florida.
The teams split their two previous meetings, with the Pistons winning 103-96 in Detroit and the Magic winning 109-107 in Orlando.
The Pistons have struggled to gain traction after a six-game losing streak in early December. They are just 2-8 in their past 10 games, including their loss to the Magic.
Still, the Pistons pose a challenge with a formidable frontcourt of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, who leads the NBA in rebounding.
“I think the rebounding game is a big part of it. And you know they’re very good defensively,” Clifford said of the Pistons.
Griffin scored 44 points in Saturday’s win against his former team, the Los Angeles Clippers, and is averaging 28.9 points his past seven games.
With Gordon defending him most of the game, Griffin had just four field goals and 15 points in the previous meeting.
“Over the years he’s developed more skills, so he’s becoming an all-around player,” Gordon said about Griffin. “It’s a fun matchup; you know like size, so I enjoy it.”
Bamba likely out again
Clifford said it’s unlikely that rookie center Mohamed Bamba will play Wednesday in Detroit.
Bamba has missed the past three games with a left foot injury he sustained Jan. 7 against the Sacramento Kings.
Bamba participated in Tuesday’s practice and said his foot feels good, but Clifford said the rookie probably will sit at least one more game. That will give him another two days to recuperate before a possible return Friday against the Nets at Amway.
“I don’t know if he’ll be ready tomorrow night, but he’s definitely closer,” said Clifford. “We didn’t do a lot of contact today, so I’m not sure. I think Friday might be more realistic.”
Bamba said he doesn’t expect any limitations whenever he returns.
“It’s just a matter of about being smart about it,” Bamba said. “I went through practice today and it felt great, and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Khem Birch has averaged five points, 5.7 rebounds and two blocks in the three games filling in for Bamba as the backup to starter Nikola Vucevic.