MAGIC ZAP WIZARDS
The Orlando Magic had no problem scoring against the Washington Wizards the first three times the teams met this season.
They had no issue once again on Wednesday.
The Magic blew out a shorthanded Wizards team 123-89 at Amway Center, giving Orlando its fourth win in the past five games.
The Magic entered Wednesday's
contest last in the NBA in scoring at 103.2 points per game. While the offense has struggled for the most part this season, Washington has proven to be an easy opponent for Orlando to get its offense going, averaging 125 points per game in the first three meetings.
The Magic (18-20) had five players score in double figures. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 29 points and nine rebounds. Evan Fournier added 19 and D.J. Augustin had 18.
Washington (12-25) entered the contest with momentum after defeating Denver and Boston. Following a slow start, the Wizards
went on a 19-9 run to begin the second quarter. Magic coach Steve Clifford took a timeout as Washington led 42-41 with 6:37 left to play in the first half.
Following the timeout, it was all Orlando.
Fournier started a scoring sequence when he banked in a corner 3-point shot to give Orlando a 49-47 lead. After the make, Fournier looked toward the Magic bench and had a look of astonishment on his face as his teammates celebrated.
Two possessions later, Augustin and Khem Birch connected on an alley-oop and then Augustin hit a 3-pointer to end the sequence.
It was part of a 28-10 run by the Magic, who entered halftime with a 69-52 lead. Orlando did not relent in the second half, continuing to force turnovers on one end and making easy baskets on the other.
The Wizards were without allstar guard Bradley Beal. He missed Wednesday's contest with a lower leg injury. Washington suited up only nine players for the game.
The Magic begin a West Coast road trip on Friday against the Phoenix Suns. Orlando will play six games, all on the road, in a span of 11 days.