The streak is over. After ten heartbreaking losses in a row, Orlando was able to do something they had not done in their previous ten games. They were able to get a lead late and hold on to it. The 104-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers gives the Magic a 13-23 record on the season including an impressive 2-0 record at Staples Center.
After being down by as many as 13 points early the Magic battled back to tie the game in the second quarter before eventually being down 57-49. The second half belonged to the Magic, and more specifically, Aaron Afflalo and J.J. Redick. Afflalo ended the game with a season best 30 points, 23 of which he scored in the second half and 15 in the third quarter alone. He added seven rebounds and seven assists as well in the win. The biggest player for the Magic though was long time member, J.J. Redick. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter but his two biggest plays came with under a minute to play. With 42.1 seconds remaining Redick hit a step back 3 pointer to give the Magic a 102-99 lead. Chris Paul answered with a pull up jumper to trim the deficit to one. The Clippers forced a turnover and on the ensuing fast break Redick stepped in front of Jamaal Crawford to take a charge with 12.9 seconds left, essentially wrapping up the victory.
A big reason the Magic were able to get the victory was the lack of production in the fourth quarter from both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Down the stretch neither player seemed to demand the ball, allowing Matt Barnes and Lamar Odom to continually throw up shots. Griffin who dominated early, still ended up with 30 points along with eight rebounds and seven assists. Paul finished with only 10 points but added 16 assists and four steals. A note on the Clippers, former Magic star Grant Hill, made his season debut at the start of the fourth quarter and finished with two points as well as two rebounds.
The Magic finish their road trip Monday night in Washington at 7:00 ET. Before today's win, the Wizards were the last team the Magic were able to beat. Check for the game on FSN Florida as the Magic look to put together back to back wins.
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