Philadelphia 76ers edge past reeling Orlando Magic 74-69 - NBA Recap
Philadelphia 76ers have got off to their best start in more than a decade’s time, courtesy of their soft schedule- including games against weaker opponents.
But the real test has just started now.
A 10 days rough stretch will see the Sixers facing some of the best teams in the league and it started on Monday night against the Orlando Magic, a team which came into the game on the back of three consecutive losses.
The Sixers were certainly helped by the lack of confidence and touch in their opponents as despite putting on an ordinary show, they sneaked past the Magic 74-69 at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
In a low scoring game, which hung in balance by the end of the first half, the 76ers used a third quarter muscle to seal the game.
They finished the first half with a 4 point lead 37-33 and then started the third frame with a 13-4 spurt, capped by Tony Battie’s free throws to get a complete hold of the game.
Magic continued their second half struggles and after being pummelled throughout the third frame, they allowed the 76ers to end with a 8-2 run and enter the deciding quarter with a mammoth 16 points lead.
In the last quarter, Magic did show some urgency and outscored the 76ers 27-16, but in the end it was just not enough.
Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 14 points on 5 for 11 from the floor and 11 boards while the reserve Evan Turner amassed 12 on 4-for-7 from the floor. Thaddeus Young (10) was the only other who managed to produce a decent tally
as rest of the starting lineup failed to make any sort of impact.
Dwight Howard paced the Magic with a game high 17 points, but displayed erratic shooting tonight (6-for-17) from the floor. Only Ryan J Anderson supported him by adding 14 points and grabbing 20 boards.
Howard was immensely disappointed with the inefficient play of his team mates, however he exclaimed Magic would soon turn things around.
"We're still a great basketball team, we're just going through a tough stretch. That's it," Howard said. "There's no need for us to complain or point the finger or for anybody to panic. We're going to be fine."
Magic coach Stan Van Gundy expressed his concern saying.
"We have to address the issues at hand," he said. "I don't know if it's fatigue. I just know we are not playing well. Clearly, we have some things to address on offense.”
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