Magic surprise the Spurs to take first place in Eastern Conference
The Orlando Magic shocked the NBA on Friday as they completely dismantled the San Antonio Spurs 114-87. Up until their matchup at Amway Center in Orlando, the San Antonio Spurs had been rolling through the season and out to a 4-0 record.
From the first tip to the final buzzer, the Magic were completely in control and looked to be the better team through and through. Their ball movement was masterful, their defense was inspired and their 57 percent shooting for the game was unreal.
Orlando’s shooting guard Evan Fournier shot a perfect four of four from three point land and his performance proved to be the X-factor in the victory. Former San Antonio Spur Jonathon Simmons also put on a show as he dropped 17 points and blew by former teammate Kyle Anderson for an emphatic jam.
Sitting on the other end the court, the Spurs just couldn’t seem to do anything right. San Antonio shot an icy 33 percent from the field and committed an uncharacteristic 17 turnovers.
Despite yet another huge showing from rejuvenated big man LaMarcus Aldridge, the boys in white and black had no answer for the Magic’s debilitating runs and white hot shooting. 24 points and 11 rebounds looked good on the stat sheet for LA, but he surely would’ve taken the win over a big game and an even bigger blowout.
With their surprising domination of the San Antonio Spurs, the Magic have jumped out to their best start since the 2011-2012 season. However, if history is indication of future success, that Magic team went on finish sixth in the conference and suffer a humiliating loss to the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs.
As for the Spurs, they sit tied for second in the Western Conference standings with the Los Angeles Clippers. They’ll have a chance to redeem themselves when they travel to Indiana to square off with the Pacers on Sunday afternoon.
