Magic (5-2), Pelicans (3-4)
If there was skepticism that Orlando’s surprisingly fast start to the season is a mirage, you probably couldn’t many non-believers late Monday night in the Smoothie King Center. The Magic broke open a close game early in the fourth quarter with a barrage of three-pointers, led by reserve Mo Speights, who almost singlehandedly lifted Orlando to a commanding lead. Speights made little impact in the first half on either end of the floor, but the man dubbed “Mo Buckets” shot 5/7 on threes after intermission.
The Magic’s lead was just 88-84 through three quarters, but the visitors started the fourth quarter with an 11-0 spurt.