Still smarting from their poor showing against the Kings just 24 hours earlier, the Magic entered Tuesday night’s showdown with the Blazers seeking redemption. Despite it being the second night of a road back-to-back they found it, playing with improved intensity and effort (particularly at the defensive end) as they secured a hard-earned 109-106 victory.
Both the energy and execution were excellent for the Magic across the game’s opening minutes, a tone-setting stretch that demonstrated the team’s intent to make amends for their lackadaisical last start. Getting downhill was an obvious priority, with Orlando’s ballhandlers attacking the driving lanes and off-ball cutters slicing to the hoop with great success.