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The Orlando Magic (5-7) kept it a tight game against a Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland Cavaliers (3-9) team Friday, but they still managed to squeak out their fifth win of the season by a 108-104 final.
Head coach Jacque Vaughn made sure J.J. Redick had the ball in his hands with 21 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter as he is obviously the Magic's best free-throw shooter (shooting 87.1-percent for the season). Had he not hit all eight critical free-throws down the stretch, the Magic could have potentially faced an overtime situation based on how the Cavaliers were playing. Redick committed two turnovers in the first half and the Magic trailed by twelve early. But he was able to make up for those errors by finishing with 18 points and six assists.
Jameer Nelson relentlessly attacked the basket and knocked down 4-of-8 three-pointers on 50-percent shooting overall. But it wasn't just Nelson who gave the Magic an offensive boost: Arron Afflalo scored 19 points and also knocked down a crucial 24-footer at the 1:57 mark of the fourth giving the Magic 98-94 lead. He was efficient from the field and from downtown making 7-of-12 attempts overall and 4-of-8 on threes.
Three other Magic players joined Nelson, Redick, and Afflalo in double-digits Friday. Glen Davis contributed 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Nikola Vucevic also grabbed eight rebounds (four on offense) and scored 10 points.
What the Magic did right though was reduce their turnovers from an astounding 16 in the first half to just two in the second half. Those 16 turnovers were a combination of bad entry passes, perimeter passes and offensive fouls. Referees Scott Foster, Brian Forte and Violet Palmer all whistled 54 personal fouls Friday.
Another positive note for the Magic was they shot 50 perecent from the field and made 11-of-21 three-point attempts. Because Orlando nailed at least 10 threes, Magic fans who attended Friday's game can redeem their ticket stubs for a free taco at Tijuana Flats on Saturday. Hooray for tacos.
The Magic, who are now 4-2 at home, will face the Boston Celtics this Sunday at 6 PM.