clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Magic 97, Pacers 86: Orlando's three-point shooting on-target against Indiana

Orlando topped a tired Indiana team on Wednesday by taking control of the game in the first quarter.

Arron Afflalo
Arron Afflalo
USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic took control of the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night during the first quarter and never looked back. Orlando strung its offense together heavily relying on efficient 3-point shooting.

Head coach Jacque Vaughn called a full timeout once Indiana got off to a 8-2 start within the first few minutes of the game. After that timeout, the Magic found their rhythm and built a 22-17 lead at the end of the quarter.

Orlando shot 12-of-21 on its three-pointers, thanks to its ball movement, which registered 29 assists to 12 turnovers. Five players scored in double figures: Nikola Vucevic had a team-high 16 points and game-high 15 rebounds, marking his 20th double-double of the season. Behind Vucevic: Arron Afflalo had 15 points, Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick had 14 apiece, and Glen Davis scored 11 in his return to the starting lineup.

After losing 11 of their last 12 games without Davis, it's no secret the Magic missed his presence on the court. Hampered by a shoulder injury, Davis made his return Monday in a loss to the Washington Wizards, though coming off the bench. Wedensday against Indiana, he made his way back into the starting lineup and logged 25 minutes of playing time.

Near end of the game, it looked as if Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough got under Andrew Nicholson's skin. Officials called out Nicholson and Hansbrough for two double-fouls. Nicholson picked up six fouls an eight-minute, 23-second span of the fourth quarter, fouling out for the first time in his NBA career.

Orlando will play its next game against the visiting Charlotte Bobcats on Friday at 7 PM.