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Weekly Magic Power Rankings

How the Magic fared in NBA power rankings around the web

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NBA: Golden State Warriors at Orlando Magic Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Those who put together the NBA power rankings are crushing on Aaron Gordon. Thanks in large part to his 40-point performance that resulted in a win over the Thunder, the Magic moved up the board on everyone's list. Click on each publication for the full rankings.


ESPN -- The Magic climb from 22 to 20

After losing nine games in a row, the Magic finally broke their losing streak behind a 40-point, 15-rebound, six-3-pointer game from Aaron Gordon against the Thunder. The only other players in NBA history with those totals in a single game are James Harden (December 2016, January 2017) and Vince Carter (April 2007). -- Law Murray

CBS Sports -- Magic climb from 28 to 22

When Aaron Gordon lets the offense come to him, he can score 40 points like he did against OKC. However, the streakiness of Orlando's offense as a whole is a concern. -- Chris Barnewall

USA Today -- Magic climb from 25 to 22

Aaron Gordon, who's making a strong case for the NBA's Most Improved Player award, is the first Magic player since Dwight Howard (2010-11) with multiple 40-point games in a single season. With his most recent scoring outburst (Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City), he became the first player in franchise history to record 40 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and four steals in a game. -- AJ Neuharth-Keusch

NBA.com -- The Magic climb from 24 to 21

The Magic ended their nine game losing streak (in which they allowed 116 points per 100 possessions) with a 26-3, second-half run (in which the Thunder shot 1-for-17) on Wednesday. Their new lineup (Jonathon Simmons instead of Terrence Ross) allowed 122 points per 100 possessions in its first four starts, but there's no turning back, with Ross suffering a right knee injury (that will have him out a "significant" amount of time) in the OKC win. Nikola Vucevic likes New York; Three of his six highest scoring games of his career (and his two highest scoring games this season) have come at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center, shooting 61 percent (150-for-246) in the two buildings. -- John Schuhmann

SI.com -- Magic climb from 26 to 20

Aaron Gordon tried to convince us all when he was drafted that he could shoot, and no one bought it. Well, he was (eventually) right. Six threes and 40 points against Oklahoma City?! If you live in Orlando, get your hands on some tickets to Gordon's season before they become too expensive on the secondary market. -- Kenny Ducey