Magic 118, Pelicans 88: Orlando rolls New Orleans for their fourth-straight W

Mardi Gras came early for the Orlando Magic, who left New Orleans with a convincing 118-88 win over a rudderless Pelicans. Orlando put their collective foot on the gas early and never let up, leading by as many as 27 points the first quarter, and cruised to another easy victory for their fourth in a row. This marks the first four-game winning streak by the Magic since Nov, 5-Dec.3, 2015.

It was a selfless, efficient game for the Magic, who only had one player with a negative plus/minus, and registered 32 assists on 42 made field goals.

Highlights were easy to come by in this one, but the biggest point of pride may have been second-year forward Jonathan Isaac. Isaac had 14 points in the first quarter, powering the Magic to an early lead, and finished with a career-high 20 points, as well as notching seven rebounds and three blocks. Isaac has been on fire recently, averaging 15.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.6 steals in the Magic’s last five games.

In addition to the young gun, familiar faces Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier all cracked 20 points. The first-time All-Star no doubt had the line of the night, as Vucevic netted 25 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. The Magic were also able to limit embattled All-NBA center Anthony Davis to three points and six rebounds.

Next up for the Magic (26-32) will be a matchup with the Charlotte Hornets (27-29) heading into All-Star break. The Magic have struggled with the Hornets, and specifically All-Star point guard Kemba Walker, in recent years, including a 0-2 mark this season. This could be a huge opportunity for the Magic to keep momentum before watching Vucevic take part in the All-Star festivities.