Orlando Pinstriped Post - Magic vs. 76ers: Orlando takes on retooling PhillyAn Orlando Magic blog with news, rumors, analysis, and commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21281/orlando-fave.jpg2015-02-22T20:41:52-05:00http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/rss/stream/78488662015-02-22T20:41:52-05:002015-02-22T20:41:52-05:00Vučević leads Magic past Sixers for third straight
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<img alt="Nerlens Noel and Nik Vučević" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bv20oiVIRalYgakqnFvu80m_kKA=/0x0:2440x1627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45748000/usa-today-8399433.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nerlens Noel and Nik Vučević | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The former Sixer tormented his former club Sunday.</p> <p>In a game that shouldn't have been as close as it was, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> edged the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, 103-98, for their third straight victory. Orlando now has its longest winning streak of the season.</p>
<p><span>Nik Vučević</span> dominated his former club with 31 points and 14 rebounds, showing excellent poise and decisiveness in the post against <span>Nerlens Noel</span>, the Sixers' rookie shot-blocker. <span>Channing Frye</span> added a solid 15 points of his own, going 3-of-7 on three-pointers in one of his better outings in an Orlando uniform. And on his 21st birthday, rookie point guard <span>Elfrid Payton</span> did a bit of everything, tallying 10 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.</p>
<p><span>JaKarr Sampson</span> led Philly with 16 points, including 14 in the final period as the 76ers made their push. <span>Robert Covington</span> fouled out with 16 points.</p>
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<p>The Sixers managed to hang around thanks to the three-ball; how else to explain trailing by just eight at halftime despite scoring a mere four points in the painted area? Philly went 7-of-15 from beyond the arc before intermission, with three players hitting two treys apiece.</p>
<p>Orlando's offense was less balanced, but more varied: Vučević tallied 13 on 6-of-12 shooting working on the inside, while Frye and <span>Willie Green</span> did their work on the perimeter. Orlando's spacing seems to have improved of late, and it's showing in its shooting percentages. </p>
<p>After Covington nailed a three-pointer to give the Sixers a five-point edge midway through the second quarter, Philly bumbled through the rest of the period, allowing the Magic to regain control. Orlando's foes went 0-of-9 from the floor and committed five turnovers for six points.</p>
<p>The game appeared to be Orlando's to lose as the second half opened, but Philadelphia came out of the locker room with its proverbial guns blazing: Covington, <span>Jason Richardson</span>, and <span>Isaiah Canaan</span> drilled a trio of three-pointers less than two minutes of one another, the last of which gave the Sixers a one-point edge.</p>
<p>But once the three-ball deserted Philadelphia again, it had nothing doing offensively, and Payton helped get Orlando back on track. He dished three assists in the period and squeezed in a tricky layup in traffic; his ability to penetrate off the dribble kept Philly scrambling.</p>
<p>The Sixers used a Sampson three-pointer--what else?--to cut Orlando's lead to two early in the fourth quarter, but the Magic responded by reeling off 10 straight points over the next four minutes in a run which should have put the game away. </p>
<p>Sampson continued to keep his team in the game, scoring 11 straight points in a two-minute span late in the fourth as Orlando failed to punish Sixers coach <span>Brett Brown's</span> decision to intentionally foul Payton, a poor free-throw shooter.</p>
<p>A pair of silly mistakes dearly cost the 76ers in their comeback attempt. First, <span>Hollis Thompson</span> fouled <span>Victor Oladipo</span> away from the ball, giving the Magic a free throw plus possession. Green tacked two more points onto that trip by drawing a shooting foul of his own. And then Thompson set an illegal screen on Philadelphia's ensuing possession. That turnover resulted in Oladipo's finding Vučević for an easy slam. In less than a minute, the more experienced, calm Magic added five points to their lead simply by making the most of the Sixers' mistakes.</p>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/2/22/8088091/philadelphia-76ers-orlando-magic-final-score-2015-nikola-vucevic-channing-fryeEvan Dunlap2015-02-22T20:19:34-05:002015-02-22T20:19:34-05:00Willie Green is throwing down<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OQXrj5mrVg9/embed/simple" width="480" height="480"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Willie Green is tearing down rims in Orlando!</p></p></div>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/2/22/8088315/willie-green-is-throwing-downshamus_clancy2015-02-22T17:33:14-05:002015-02-22T17:33:14-05:00Report: Tobias Harris returns to Magic lineup
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<img alt="Tobias Harris" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O0D3Dara4t6-K_uANXrPeFAkOoY=/62x133:3556x2462/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45747480/usa-today-8395436.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tobias Harris | Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a three-game absence, the high-scoring forward is set to return Sunday.</p> <p><span>Tobias Harris</span> will start for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> on Sunday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnDenton555/status/569606404144799744" target="new">reports</a> John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com. Harris had missed the Magic's three previous games owing to a sore knee.</p>
<p>Sunday's game will be Harris' first in exactly two weeks. On February 8th, the Tennessee product scored 15 points on 6-of-17 shooting in a 98-97 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>.</p>
<p>On the season, Harris is averaging 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, both of which figures rank second on the team to <span>Nik Vučević</span>.</p>
<p>The Sixers can't be too pleased to learn Harris will face them Sunday: in the teams' first meeting, he sent Philadelphia to defeat with <a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/videos/2014/11/5/7166123/tobias-harris-game-winning-shot-video-magic-76ers">a pull-up jumper</a> that just beat the final buzzer.</p>
<p>Tipoff between the Magic and the Sixers is set for 6:00 PM.</p>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/2/22/8087707/tobias-harris-injury-knee-2015-orlando-magic-philadelphia-76ers-february-22Evan Dunlap2015-02-22T16:00:03-05:002015-02-22T16:00:03-05:00Magic vs. 76ers GameThread
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<img alt="Jason Richardson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7fvpE71OSyK9G9_Mj2oJ1hrMxV4=/0x82:3377x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45744716/usa-today-8393948.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Richardson | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The two rebuilding teams meet Sunday for the final time in the 2014/15 season.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> can pick up their third straight win Sunday with a victory over the retooling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a>.</p>
<p>Tipoff between Orlando and Philadelphia is set for 6:00 PM on Fox Sports Florida and ESPN 580 AM in the Orlando market.</p>
<p>Please post your pre- and in-game comments in this GameThread.</p>
<p><strong>Do not <u>ask for</u>, <u>mention</u>, or <u>link to</u> any sites or services that provide video streams for this game</strong>. Doing so will result in a disciplinary action.</p>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellspacing="5" border="1" align="center" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr> <th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">2014/2015 NBA Season</th> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/3QC/Logos%20non-gifs/PHI__zpsd1fd5171.jpg" width="150" height="100" alt="Philadelphia 76ers main logo"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v73/incurock31/3QC/Logos%20non-gifs/ORL__zps606f5ea5.jpg" width="120" height="80" alt="Orlando Magic main logo"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>12-42 (5-22 road)<br>Lost 2</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>18-39 (8-18 home)<br>Won 2</center></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>February 22nd, 2015</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Amway Center</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>6:00 PM</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Fox Sports Florida / 580 AM</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Possible Starters</strong></th> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Isaiah Canaan</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Elfrid Payton</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Jason Richardson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Victor Oladipo</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Robert Covington</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Tobias Harris</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Henry Sims</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Channing Frye</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Nerlens Noel</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Nik Vučević</span></td> </tr> <tr> <th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Advanced Stats, via NBA.com/stats</strong></th> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">98.09 (6th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">95.83 (17th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">91.6 (30th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">99.5 (T-25th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">101.9 (12th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">105.3 (24th)</td> </tr> <tr> <th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Season Series</strong></th> </tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"> <strong><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2014/11/5/7162191/philadelphia-76ers-orlando-magic-2015-nba-schedule">Nov. 5th</a></strong>: Magic 91, 76ers 89</td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"> <strong><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2014/12/21/7430147/philadelphia-sixers-orlando-magic-2015-nba-schedule">Dec. 21st</a></strong>: 76ers 96, Magic 88</td></tr> <tr><th height="20" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"></th></tr> </tbody></table>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/2/22/8084867/magic-vs-76ers-game-time-tv-schedule-and-moreEvan Dunlap2015-02-22T10:09:59-05:002015-02-22T10:09:59-05:00Orlando takes on retooling Philly
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<img alt="Luc Mbah a Moute" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_jOZJ3I76b_38bEnm5sjZpEaPRc=/663x162:2138x1145/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45744652/usa-today-8393954.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Luc Mbah a Moute | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Sixers are three days removed from trading the reigning Rookie of the Year. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> square off against the new-look <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> on Sunday seeking their third straight victory.</p>
<p>Tipoff between Orlando and Philly is set for 6:00 PM. Fox Sports Florida and ESPN 580 AM will offer live coverage in the Orlando market.</p>
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<p><strong>Orlando's last time out</strong>: The Magic earned their third straight win Friday by upsetting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">New Orleans Pelicans</a>, 95-84, at Amway Center. Second-year guard <span>Victor Oladipo</span> put together one of his best performances of the season, shooting 11-of-18 from the floor for 22 points. Orlando's efficient shooting helped it get the W despite a 21-3 disparity in made foul shots. </p>
<p><strong>Philadelphia's last time out</strong>: The Sixers fell to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a>, 106-95, on Friday for their second straight loss despite a double-double from veteran forward <span>Luc Mbah a Moute</span>, who tallied 16 points and 10 boards. Philly had traded <span>Michael Carter-Williams</span>, the reigning Rookie of the Year, one day earlier, leaving undrafted rookie <span>Tim Frazier</span> to start at point guard in just his fourth NBA game. </p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2014/12/21/7430147/philadelphia-sixers-orlando-magic-2015-nba-schedule">The last meeting</a></strong>: Philly stunned the Magic in Orlando on December 21st, dealing them a 96-88 defeat for their third victory of the season. Carter-Williams led five Sixers in double-digit scoring with 21 points. Orlando shot just 41.7 percent from the floor and lost the rebounding battle by a 52-43 margin. Oladipo tallied 23 points, while <span>Nik Vučević</span> managed 19 points and 17 rebounds against his former club.</p>
<p><em>Don't forget to sign up for FanDuel, SB Nation's official fantasy sports partner. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fanduel.com%2Fsb-nation-basketball%3Fp%3DSBNMAGIC2&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.orlandopinstripedpost.com%2F2015%2F2%2F22%2F8084789%2Fphiladelphia-sixers-orlando-magic-2015-nba-schedule-february-22" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Here's the link</a>.</em></p>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2015/2/22/8084789/philadelphia-sixers-orlando-magic-2015-nba-schedule-february-22Evan Dunlap