Jazz overpower struggling Magic, Burke drops career-high 30 points

Courtesy of Orlando Magic

Maurice Harkless had the dunk of the game in the final 30 seconds, giving the Magic the lead for good against the Nets.

ORLANDO — Arron Afflalo’s absence in the Orlando Magic roster was notable on Wednesday night, and it paid dividends for the Utah Jazz as they were able to claim an 86-82 victory, behind Trey Burkes’ 30 point performance.

“I like the looks that we had through the course of the night,” said Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn. “We got some good looks, obviously we miss Arron, but we got good looks for the night.

“Some of his shots were in transition, he (Trey Burke) was making shots, so give him credit. It will continue to take time, maybe there was one or two shots that we thought were forced. We had good shots, and I don’t think my guys were selfish at all.”

Despite trailing for much of the first half, the Magic were able to inspire a second half surge, which resulted E’Twaun Moore scoring eight of his 10 points in the fourth quarter. Glen Davis gave the Magic their first lead six minutes into the fourth quarter after scoring two free-throws.

The Magic could of tied the game, and sent it to overtime with 10 seconds left, when Jameer Nelson had an open-lane layup fall short.

Rookie guard Victor Oladipo struggled, finishing with three points while shooting 1-12. In fact, the former Indiana guard finished Wednesday’s game scoring a career-low three points.

“Life goes on,” Vaughn told reporters on Oladipo’s performance. “I told him we got a tough Sacramento backcourt on Saturday, and get some liquids, come to work tomorrow.”

Tobias Harris’ 14 points, 10 rebounds lead the forefront for the Magic, followed by Nelson who had 17 points, shooting 3-7 behind the three point line.

The Magic (8-18) are back home on Saturday night when they welcome the Sacramento Kings, with tipoff set at 7:00 p.m. at the Amway Center.