Magic snap home losing streak, showcase all-around game

Stephen M. Dowell / Orlando Sentinel / MCT

Magic guard Victor Oladipo was one rebound shy of a triple-double in Friday’s double-overtime win over the Knicks.

ORLANDO — Victor Oladipo, Nik Vucevic and Tobias Harris all had double-doubles, as they helped the Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 109-92 on Friday in front of an announced attendance of 16,464 at the Amway Center.

Arron Afflalo finished the game with 23 points, marking the fifth-consecutive game where the guard has scored 20 points or more.

“I don’t think you can pick too many spots throughout out the course of the game where he’s rushing,” said Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn about his leading scorer. “I think he’s getting within the flow of the offense, he’s being very efficient weather it be in transition, weather in our set offense.

In a game that was over by the start of the fourth quarter, the Magic played one of their best all-around games of the season thus far.

Olapido entered halftime needing only an assist for his second career double-double, but that single assist would not come until the beginning of the fourth quarter, when Oladipo fed the ball inside to Glen Davis.

The Pistons trailed by 7 points at the half, but would go on to be outscored 30-18 during the third quarter. Orlando went into the fourth quarter with a comfortable 85-66 lead over Detroit.

Afflalo had 11 of his 23 points during the Magic’s big third quarter, while shooting 4-5 from the floor.

“I’m just trying to be efficient,” said Afflalo following the game. “Take advantage of the things that are being given to me all across the court, weather it’s in the post, shooting three’s or penetrating”

“My teammates are doing a good job of trying to find me, setting screens, doing their part to help me be as consistent as possible.” added Afflalo.

Orlando held on during the final 12 minutes, clinching their 9th victory of the season. The Magic held Detroit’s Brandon Jennings to just 3 point sin the second half.

Vucevic added 12 points and 4 rebounds during the final quarter.

With the win the Magic improved their record to 9-21 for the season, while snapping a three-game losing streak, which started on Dec. 18.

The Magic’s next game will be Sunday, Dec. 29 against the Atlanta Hawks at the Amway Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.