Magic Musings: Harris' career night helps snap 10-game losing skid
ORLANDO, Fla. -- With the help of a career-high 34 points from Tobias Harris, the Orlando Magic gave James Borrego a victory in his first game as their interim coach and snapped a 10-game losing streak.
Harris scored four of the Magic's first six points in overtime Friday night as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 103-97. It was their first victory since Jan. 14 against the Houston Rockets and came in their first game since the firing of head coach Jacque Vaughn on Thursday.
Nikola Vucevic added 25 points for the Magic, whose streak of 14 consecutive games of giving up more than 100 points came to an end. They held the Lakers to 13 points in the fourth quarter and six in overtime.
Elfrid Payton put the Magic ahead to stay at 95-94 with only his second field goal of the game. Harris' 17-footer and Victor Oladipo's dunk off a steal padded their lead.
The Magic trailed 52-38 at halftime after committing 13 turnovers, which the Lakers converted into 20 points. But they turned the ball over just six more times the rest of the way.
The Magic went into the game tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the fewest victories at home this season (5) and had only a 4-30 record in games where they trailed going into the fourth quarter.
THE TURNING POINT
Down 78-69 after three quarters, the Magic took their first lead since early in the second quarter by going on a 17-4 run highlighted by a dunk from Aaron Gordon off a fast break and a 3-point field goal from Willie Green.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Harris, who had 28 points and 20 rebounds against the Lakers in their last visit to Orlando, hit 14 of his 18 shots and also came up with a key block during overtime.
STAT OF THE GAME
The combination of Harris, Vucevic, Oladipo, Payton and Channing Frye represented the Magic's 14th different starting lineup in 53 games. Vucevic has the most starts of anyone with 47. It was Harris' fourth start in a row after five consecutive games of coming off the bench.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sunday night vs. Indiana, 6 p.m.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
