Magic Musings: Rookies showing promise during modest winning streak
ORLANDO, Fla. -- With the help of rookies Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton, the Orlando Magic find themselves riding a modest winning streak.
Gordon and Payton combined for 32 points Friday night as the Magic defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-103 in overtime for their second victory following an 0-4 start.
Evan Fournier had a team-high 20 points, while Tobias Harris recorded his first double-double of the season with 17 points and 16 rebounds. But this was a game where youth was served as both Gordon and Payton came through in the clutch.
Fournier, who had 11 points in the first quarter, hit a 3-pointer to give the Magic a 92-90 lead in the fourth quarter. They did not score again until Nikola Vucevic tied the game with two free throws with 11.9 seconds remaining in regulation. The game went into overtime after Kevin Martin missed a jump shot from close range.
In the matchup of centers who hail from Montenegro, Vucevic had 14 points and nine rebounds before fouling out while Nikola Pekovic finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Timberwolves.
Ricky Rubio, the point guard who averaged 11 assists in Minnesota's first four games, rolled his left ankle with 2:28 to go before halftime. He had to be carried to the locker room and did not return. Twelfth-year pro Mo Williams took Rubio's place.
Payton appeared more aggressive after Rubio's exit and scored 13 of his 15 points following halftime.
Forward Andrew Wiggins, the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft who was acquired by the Timberwolves in August in the trade where they gave up Kevin Love, had only six points and three rebounds in 27 minutes.
THE TURNING POINT
Gordon's three-point play 29 seconds into overtime put the Magic ahead for good in a game where neither team led by more than eight during regulation.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Gordon had 12 of his career-high 17 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
STAT OF THE GAME
For the second game in a row, the Magic won despite finishing with more turnovers (21) than assists (18).
WHAT'S NEXT
Sunday at Brooklyn, 3:30 p.m.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
