What we got from a back and forth Saturday night at the Amway Center that saw the Magic prevail 100-99 over the Hawks.
The SHOT!!!
Takeaway one needs to only be delivered in Vinetastic fashion with regards to Tobias game winner 2.0.
Oladipo Shows Up When It Matters
While racking up a few fouls early and late against the Hawks, Victor Oladipo was efficient but limited on the offensive end. Still, he showed up when it mattered and truly took over on offense in the final minutes. It was a great sign after Oladipo failed to come through late in the Wizards game at home on Wednesday. Going forward, he appears to have the knack for providing in big moments.
I’ve Got a Fever and the Only Prescription is More Elfrid
In his 19 plus minutes on the court, Elfrid Payton had seven assists and two turnovers. What he lacks in scoring punch he more than makes up for as a facilitator on offense. The lack of Payton throughout much of the fourth quarter was a key factor contributing to the lack of ball movement. I’ll keep saying we need to see Oladipo off the ball more till I am blue in the face.
These Are Must Win Games
The “must win” cliché is way overused in sports and while tonight’s game would not make or break the season, it is the type of contest the Magic need to start winning to show progress. They lost a tough one just a night before in Atlanta, but bouncing back with Nikola Vucevic returning to the lineup was a necessity if a run at the eighth seed in the East is in the cards.
