Sports

LA Clippers Complete Florida Sweep With 116-90 Trouncing of Magic

Orlando, Florida, USA, January 29, 2021, Los Angeles Clippers player Kawhi Leonard #2 makes a dunk during the second quarter at the Amway Center (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

ORLANDO, FL – The Los Angeles Clippers arrived at the Amway Center in Orlando and dominated the Orlando Magic with a 116-90 win on Friday night. The win combined with a 109-106 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday completes a quick sweep of the Florida teams.

Orlando, who has been struggling since the loss of point guard Markelle Fultz for the season with a knee injury, has dropped to an 8-12 record, winning only 2 of their last 12 games, and frustration is setting in.

Orlando, Florida, USA, January 29, 2021, Los Angeles Clippers Paul George #13 attempt to make the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

LA comes to town with super stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and they did not disappoint. The dynamic duo scored 24 and 26 points respectively, as the Clippers have won 9 of their last 10 mages.

Add to that mix, LA also got 13 points from Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson caused problems for the Magic on defense.

Orlando, Florida, USA, January 29, 2021, Orlando Magic player Nikola Vucevic #9 makes a shot during the game against the LA Clippers at the Amway Center (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

As for Orlando’s stats,…whew, well, Terrance Ross was the teams top scorer with 24 points. Magic stalwart Nikola Vucevic was held to only 10 points, 14 below his season average. He was the only Orlando starter that managed to score double digits for the game.

Orlando, Florida, USA, January 29, 2021, Orlando Magic player Cole Anthony #50 attempt to make a shot but is blocked by Reggie Jackon #1 at the Amway Center (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Aaron Gordon was 4 of 13, Evan Fournier was 3 of 13, Cole Anthony was 2 of 10 and Dwayne Bacon was 1 of 7.

““It’s very frustrating when you try and try and not a lot of good comes out of it,” said Vucevic. “It’s very, very frustrating”

Orlando, Florida, USA, January 29, 2021, Orlando Magic Steve Clifford during the game against the LA Clippers at the Amway Center (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford says it matter of factly.

“They’re a great team, with superstars.” Said Clifford. “I biggest thing I told the guys is that it starts with self reflection. “We’re not making progress, and we have to be able to do that, We’ve got to hang in there. The easy thing to do would be to give in. I don’t think we’ll do that. The only way out of this (slump) is to work and compete”

Orlando did manage to compete.

The Magic did manage to come up with a 14-0 run in the first half that was started with a 3-point shot by Evan Fournier, as well as a as 21- 8 run to tie the score at the end of the first quarter.

LA’s smothering defense and prolific superstar scoring did the struggling Magic in.

Next game is a quick trip to Tampa on Sunday January 31 to face the Toronto Raptors.

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