???????????????????

You just had to know that the tandem of Toronto Raptors guard T.J. Ford and Jose Calderon would eventually mesh into a cohesive unit; in Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic, the pair proved to be formidable as they combined for 39 points, leading Toronto to a relatively easy 108-94 win over Orlando at Air Canada Centre.? The victory reduced Orlando’s advantage in the series to 2-1.? Of course, it did not help the Magic’s cause as starting point guard Jameer Nelson collapsed on the floor with what appeared to be back spasms after the game – a situation worth noting as Nelson’s backup, should Nelson not play in the next game against Toronto; more than likely, Keyon Dooling would replace Nelson in the Magic starting lineup at point guard.

While Dwight Howard’s teammates were struggling early on, he kept Orlando close as he had 13 points in the opening quarter; but despite that, Toronto led 28-20 going into the second quarter.? The Raptors would pull further ahead in the second period, courtesy of Ford, who drained 3 consecutive jumpers while Andrea Bargnani added a 3-pointer which capped a 9-0 Raptors run; the end result being that Toronto upped their advantage to 56-35.? Toronto’s Chris Bosh made a dunk with 12 seconds left in the half, giving the Raptors a huge 61-38; Orlando’s Carlos Arroyo made a layup,?sending Toronto to the locker room ahead 61-40.

The Magic’s Rashard Lewis opened the third quarter with back-to-back three-pointers and had 12 points in the period as Orlando outscored Toronto 29-19, cutting the Raptors’ lead to 80-69 entering the fourth quarter.? The outcome was never in doubt as the Raptors outscored the Magic 28-25 in the final period, sealing the game for Toronto.? Toronto was led by Ford with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists,? and 2 steals while Calderon scored 18 with four 3-pointers, 7 rebounds and 13 assists; Bosh and Jason Kapono added 15 each – with Bosh grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, had a steal and blocked a shot while Kapono made 3 treys and grabbed 3 rebounds.

Orlando was led by Hedo Turkoglu with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a block while Lewis and Howard scored 19 each – with Lewis making 3 treys, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists and had a steal while Howard grabbed 12 rebounds and had a steal.? Toronto hopes to continue this momentum as they face Orlando again on Saturday from Air Canada Centre.