Magic Secures Playoff Berth, Tramples Bulls 107-79

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Orlando Magic center Tony Battie

Folks, the game on Wednesday night between the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic at the Amway Arena can only be described in one word: ugly. The Bulls’ shooting percentage was ugly (31.4% from the floor) as was the final result. While granted Orlando didn’t shoot lights out, they didn’t exactly have to as they easily disposed of Chicago 107-79. With the win, the Magic joins Boston and Cleveland as the only NBA teams to secure a payoff berth.

The Bulls had major difficulty shooting the rock in the first quarter as they shot a sickly 21.1%; however, things got a bit better as a John Salmons layup capped 10 straight points by Chicago to reduce their deficit. But Orlando would reply with a 13-2 run which put them up 48-36 at halftime. But the third quarter would be all Orlando as they scored 39 points in going into the fourth quarter ahead 85-53. As you’ve probably figured out, the Magic cruised to the easy win.

Orlando’s high scorer was Tony Battie with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a block while Dwight Howard added 15 with 9 rebounds, an assist, a steal and 3 blocks; Courtney Lee scored 14 with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Chicago had only two players in double-digits, led by Salmons with 8 rebounds and a steal while Brad Miller added 11 with 6 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Orlando (47-17) plays again on Friday when they travel to Washington to take on the Wizards while Chicago (29-36) flies to Philadelphia to face the 76ers – also on Friday night.

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