
Monday night’s game between the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse as the Magic needs to win out to gain home-court advantage throughout the playoffs while the Pacers mercifully end their season at home.
Simply put, the Magic outshot the Pacers from the floor 48 percent vs. 41 percent while seven players scored in double-digits, leading Orlando to the easy 118-98 win over Indiana in the Pacers’ home finale.
Orlando outscored Indiana 42-18 during the first quarter, with the 42 points being the most points the Pacers have allowed in the first quarter all season; Indiana would rally in the second quarter and reduce its deficit to nine before Jameer Nelson drained a three-pointer and a jumper in the final minutes of the half to give the Magic a 65-51 advantage at the intermission.
Orlando rebuilt their lead in the third quarter by shutting Indiana down; the Pacers shot just 8-of-23 in the period, and the Magic took into the fourth quarter a 90-70 cushion. Both teams evened out 28-28 in the final minutes, with Orlando cruising to the easy victory.
Seven Magic players scored in double-digits, led by Vince Carter with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals while Nelson added 15 with 7 rebounds, 8 assists and a steal; Rashard Lewis chipped in 14 (including 3 three-pointers) with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Matt Barnes poured in 13 with 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and a block while Dwight Howard notched a double-double, scoring 12 with 11 boards.
The Pacers were led by A.J. Price with 19 points (including 5 treys), a rebound, 4 assists and a steal while Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy added 18 apiece – with Granger grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, along with a steal and a block while Dunleavy grabbed 5 boards, dished out an assist, along with 2 steals.
Orlando (58-23) finishes their regular season on Wednesday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers while Indiana (32-49) closes out their season when they travel to Washington, D.C. to take on the Wizards – also on Wednesday night.


April 12th, 2010
Stephen Rhodes
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