Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener
By Randy Porga
3. Frontcourt played well on both ends
One aspect that played a large role in the Magic taking control of this game was their defense on the inside. It is no easy matchup any night you’re going up against Hassan Whiteside, who ended up putting up 26 points, grabbing 22 rebounds and making his first career 3-point shot.
Aside from that being the downside for the Magic, they found success in creating turnovers and scoring off them throughout the night, finishing with 22 points off turnovers.
Aaron Gordon scored 14 points on a dusty, rusty 4-for-13 shooting but reeled in nine rebounds, two blocks and three assists with just one turnover. While he shot for a low percentage, his plus/minus on the court of +10 speaks to his value on the court even on an off night.
Nikola Vucevic recorded his first double-double of the season as he scored 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting with 13 rebounds, as well as two blocks, two steals and one assist with just one turnover.
As the Heat attempted to close the gap coming as close as making it a one basket game, Vucevic made a pair of key buckets to keep the game out of reach. Both frontcourt players played at the level they need to maintain for the many games ahead to prove this one was not fool’s gold.