Memphis holds off Orlando after building huge halftime lead

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Orlando Magic 94-85 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis.  The Grizzlies improved to 10-10, and the Magic fell to 6-15.

Orlando scored 30 points in the first half to take a 30-51 deficit into halftime.  The Magic equalled their 30 point total in the third quarter, but were still losing by thirteen points heading into the fourth.

After a Glen Davis two-pointer with 2:06 left, Orlando was down 83-87.  Quite the comeback effort after trailing by 21 points at the half.

However, the Magic’s luck would dry up, and no more field goals were made by Orlando in the final two minutes.  Glen Davis hit a couple free throws, but Jerryd Bayless answered with a three-point dagger with 25 seconds to go, and the Grizzlies won 94-85.

The Magic had a balanced scoring attack with all five starters scoring in double digits, but the bench players scored a combined four points.  In contrast, Memphis’ bench scored 38 points, which included a double-double from power forward Jon Leuer (16 points, 12 rebounds).  You need good bench players to compete against the better teams.

Double-double watch: Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.  Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson added one as well with 19 points and 11 rebounds.  Great going big men!

Next game: Memphis plays OKC at 8 pm ET on Wednesday.  Orlando travels to Charlotte to take on the Bobcats at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

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