Orlando (12-33) got within three points of the lead with 5 minutes to play and within four points of the Pelicans (18-25) five different times in the second half. But the Magic could get no closer when they continuously gave up multiple looks to New Orleans. The Pelicans had 14 second-chance points in the game, compared to just two from the Magic.
Without Vucevic, the Magic are trying to get by with Davis and reserve Kyle O’Quinn at center. That worked recently in wins against the smallish Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, but Davis exposed the Magic’s lack of rebounding on Sunday.
``It’s tough because you play great defense for 18-to-22 seconds and then they have a giant down there who grabs the ball and just goes back up and dunks it,’’ Magic point guard Jameer Nelson said. ``We’re asking Glen to do a lot of things and he’s doing a great job for us, but we have to go back and help him. We have to help him on the boards and help him with those guys.’’
Davis, the No. 1 pick from two years ago and a potential all-star this season, dominated the Magic on the inside with his length advantage. He had 22 points, a career-best 19 rebounds and seven game-altering blocked shots. His thunderous one-handed dunk – one in which he was hit by Victor Oladipo and he finished over Davis – will undoubtedly make the rounds on the highlight shows.
``He’s athletic and he’s long and he’s active,’’ said O’Quinn, who had four rebounds in 17 minutes. ``We’ve slowed him down on the offensive glass before, but tonight he had his way with it.’’
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