By John Denton Feb. 12, 2014
Here are five takeaways from the Orlando Magic’s 86-81 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the Amway Center:
KEY MOMENT OF THE GAME
With the Magic trailing 80-79, Jameer Nelson was forced into taking a long 3-pointer from the wing at the end of the shot clock. The long rebound started a Memphis fastbreak and Arron Afflalo had to reach out and foul Memphis guard Courtney Lee two steps from the basket. Referees ruled a clear-path foul and the call stood even after a review.
It turned into a four-point swing when Lee made two free throws and Zach Randolph converted a lefty runner in the lane with 20.5 seconds remaining. But it was the clear-path call that seemed to take the steam out of the Magic’s rally.
``That was tough to swallow,’’ Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. ``We thought it would be side out of bounds, we’d get a stop and off we’d go. But that didn’t happen.’’