The Orlando Magic defeated the Denver Nuggets, 114-110, on Monday in a scrimmage from Orlando.
The score might have been extremely close, but it’s fair to say the Magic were in control of the game from start to finish. The Nuggets’ biggest edge was by just one point during the first quarter. Orlando built a big lead in the first half and didn’t take its foot off the gas after a 29-19 first quarter, outpacing Denver by as much as 21 points early in the second quarter.
The first half ended with an 11-point lead for the Magic, but Denver didn’t give up the rest of the way. They only reduced Orlando’s advantage late in the fourth quarter — although they did win the third quarter by a 32-29 score — but by that time, it was too late to turn things around. The Nuggets got as close as four points with a few seconds left in the fourth, but that’s the closest they’d get. The Magic closed things out and escaped with the win.
Six Orlando players scored in double digits, led by Gary Clark, who ended with 17 points. James Ennis III and Terrence Ross had 15 points apiece, while D.J. Augustin and Jonathan Isaac each chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with a 23-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance, while Nikola Jokic went scoreless in his return to center. Paul Millsap notched 13 points with six boards and three dimes.
This game was the final scrimmage for both teams. The Magic will resume their regular-season campaign Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, while Denver will play Saturday against the Miami Heat.
