Magic Down 76ers, NBA Scores

Orlando coach Scott Skiles called it a must-win game, and the Magic found a way. A nice scoring night was barely better than a shoddy defensive performance.

Vucevic scored a season-high 35 points against his former team, leading the Magic to a 124-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.

Vucevic, drafted 16th overall by the 76ers in 2011, also had nine rebounds and four assists, helping Orlando bounce back from a 105-102 home loss to Indiana. The Magic have won four of six while trying to gain ground in pursuit of their first playoff berth in four years.

"I wanted to come out and lead the way so they can follow me," said Vucevic, who was 13 for 21 from the field and 9 for 9 at the line.

Victor Oladipo added 22 points and Evan Fournier scored 21 for the Magic, who return home on Thursday to host the NBA-best Golden State Warriors. Aaron Gordon contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"Golden State will score 300 on us if we play like that," Skiles said. "Of course, we're glad to get a win. But even finishing out the game, just throwing the ball all around and stuff, it's hard to feel good about it."

Tuesday, February 23 Scoreboard

Orlando 124, Philadelphia 115
    
Washington 109, New Orleans 89

Sacramento 114, Denver 110
    
Utah 117, Houston 114 (OT)
    
Portland 112, Brooklyn 104

Wednesday, February 24 Schedule (All Times Central)

Charlotte at Cleveland, 6 p.m.

New York at Indiana, 6 p.m.

Philadelphia at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.

Golden State at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

Washington at Chicago, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles at Memphis, 7 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Denver at Los Angeles, 9:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Sacramento, 9:30 p.m.