Parker said in a way, being away from home so much early this season has been the best medicine for a team that didn't find the cohesion it was seeking in the preseason.

"We've been sharing the ball. Our offense has been clicking," Parker said. "At home we were a little bit out of sync. We've been using this road trip to jell and try to get the groove we had last year."

Popovich said he did leave the court feeling a little sympathy for the challenge Vaughn has going forward.

"Of course I do," he said. "No coach steps in anywhere, and puts in a system with new players and new faces and gets everything right, very quickly. It's going to take time...But he has the discipline, the work ethic, and the respect that he engenders with people that those qualities will get it done."

Notes: The 3-pointer Duncan hit at the end first half was just his second make beyond the arc in three seasons. ...The Magic have now had at least 15 turnovers in each of their last eight games.