Spurs dominate second half to beat short-handed Magic, 104-77
Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark (12) and San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) scramble for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Friday, March 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO โ Rudy Gay had 19 points, Dejounte Murray and Derrick White each added 17 and the San Antonio Spurs overcame a sluggish start to beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 104-77 on Friday night. San Antonio held an opponent under 80 points for the first time since beating Golden State 89-75 on March 19, 2018. San Antonio closed the first half on a 14-2 run and took its first lead and extending it to 47-39 to close the second quarter. Orlando was held to 10 points in the second quarter, the 19th lowest output in any quarter by a San Antonio opponent under Popovich.
Mavs star Doncic sits out against Thunder with back issue
Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic walks off the court following the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Dallas, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. It was the sixth game of the season of at least 30 points for Doncic, who turned 22 on Sunday. The second missed game of the season for Doncic was Dallas' last before the All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta. Carlisle said Doncic has been battling a back issue recently and has worn a heat massage belt in two recent practices. AdโIt's something he needs to take a game,โ Carlisle said.
VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at Orlando
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, left, drives around Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. โ Fred VanVleet set a franchise record with 54 points and hit a career-best 11 3-pointers as the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 123-108 on Tuesday night. AdNorman Powell had 23 points for Toronto, and Kyle Lowry posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Orlando, which has lost 12 of 14, tried almost every guard on its roster against the 6-foot-1 VanVleet with little to no success. AdMagic: Orlando was without Gordon, who severely sprained his left ankle later in Sundayโs game against Toronto. Magic: Orlando hosts Chicago on Friday and Saturday in a two-game set.