Harris Scores 34, Magic End 10-Game Skid, 103-97, Over Lakers
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tobias Harris had a career-high 34 points and the Orlando Magic snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 103-97 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in James Borrego's debut as interim coach.
Nik Vucevic added 25 points and 13 rebounds to give the Magic their first win at home since Jan. 14. Borrego took over for Jacque Vaughn, who was fired on Thursday.
The Lakers led by as many as 14 points, but were outscored 22-13 in the fourth quarter. Orlando then dominated in overtime, using turnovers to get easy baskets.
Ryan Kelly led Los Angeles with 20 points, connecting on five 3-pointers. Carlos Boozer, Jordan Clarkson and Jeremy Lin all finished with 14.
Borrego shook things up immediately with a brand new starting lineup and a promise to inject added focus on defense.
It didn't show early, and taking care of the ball turned out to a bigger issue for the Magic, forcing them to play from behind for most of the night. The Magic had 19 turnovers for the game, leading to 27 Lakers' points.
But after battling back to send the game to overtime, Orlando finally picked things up on the defensive end, using blocks to gain extra possessions.
It culminated in a steal and dunk by Victor Oladipo that gave Orlando a 99-94 lead, forcing the Lakers to scramble and foul in the final minute.
TIP-INS
Lakers: Were outscored 58-30 in the paint. ... Shot 60 percent (6 of 10) from the 3-point line in the first half, but just 31 percent (5 for 16) in the second.
Magic: Snapped a streak of 14 straight games in which opponents had scored 100 or more points. ... Improved to 2-0 in overtime games this season. ... Called for a technical foul in the fourth quarter for having six players on the floor. ... The Friday starting unit of Harris, Channing Frye, Vucevic, Oladipo and Elfrid Payton was the 14th different one Orlando has used this season.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Conclude a four-game road trip Sunday at Cleveland.
Magic: Host the Bulls on Sunday.