Magic Top Timberwolves 112-103 In Overtime
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Looking for their first home win of the season, the Orlando Magic got a big lift from a pair of rookies.
Aaron Gordon had six of his 17 points in overtime, and the Magic beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-103 on Friday night.
"This is why they drafted me," said Gordon, a 19-year-old reserve forward who also had six rebounds. "They know what I can do. My number was called and I was ready to go. I don't want to hear about (age). That would be a crutch, and I don't want any part of it."
Gordon was the fourth overall pick in this year's draft. Elfrid Payton was selected by Philadelphia at No. 10, and then traded to Orlando.
Payton also had two big jumpers in the extra period. He finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
"I'm just trying to bring something to the team. I never think about being a rookie, I don't think anyone cares," Payton said. "Coach is counting on me to make plays, make big plays and be ready. Your age doesn't really matter. This was a sign of good things to come."
The Timberwolves (2-3) lost point guard Ricky Rubio to a sprained left ankle late in the first half.
Kevin Martin scored 21 points for Minnesota, but missed a short jump shot in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Nikola Pekovic and reserve Corey Brewer scored 16 apiece.
The Magic (2-4) had six players score in double figures and enjoyed a 52-38 rebounding edge. Evan Fournier had 20 points, and Tobias Harris finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds.
Gordon opened overtime with a three-point play, lifting Orlando to a 97-94 lead. He also made a 3-pointer to make it 106-99 with 1:35 left.
Minnesota led 48-45 when Rubio was fouled on a drive to the basket with 2:28 left in the first half. He was helped off the floor and taken to the locker room after scoring four points and handing out six assists in 13 minutes.
"We're going to evaluate it tomorrow," coach Flip Saunders said. "They took X-rays; there are no breaks, but he popped it pretty good so we're going to have to wait and see where it's at."
Fournier made a 3-pointer to give Orlando a 92-90 lead with 2:49 to go. But Fournier's shot was Orlando's last basket in regulation.
Thaddeus Young then had a tying layup for Minnesota, and Mo Williams made two foul shots to give the Timberwolves a 94-92 edge. Young finished with 13 points.
Nikola Vucevic made two free throws for Orlando with 11.9 seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime. Vucevic had 14 points and nine rebounds.
NOT THEIR FAVORITE SPOT
The Timberwolves have lost seven straight in Orlando. Their last road win against the Magic was a 102-101 victory on April 1, 2008.
TIP-INS
Timberwolves: Gorgui Dieng had 11 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots. ... Rookie Andrew Wiggins scored six points in 21 minutes for Minnesota. ... Rubio played in all 82 of Minnesota's games last season.
Magic: Orlando had 21 turnovers, but none in overtime.
UP NEXT
Timberwolves: At Miami on Saturday night.
Magic: At Brooklyn on Sunday.
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