The Orlando Magic isn’t the worst team in the Eastern Conference anymore.
Led by Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard and new starting point guard Rod Strickland, the Magic won their third straight and for the sixth time in eight games Sunday–104-93 over the Toronto Raptors.
Orlando improved to 7-21, percentage points better than the Atlanta Hawks (7-22). The Magic had a franchise-record 19-game losing streak earlier this season.
McGrady credits Strickland for turning the team around. Orlando is 3-0 since he became a starter.
“He’s doing everything for us. We have a solid veteran point guard. He’s the reason why we’re playing so well,” said McGrady, who scored 29 points.
Strickland had 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds, Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds and Drew Gooden added 14 points and 14 rebounds.
“I told the coaches when I got here that we just need that one win,” said Strickland, who signed with Orlando on Nov. 25. “When you lose that many games it’s tough. You have to lack confidence to go through that, but winning breeds confidence.”
RESULTS, SUNDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Orlando 104 at Toronto 93
Donyell Marshall had 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Raptors in their 5th loss in 6 games. Vince Carter added 17 points but had 5 turnovers and went to the line just twice.
Utah 75 at Detroit 96
Pistons broke 90 for first time since Nov. 28 and won just 2nd in 7 starts as guard rotation of Chauncey Billups (19), Chuck Atkins (19) and Richard Hamilton (12) combined for 50 points.
Philadelphia 84 at Boston 86
Paul Pierce scored 31 points for Celtics, who overcame a 12-point halftime deficit. 14-0 run gave them 75-70 lead with 4:09 left. Allen Iverson missed 4th straight game (knee contusion).
Golden State 93 at Miami 104
Miami rookie Dwyane Wade scored 33 points, eclipsing the career-high he set Tuesday. He led five players in double figures as Heat won 4th straight at home.
Portland 98 at Sacramento 117
Peja Stojakovic hit five 3-pointers while scoring 29 points, and Vlade Divac had a season-high 26 in Kings’ 7th win in 8 games. Kings 14-1 at home. Portland is only winless road team (0-9).
Phoenix 101 at L.A. Lakers 107
Karl Malone suffered knee injury (MRI revealed no major damage) but Lakers, with 19 points from Devean George and Gary Payton, won 10th in 12 starts. Stephon Marbury’s 31 led Suns.
