ORLANDO, Fla. _ The Orlando Magic did something Friday night at Amway Center that they have had trouble with many times this season. They jumped out to a big, early lead against the Dallas Mavericks and did not relax, rolling to a critical 111-106 victory.
The win helped the Magic (31-36) keep pace in the race for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Every team in front of the Magic also played Friday night.
Every time Dallas tried to make a run, a Magic player stepped up to thwart the rally. The last Mavs push made an announced crowd of 19,196 _ the ninth largest in franchise history _ a little nervous. Dallas cut into the Magic's 19-point lead and got within 111-106 with 40 seconds left.
The Mavs, however, could not get any closer, missing three shots in the final 15 seconds as the Magic survived, ending a two-game losing skid.
Sixth man Terrence Ross had a big night, showing no lingering signs from a short bout with flu symptoms or a sore Achilles tendon that kept him out of the Magic's loss at Philadelphia on Tuesday. Ross hit 6 of 11 3-pointers to lead Orlando with 22 points.
Nikola Vucevic had his 48th double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds while Aaron Gordon had 18 points and six rebounds. Jonathan Isaac added 14 points and nine rebounds.
As he always does, Isaac came out of the gates with a purpose. He was aggressive off the tip, scoring nine points and grabbing four rebounds in the first 12 minutes as the Magic jumped to a 29-19 advantage. The Magic led 62-47 at halftime. They held onto that advantage and closed with the key victory.
