Struggling Magic end road trip at ARCO 11.21.2003
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The Magic have lost 11 in a row since winning their season-opening win against the New York Knicks. It is the second-longest skid in franchise history behind a 17-game losing streak from December 4-January 7, 1992.
The Phoenix Suns spoiled Davis’ Magic coaching debut with a 96-89 victory over Orlando at America West Arena on Thursday.
Tracy McGrady scored 20 points and dished out seven assists for the Magic in the loss to the Suns.
Orlando trailed by as many as 13 in the third quarter, but after scoring the first eight points of the final period, was able to pull within three at 75-72. It was the Magic’s reserves — Andrew DeClercq, Derrick Dial and Donnell Harvey — that got them back in the contest.
The Suns answered immediately, using an 11-2 run to reclaim a comfortable cushion. Jake Voskuhl’s lay-in with 5:09 left in the game made it 86-74.
The Magic did get within five at 89-84 with 54 seconds left to play, but Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion shut the door on any hopes of a comeback. Marbury came down court and drove the lane. As the defense converged upon him, it left Marion wide open for a three-pointer from the corner to seal the victory.
The Magic are 1-5 on the road this season.
The Kings picked up their third straight win on Wednesday evening, defeating the Utah Jazz, 118-110, at the Delta Center.
Peja Stojakovic poured in a game-high 30 points to lead five Sacramento players in double figures against Utah. Mike Bibby added 18 points and Brad Miller contributed 17 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Kings, who have won four of their last five contests.
Sacramento’s Anthony Peeler added 15 points in the victory over the Jazz, while Vlade Divac netted 12.
Sacramento shot a blistering 58-percent(40-of-69) from the field against Utah.
The Kings are a perfect 5-0 at home.
In 2002-03, the teams split two contests as each club won on its homecourt.
Overall, Sacramento has won two of three and six of the last eight meetings between the two squads.