Magic cast spell over struggling Raptors
Updated: 2007-11-08 15:27
TORONTO - The Orlando Magic registered a third straight victory with a 105-96 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Hedo Turkoglu leading the visitors with 24 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.
 Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu battles for the ball with Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh (R) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto, November 7, 2007. [Agencies] |
While Orlando improved to 4-1, the Raptors lost a third straight game to drop to 2-3 as their early season struggles continued.
"I like the way our team is responding," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters.
"I'm very, very pleased with them right now."
The Magic led for most of the game but a late run by the Raptors gave them their only lead of the contest in the fourth quarter.
Andrea Bargnani's three-pointer with 3:56 left put the Raptors 92-91 ahead before the Magic reeled off eight straight points to take the lead for good, with Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson hitting back-to-back three-pointers.
Lewis added 24 points for the Magic, who shot 50 percent and out-rebounded the Raptors 51-41 as they continued their strong start to the season. Keith Bogans added 17 points and 11 rebounds while Dwight Howard also had 17 points for Orlando.
"We feel great," Lewis said.
"We came out with a conscious effort to try and dominate the whole game."
"We have to win these games on the road," Howard added.
"Every game is a learning process for us."
One night after scoring just one point, Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 26 points, including going 14-for-14 from the line. Bosh also hauled down 10 rebounds.
Andrea Bargnani had 16 points and T.J. Ford chipped in 12 points and eight assists for the Raptors.
"We're just not shooting the ball well," Toronto coach Sam Mitchell said. "We had some breakdowns, some miscommunications. We just have to shoot the ball better."
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