ORLANDO – Lost in the hysteria and hype of the Orlando Magic’s furious fourth-quarter rally and Evan Fournier’s clutch, game-winning shot on Monday was a stellar defensive play made by center Nikola Vucevic that made the victory possible.
Magic coach Steve Clifford noted on Wednesday that it’s only fitting that Vucevic’s defensive contribution was overlooked considering how his improvement on that end of the floor has mostly flown under the radar thus far. Still, Clifford said others throughout the NBA are starting to take notice of the strong play and major improvements that Vucevic has made in the Magic’s defense this season.