BOSTON – For weeks, the Orlando Magic have gone under the assumption that if they were to reach the playoffs, they would have to win their way in with their own success.
After seeing the undermanned Charlotte Hornets fight for their playoff lives and defeat the Pistons 104-91 in Detroit on Sunday afternoon, the Magic headed into their game later Sunday night knowing that they still needed one more victory to clinch a spot in the postseason.
Orlando was hopeful of clinching prior to ever taking the floor in Boston on Sunday night. The Magic needed Miami to lose in Toronto and Charlotte to fall in Detroit for them to lock up their first postseason berth in seven years and the sixth division title in franchise history.