Orlando Sentinel · Nov 8, 2015
Orlando Magic beat Philadelphia 76ers 105-97
PHILADELPHIA — The growth of a young, rebuilding team often is measured by how it performs against top-flight opponents. That explains why the Orlando Magic derived so much confidence from their victory Friday night over the previously undefeated Toronto Raptors. For sure, it was a big win.
But there is an additional way to evaluate progress: how a team performs against NBA cellar-dwellers. Last year the Magic encountered problems against also-rans like the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. To move up the standings, you need to beat the dregs of the league regularly.
Judging by what happened Saturday night, the Magic appear to be new-and-improved.