Magic shutdown Pacers in the 4th to win 81-77

Just when you thought it was safe to count out the Magic, Jason Richardson drains a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:04 left on the clock.

Richardson’s fifth 3-pointer gave him 17 points and delivered the decisive lead to the Magic, who finished the game on an 11-0 run.

Magic fans are saying ‘Dwight who?’  In a total team win, Glen Davis threw in a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Jammer Nelson tossed 17 points and nine assists into the pot.

The contest could end up being the best of opening day. The Bulls and the Heat both won in blowouts that pushed their opponents collective noses in the dirt.

The Pacers are still favorites  to win the series. But, a loss like this on their home court only serves to spark the Magic going forward.

David West scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Pacers, who didn’t score in the final 4 minutes and missed nine straight shots down the stretch.

Danny Granger added 17 points and eight boards, but was whistled for traveling in the game’s waning seconds.

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