Watch: Magic’s Evan Fournier hits game-winning three vs. T-Wolves
Evan Fournier’s star continues to rise in Orlando, and he added a game–winner to his résumé on Wednesday, sending the Magic past the Timberwolves in the final seconds for a 104–101 win.
Fournier used a double high screen to take Tayshaun Prince solo on the wing, and pulled up off the dribble to bury a three with 3.1 seconds left on the clock. His shot would stand as the dagger after Zach LaVine missed a shot to tie the game.
Fournier leads Orlando (6–6) in scoring and minutes played through 12 games, averaging 19.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 38.4 minutes. His shooting has proven a strong compliment to Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, who excel slashing to the rim and making plays in the backcourt but remain inconsistent shooters. The Magic boast one of the league’s more balanced scoring attacks, with all five starters averaging in double digits.
• HIGHLIGHTS: DeRozan dunks over Gobert | Brewer sends game to OT
Fournier finished with 26 points, and Payton had 24 points and six assists. Tobias Harris chipped in a double double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Magic’s young core just edged another promising group in the T–Wolves. Minnesota fields a pair of No. 1 overall picks who were on display at the end. After Andrew Wiggins banked in a layup at the end of regulation to tie the game at 93, rookie center Karl-Anthony Towns made an impressive block to send the game to overtime.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eRsanEpINk]
Towns also sank a pair of free throws in overtime to tie the game 101–101. Wiggins finished with 28 points, and Towns recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Open Floor guests: Paul Millsap dishes on Hawks; Frank Isola on Knicks
Fast forward to this matchup in 2–3 years, and things really might get interesting.