Subscribe
Follow Us
The Orlando Magic are in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after defeating the New York Knicks on Wednesday. This is the first time since 2012 the Magic have been involved in a playoff race this late in the season.
Orlando's best player, All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, says the team's mindset has to be defined by tunnel vision, since one loss could put the Magic on the outside looking in.
“It will be great if we can control (their own playoff fate) and not have to depend on other teams,” Vucevic said, via John Denton of Magic.com. “There are still three more games to be played. So, we’re happy, but we have to focus on the next one. We can’t look too much ahead, because there’s still a lot left to be played for. Things can change quickly. It’s still a tight race, but obviously we’re in a good spot, right where we want to be and we can feel good about it, but we have to understand that the next game is the most important.
“It’s great and this is the spot you want to be in. “This is why we play, to get to the postseason and compete for something. We’ve fought all year to be here and now it’s on us to finish the job. It’s a great feeling and if we do make it hopefully it’ll be an even more special feeling. But I’ve tried to stay (calm) and focused and then celebrate hopefully after (the end of the regular season).”
Nikola Vucevic has been a monster all season for the Magic. If Orlando does make the postseason for the first time since 2012, Vucevic will be the main reason why.
In 78 games this season for the Magic, Vucevic is averaging 20.7 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
