ORLAND, Florida. – In a game they had no right to lose to the worst team in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors did their job by beating the Orlando Magic 102-89 on Friday night. This victory also allowed the Canadian team to join the Chicago Bulls in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes each scored 19 points as six Raptors (45-32) scored more than ten points for their fifth straight win and 11th in 13 games.

Pascal Shiakam scored twice with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

In the camp of the Magic (20-58), Mo Baba scored twice (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Ignas Brazdeikis collected 13 points. Markelle Fultz added 12 points.

The Raptors took advantage of 14 mistakes made by the Magic in the first half to gain control of the game. A series of 18-2 at the end of the second half allowed the guests to retreat to the locker room with a lead of 59-46.

In the second half, the Raptors continued their good work by imposing an offensive defense that made it difficult for the Magic as they finished the game with 21 upsets. The difference was 22 points after three ten minutes.

VanVleet was very effective in both directions, stealing the ball from his opponents five times.

“It was Fred VanVleet who played like Fred VanVleet,” commented Gary Trent Jr. His profile speaks for itself. He was great all season. »

Despite the clear dominance of coach Nick Nurse’s troops, the locals refused to give up and took advantage of a brief burst of life to reduce the difference to ten points, but it was a waste of time.

The temporary recession of his team continued to force Ners to keep his best players on the field much longer than expected against a team with a lower score.

“I’m used to managing the game in front of me,” Ners said. If a player comes off the bench and contributes, he may get more minutes, but that did not happen tonight. I think our key players played more minutes because it was necessary. »

There are five regular season games for the Toronto team and the next four will be at home.