Gordon dominates, Hezonja hits winner for Magic in summer league opener

By foxsports
Published

ORLANDO, Fla. -- It didn't take long for Orlando Magic rookie Mario Hezonja to make an impression on his new team.

The No. 5 overall pick hit a game-winning 3-pointer in overtime to give the Magic Blue squad a 75-72 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their first game of the 2015 Summer League on Saturday at the Amway Center.

"You just have to take the shot with no fear," Hezonja said. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't [comfortable in that situation}."

But it was Aaron Gordon who was the game's top player. The second-year forward finished with a team-best 22 points and 18 rebounds.

Gordon shot 8-of-18 on field goal attempts and 2-of-5 on 3-pointers. After the win, Gordon credited his offseason routine to his shooting confidence.

"I felt real comfortable," Gordon said. "That's all it is at this point. I'm just enjoying playing basketball and the guys that I'm playing with. I just enjoy showing what I can do. I just feel fluent."

Elfrid Payton, who continued his success as a distributor with a team-best nine assists, credited his teammates for their strong performances.

"Aaron came out really hot," Payton said. "He made his shots and did a real good job on the boards. Going into the second half he got his shot going and Mario hit some big shots late. So I think we looked good."

Orlando held a 40-35 lead at halftime and didn't lose the advantage until the third period. The teams then traded the lead 11 times before Hezonja's go-ahead 3-pointer.

Los Angeles regained possession with 0:07 remaining before Devyn Marble's steal secured the victory.

"We needed to make a play," Marble said. "They were definitely in the driver's seat coming down the court so I just took advantage of the opportunity."

The host Magic are the only team to use split squads. The Magic White squad -- which features unsigned free agents -- earned an 87-76 victory against Detroit.

Keith Benson led with 19 points and added four rebounds. Benson last played for BC Kalev/Cramo, a club based in Tallinn, Estonia, participating in Korvpalli Meistriliiga, VTB United League and the British Basketball League.