By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier remain on their Orlando Magic path. The Montenegrin center joined the organization in 2012 and the French swingman followed a couple of years later. The past couple of seasons, they guided the Magic to the playoffs but hope for the next step following two consecutive eliminations in the first round of the postseason.
Fournier, 28, recently returned to action following an injury layoff and averaged 25.3 points per match with his side prevailing in all three home fixtures. He had 29 points off 7/15 field goals in Sunday’s victory against the Detroit Pistons.
“When you miss extended time, it’s hard to come back like that. It usually takes time to get the feel, get back in your rhythm, get your game back, the timing and everything,” noted Vucevic regarding his long-time teammate, “But he’s been able to do it very quickly.”
The European connection was extremely strong versus the Pistons. They combined for 66 points, 19 rebounds, and ten assists as Vucevic racked up yet another double-double, his 22nd of the 2020-21 NBA Regular Season.
“We’ve been playing seven seasons together. We’ve worked a lot on our games. It’s like riding a bike. We are very comfortable with each other,” said Fournier replying to a question on his lasting Magic relationship with Vooch, “We can both drive, put in on the floor, and shoot. It gives us a lot of options.”
The Magic are currently a couple of wins outside the Eastern Conference playoffs zone. They will need both Fournier and Vucevic to keep on producing at this rate to clinch the playoff berth for the third year in a row.
“Obviously, he is experienced, he has been in the NBA for a while,” added the Montenegrin big on Fournier’s extremely solid comeback, “He knows his game and his body. While he was out, whenever he had the chance to work out, he did. He has been a huge boost for us, especially on the offensive end, to have him back.”
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