MINNEAPOLIS — Center Nikola Vucevic was one of six players in double figures for the Orlando Magic in a 96-93 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Tuesday.
The Magic nearly led the entire game, Minnesota scored the first basket of the game but was never able to regain the lead after that.
Down by two points late, Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins had a chance to tie the game at 94 with 5.7 seconds remaining, but missed the second of two free throws.
After Andrew Nicholson made both of his free throws on the other end, Wiggins missed a chance to tie at the horn.
Vucevic had 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists as the Magic began their five-game road trip with their first win on the road since Nov. 7.
Wiggins led all scorers with 27 points for Minnesota.
Orlando led by seven after one quarter and built their lead to 54-41 at the half thanks to Nicholson, who scored 12 first-half points off the bench.
The Magic pushed their lead to 17 points in the third quarter before Minnesota went on a 22-10 run to close out the third quarter and begin the fourth.
Minnesota pulled even for the first time since the opening minutes on a jumper by Wiggins with 4:35 remaining in the final quarter.
The Wolves had chances to take the lead on their next three possessions, but Zach LaVine missed a long 3-point jumper and Wiggins drive to the rim was blocked. Minnesota also had a shot clock violation.
But Magic guard Victor Oladipo followed up a strong two-handed dunk with a 3-pointer to give Orlando a five-point lead with 2:17 to play.
Nicholson finished with 15 points. Oladipo and forward Tobias Harris each had 13 points.
Wolves guard Kevin Martin was one of four players in double figures for Minnesota. LaVine had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists and center Gorgui Dieng had 11 points to go with seven boards off the bench.
NOTES: Timberwolves G Ricky Rubio returned to the lineup after missing two games with a sore ankle. … Timberwolves C Nikola Pekovic (recovery from Achilles tendon surgery) participated in shoot-around prior to Tuesday’s game. He could practice in the next couple of weeks and is expected to return to game action in mid-January. … The Magic will continue their five-game road trip on Thursday against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. … The Timberwolves will continue their four-game homestand on Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers.