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The Orlando Magic held out Andrew Nicholson and Gustavo Ayon from Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers so they would be fresh for Monday's game, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
Magic coach Jacque Vaughn made the move so his two big men would be ready for the Golden State Warriors:
Vaughn wanted to save Nicholson and Ayón for the game versus the Warriors since it was the second game of a back-to-back.
"Andrew and Goose will be nice and fresh," Vaughn predicted (before Monday's game).
The strategy worked.
Even without Nicholson and Ayon, the Magic beat the Lakers on Sunday, 113-103. Arron Afflalo was the star, scoring a team-high 30 points with five rebounds and five assists. Glen Davis and Nikola Vucevic each had a double-double in the win.
On Monday, with Nicholson and Ayon back on the floor, the Magic grabbed a 102-94 win over Golden State. Afflalo and Davis each scored 24 points to lead the team, and Vucevic had another double-double.
Ayon played nearly 15 minutes Monday, while Nicholson was on the floor for about 10. They combined for six points and five rebounds.
Warriors big man Donald Lee, who Ayon and Nicholson spent time guarding, scored 22 points and hauled in nine rebounds.