Magic Crush Bulls

John Amaechi knows Orlando's 103-67 victory over Chicago Wednesday night moved the Magic into a tie with Milwaukee for the Eastern Conference's eighth playoff berth. Big deal!

"It does feel nice, but being in the eighth spot right now is kind of irrelevant, really," Amaechi said. "We can't stop the season right now, so we've got a lot of work to do."

The significance, though, isn't lost on Pat Garrity, who says the time is right for Orlando to strike.

Orlando improved to 16-13 at home and has won four of its last five overall. Six players reached double figures with Darrell Armstrong leading the way with 17 points. Amaechi had 16, Corey Maggette 15, Anthony Johnson 12, Bo Outlaw 11 and Garrity 10. Orlando shot 50.6 percent for the game and also made 18 of 21 free throw attempts.

The Magic took advantage of 25 Chicago turnovers that led to 30 points and a 33.3 shooting percentage for the Bulls. Chicago has lost nine of its last 10.

"I thought they pressured us well all night long," Chicago coach Tim Floyd said. "I thought they pressured our guards very well. We played frustrated."

"They're extremely athletic, but a lot of teams in this league are. The real difference is they use it consistently. Their game is played at a very high level."

Reserve Chris Carr scored 13 points and rookie Elton Brand added 11. Brand, who had a game-high 11 rebounds, says he's beginning to feel the effects of a long NBA season.

"The frequency of the gaes in the NBA has surprised me," Brand said. "I have heard of the rigors in college, but it is really tough. You have a game almost every night or every other day. It is really tough."

Orlando outscored Chicago 23-11 in the third quarter and led by 29 points twice, including 76-47 at the end of the quarter following Magette's layup. Orlando led by as many as 38 in the final quarter and no fewer than 29.

Chicago's 67 points was one point off the Orlando franchise record for fewest points scored by an opponent. Orlando held Dallas to 66 points in a 1997 game. Chicago's 10 assists is an all-time single-game opponent low for Orlando.

The Magic led 53-36 at the half and extended their lead with a 14-5 run to begin the third period.

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