Nikola Vucevic drops 26 points, but Magic fall to Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Mike Conley scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and the Memphis Grizzlies crafted a late rally to beat the Orlando Magic 105-97 on Sunday.

Avery Bradley added 21 for Memphis in its third straight victory, the first time the Grizzlies put together a streak of three wins since mid-November. CJ Miles finished with 13 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 12.

Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Terrence Ross added 15 points. Orlando has lost three of its last four, again failing to work its way into the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot.

With time running out and the game out of reach, Magic coach Steve Clifford let his displeasure with the officiating known, drawing two technicals. Clifford had to be restrained as he left the court as he continued going after official Rodney Mott.

The Magic made only one field goal, a 3-pointer by D.J. Augustin, in the final 7:57, allowing Memphis to overcome a seven-point Orlando lead.

Conley, as he has in most of Memphis’ latest games, led the comeback. He scored 10 points in the final 2:52. His 12-footer with 14 seconds left pulled Memphis ahead 100-97. On the ensuing Orlando possession, Conley stole the ball from Ross along the Orlando baseline to put the game out of reach.

TIP-INS

Magic: Endured a tough-shooting first quarter, connecting on four of their 21 shots and ending the quarter at 24 percent. Aaron Gordon missed all five of his shots and Vucevic was 4 of 12 in the first. .Evan Fournier left with 10:21 remaining in the third quarter, drawing two quick technicals for complaining about calls. . Vucevic has scored at least 20 points 38 times. .The loss left Orlando a game behind the Miami Heat for the eighth playoff spot in the East. The Heat lost to Toronto early Sunday.

Grizzlies: Coach J.B. Bickerstaff celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday. . Miles reached 8,000 career points with a 3-pointer in the first quarter. .Bradley’s five highest-scoring games of the season have come since he joined the Grizzlies at the trade deadline. . Are 15-7 when hold opponents under 100.