The Los Angeles Clippers, for all of their young legs and lively bodies, looked as if they were trying to herd cats Thursday night.

It wasn't going to work.

The Orlando Magic unleashed four days of pent-up energy, running over, around and through the frustrated Clippers, scrambling to a 119-102 victory that never was in doubt beyond the opening period.

Maybe this is why the Magic let the trade deadline pass Thursday without making a move. There is something going on here.

The Magic moved three games above .500 for the first time this season, moving into the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race and running the normally free-wheeling Clippers into the ground.

The Magic (28-25) are just two games behind the Boston Celtics for the No. 4 spot, which would translate into home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

"I'd be the first to say, we can run with anyone now," said Magic guard Darrell Armstrong. "When we move the ball and run like this, we're going to get wide-open shots. And we're going to be tough to handle."

Tracy McGrady was slowed by the flu, but he still led everyone with 22 points and managed to grab seven rebounds, providing the anchor for another impressive offensive performance.

It was the fourth time in the past five games the Magic scored at least 100 points. It also was their fourth victory in five games.

"When we're scoring points the way we've been scoring, it's going to be tough to lose games," said Magic Coach Doc Rivers. "I thought our ball movement was as good as it gets. We played well."

Armstrong was outstanding ? particularly at the start of the second half ? for the second consecutive game.

He had 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, but he also excelled defensively, disrupting everything the Clippers tried to do. He also had three steals.

Armstrong's energy set the tone for the victory as he skated past the Clippers' point guards time and again.

"He's like the human coffee cup," remarked Magic rookie Steven Hunter. "He's so revved up. I've never seen anyone with so much energy."

The Magic outrebounded the Clippers 51-41. They won the battle of the steals 11-5. They were more aggressive throughout the game.

"Sure, they like to run. But a lot of teams like to run on offense," Armstrong said. "They didn't like running on defense, getting back. And we were getting wide-open shots. I always thought we could run with that bunch."

The Clippers opened their East Coast swing Wednesday night with a defensive victory in Miami.

But they had no defense Thursday. Elton Brand had 19 points and 15 rebounds. Jeff McInnis had 18 points and four assists.

The Magic, who play at home again Saturday against Philadelphia, looked like a well-rested team ? which they were. They managed 33 second-chance points.

Horace Grant had a team-high 11 rebounds, outplaying Clippers center Michael Olowokandi.

Reserve Monty Williams had a perfect shooting night, making all five of his field-goal attempts and all three free throws.

Pat Garrity's recent hot streak ended, but it was a good time for a bad game. He made only one of eight shots.

"We've got something going here now," McGrady said. "The chemistry is good, and you don't want to mess it up. It's all about moving up now. We've got one more long trip, but after that, we're heading in for the playoffs."