The Orlando Magic’s success continues to come in fits and spurts. The season’s roller-coaster journey continues as the Magic upset the Golden State Warriors (94-90) before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-102 and the Sacramento Kings 114-110 in overtime. Orlando was coming off a victory over the Thunder when they hosted the Golden State Warriors, who were without superstar point guard Stephen Curry. Curry suffered a foot injury against the Celtics a few weeks ago in the second quarter during a collision with Boston guard Marcus Smart. His presents was clearly missed. Orlando led by as much as 13 points over the duration of the first half. The Warriors, on the other hand, were able to trim the margin to eight points by halftime (38-46). The Warriors gained the lead in the third quarter, but the Magic rallied and won the game with a solid defensive performance. The Magic limited the Warriors to 34% shooting from outside the arc and 68% from the free throw line.
Orlando then headed to Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was a vengeance for the Thunder, who had recently lost to the Magic the week before. Once again, the Magic opened the game with a bang. However, the Thunder rallied to take a seven-point lead into halftime (53-60). The Thunder never looked back, eventually winning the game 118-102. Orlando’s offense struggled terribly, shooting just 38% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. All of the Magic’s starters finished in double figures, led by Chuma Okeke’s 19 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the field.
Orlando returns home to face the Sacramento Kings in the week’s final game. This was a game the Magic should have won. The Magic led by as many as seven points with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. However, they were unable to maintain their lead and ultimately lost in overtime. In overtime, the Kings outscored the Magic 9-5.
Despite recent troubles, the Orlando Magic continue to be one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams. Their youthful core of players continues to develop, and they have the potential to evolve into a very good squad. For the time being, they will simply have to work hard and attempt to piece together some additional victories. The Magic will seek to reclaim their momentum when they go to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.
THE CONVERSATION.