Grades: Denver Nuggets 93, Orlando Magic 90
The Orlando Magic did not grade well in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. But Andrew Nicholson and Victor Oladipo provide reason for hope.
The Orlando Magic dug themselves another hole. Well, not as deep of a hole.
But they did trail most of the game. And when Orlando finally took a lead at 53-52, the team allowed Denver to burn off eight unanswered points and retake the lead and retake control.
The Magic’s offense was bad tonight. Really bad. Like post worse than 0.9 points per possession and shot worse than 40 percent from the floor.
Orlando could continue to say that shots were not falling, and to some extent they might be right. Their defense was solid throughout the night keeping the Magic in the game. But the shots would not fall.
Take all that for what you will.
Did the Magic play well? No, this was a winnable game. Were there signs that the team had made some improvements and changed their mindset after two disappointing home games? Yes.
Does any of that matter when the result is the same? No, it doesn’t. Losses suck. And this team is hungry for wins. They are still struggling to get to that point.
Let’s hand out some grades:
B. Victor Oladipo was the spark for this team in the second quarter. This game looked like a blowout. A complete blowout. The Nuggets controlled the pace of the game. Oladipo scored 10 of his 17 points in the first half and he attacked the basket, giving the Magic some type of hope. Give him credit for stepping up when his team needed the pick up.. G. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO
ANDREW NICHOLSON. B+. Andrew Nicholson had not played meaningful minutes in a while. He had not hit 20 minutes in a game all season. He had not hit 15 minutes since December 3. When he came off the bench in the second quarter, he immediately hit a 3-pointer. That seemed to boost his confidence. And sure Nicholson shot only 4 for 10 and scored only 11 points. But his two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter made this game entertaining and gave the Magic a chance to win. Kudos to Nicholson for staying ready and taking advantage of his opportunity.. F. Orlando Magic
This was an emotional day for <strong><a href=. G. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C
Orlando Magic. JACQUE VAUGHN. C-. So we get to <strong><a href=. Coach
C+. The Nuggets did not play a great game. Not at all. They easily could have expanded the lead in this one but suffered through some pretty horrific offensive droughts of their own. At least they have the excuse of seeing <strong><a href=. . . DENVER NUGGETS