Grades: Memphis Grizzlies 103, Orlando Magic 94
The Orlando Magic fell behind early and could never dig out of the hole. A few bench players shined, but the Magic needed more from their stars.
103. 211. 94. 38. Final
The Orlando Magic got off to a slow defensive start and saw their offense disappear in the second half to fall behind by 20 points. Even for the second night of a back to back, it looked like a poor effort. More of the same puzzling, frustrating lack of defense and poor effort plagued the team again.
Yes, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the league. They put on an offensive clinic in the first half though, shooting 64.7 percent in the first quarter and 59.5 percent in the first half. This is not an offensive juggernaut by any means.
The feeling when Orlando trailed by 20 was not the typical good team beating on weaker team either. The Magic were running with the Grizzlies and playing their pace. The Grizzlies were just making shots.
But the second quarter saw Orlando give up too many easy looks. The effort went south and Memphis outran the Magic.
Credit for slowing the pace down some. Credit for scratching their way back into the game (although never truly threatening the lead). But no credit for coming up just short.
Again.
C. Orlando Magic. DEWAYNE DEDMON. B+. <p><strong><a href=
SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO. C. <p><strong><a href=
<p>It is hard to deny that one of Magic fans’ favorite scapegoats is putting in some solid play of late. Jacque Vaughn clearly trusts the veteran <strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. WILLIE GREEN. B
<p><strong><a href=. SF. Orlando Magic. TOBIAS HARRIS. C-
B-. <p>The Grizzlies played some beautiful basketball int he first half. The offense was sublime as the Grizzlies worked the perimeter and passed it beautifully, decimating a scrambling and frustrated Magic defense. There was little the Magic could do at the effort level they were giving.</p><p>The second half was the exact opposite. Orlando never made a serious push and Memphis found an answer, but this was not a nine-point game. There was no reason for the Grizzlies to score only 36 points in the second half. Not with the way they were playing earlier in the game.</p><p>This game should not have made Memphis sweat with <strong><a href=. . . MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES