Orlando Magic Grades: Detroit Pistons 111, Orlando Magic 97
By Zach Palmer
A few Magic players put up some gaudy stats in their 111-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Did any of them play well enough to earn an A?
97. 38. 111. 64. Final
The Orlando Magic shot better than 50 percent, but turnovers and fouls allowed the Pistons to counteract that. Then Reggie Jackson dropped a triple double and the Magic could not play catch-up in the second half.
<p class=. SF/PF/C(GOD WHY). Orlando Magic. TOBIAS HARRIS. C+
NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C. <p><strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic
ELFRID PAYTON. B-. <p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic
B-. <p>Victor Oladipo finished with a rather efficient 16 points and seven assists. Oladipo’s body control has been a huge positive sign the past few games. It seems like the game is slowing down at the rim for him and he is showing some huge improvement there.</p><p>Oladipo’s next step is becoming a more consistent mid-range shooter. If Victor can start making those shots at a good clip defenses will have no way to stop him.</p><p>On the defensive side is where Oladipo struggled tonight. He was easily picked off by <strong><a href=. SG/SF. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO
DETROIT PISTONS. A. <p>The Pistons just have Orlando’s number. Stan Van Gundy’s pick and roll offense exploits Orlando’s glaring defensive problems. Nikola Vucevic cannot protect the paint and Orlando’s guards struggle to stay in front of opposing guards for whatever reason.</p><p>Orlando’s defense collapsed time after time tonight and Detroit took advantage. It was a huge game for Detroit who’s still theoretically fighting for a playoff spot. </p>. Team. DET