Orlando Magic Grades: Houston Rockets 119, Orlando Magic 114
The Orlando Magic got some great offensive performances and good play from their young guys, but fell short yet again in Houston to the Houston Rockets.
119. 169. 114. 38. Final
The Orlando Magic found themselves in a close game once again. They made their stand and forced overtime when Evan Fournier drew a foul and sank two free throws.
The Magic’s much maligned defense — at least, on this night — stepped up throughout the fourth quarter, getting stops and turning them into fast break points. Orlando’s offense was able to keep pace with Houston throughout the night, never losing contact even as Houston took control of the game in the second quarter.
In the end, though, the Magic could not execute down the stretch offensively. Some poor shot selection and poor execution kept the Magic from getting their lead in the overtime period an keeping pace.
The Magic were in a rush throughout the final moments of the game and could not get their composure back. The execution was certainly lacking.
To that point, Orlando again stood toe to toe and did enough to win. Even late in the game, the defense was strong. Strong enough to make up for the Magic’s offensive shortcomings late.
Some missed free throws late also helped.
A-. <p>Once again, it was clear Evan Fournier was the Orlando Magic’s best player on the floor. He did just about everything right offensively on his way to 29 points, six rebounds and four assists. He was efficient and aggressive again.</p><p>More than that, he got the defensive assignment on <strong><a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
ELFRID PAYTON. C-. <p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B+. <p><strong><a href=. F
C-. <p>Magic fans want to see <strong><a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA
12th West. HOUSTON ROCKETS. B-. <p>The Houston Rockets are slowly starting to figure themselves out. Slowly is the operative word.</p><p>Harden has escaped his slump and <strong><a href=. 2-3