Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 103, Utah Jazz 94
The Orlando Magic got contributions throughout the roster and put together an overall solid game despite struggling defensively in the first half.
118. 104. 38. Final. 94
The Orlando Magic have won five games in a row for the first time since January 2012. There is no denying they are making some kind of progress just in the results alone.
A closer look at the game though showed exactly the kind of progress Scott Skiles and the Magic want to see. The team did not have its best defensive execution in the first half, but the team corrected all the mistakes and buckled down.
Utah shot just 30 percent in the second half. The Magic defense had a lot to do with this, challenging shots in the paint. The Jazz stopped hitting their 3-pointers, finishing one shy of their franchise record, and the offense bogged down.
The Magic eventually pushed their pace and eventually got the shots to fall. With the game tied at 81, Orlando took control of the game with six straight points and began slowly pulling away until they finished the thing off in the closing moments.
There were contributions from everyone on the roster. It was the kind of gritty win winning teams find a way to win.
Orlando Magic. TOBIAS HARRIS. B+. <p>Like much of the Orlando Magic on defense, it was a rough start to the game. <strong><a href=. SF
B. <p>Similar to Tobias Harris, <strong><a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
C-. <p><strong><a href=. SF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON
A-. <p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON
B-. <p>The Utah Jazz are still an incredibly inconsistent offensive team. That showed itself plenty in this game. They were up in the first half and way down in the second half. And they did not do a whole lot different. They moved the ball well and got open 3-pointers. They found a way to attack and beat the Magic defense.</p><p>The consistency was not there. Gordon Hayward cooled off considerably after the first quarter, where he scored 16 of his 24 points. The Jazz got to the basket, but were stonewalled by the Magic and turned the ball over. It seemed they were either getting 3-pointers or turning the ball over.</p><p>Still, the Magic and the Jazz were tied midway through the fourth quarter. And the Magic were the ones who took the game. Utah could not find offense and could not get stops. Orlando moved the ball easily and got to the basket and the shots the team wanted. The Magic were quicker to the ball. The Jazz could have played a closer game for sure even with their issues.</p>. 8-9. 7th West. UTAH JAZZ