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Orlando Magic Grades: Washington Wizards 103, Orlando Magic 91

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) is fouled while dunking the ball by Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) is fouled while dunking the ball by Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic had a poor effort and could not dig themselves out of a hole this time. The Washington Wizards outplayed them and took the win Friday.

38. Final. 103. 142. 91

The Orlando Magic have been flirting with disaster for some time it seems. The effort has been inconsistent. The defense inconsistent. The ball movement inconsistent.

It all finally came to roost in Friday’s loss to the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards were quicker to the ball, more precise and active on defense and generally, well, better. They executed at the end of the game. The Magic did not have the reserves they have had in previous games to pull the game out and gut it out.

The precision and execution was not there. Certainly not the focus on defense at the right moment.

John Wall simply took over and took the Magic to task for the defensive shortcomings. And Orlando, for once, did not have an answer.

B. <p>A game after directly addressing his social-media critics and avowing that his offense can fix itself and get back on track while he does not lose his defense, Oladipo largely did that. He scored 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting, dishing out five assists. With <strong><a href=. G. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO

Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C. <p><strong><a href=. C

C. <p>Elfrid Payton has undoubtedly been one of the most important players for the Orlando Magic on offense. When he is in the offense goes better, faster and more efficiently. The Magic need him out there. But the last few games while he has played with an injury and an illness. have not gone well for the Magic. Payton just does not look like himself.</p><p>This game showed Payton playing OK, but not great again. The Magic opted not to close the game with him on the floor. And that put the Magic in its lackluster deficit once again.</p><p>Payton finished the night with three points on one-for-six shooting. He had seven assists. He played only 9:21 in the second half though, becoming a virtual non factor.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

TOBIAS HARRIS. C+. <p><strong><a href=. F. Orlando Magic

A. <p>The Washington Wizards have struggled this year. Every single game has been a descent into frustration and anguish for a team that thought it was taking a step forward to contention. Washington has just been bad.</p><p>For whatever reason, the Wizards have the Magic’s number. They just know how to beat this team and play their best against them. They controlled the pace of the game throughout until John Wall could take over.</p><p>And then John Wall took over. He cut through the Magic quickly and decisively for 24 points and 13 assists. Otto Porter scored 20 points and <strong><a href=. 15-16. 11th East. WASHINGTON WIZARDS