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Orlando Magic Grades: Indiana Pacers 95, Orlando Magic 86

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) fouls Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana defeated Orlando 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier (10) fouls Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) during the second half at Amway Center. Indiana defeated Orlando 95-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic played better on the defensive end and gave themselves a chance to win. But poor shooting did them in and the Indiana Pacers pulled away.

100. Final. 86. 38. 95

The Orlando Magic needed a better defensive effort after the last three games. They knew it. Even coach Scott Skiles knew it. Just a progress in energy would do the trick.

It kept the team in the game for sure against the Indiana Pacers, even if things were not exactly precise. There were still plenty of mistakes to be made. Things were not completely precise.

And the offense was poor throughout. The Magic could not make a shot and became much more individually oriented as the shots failed to fall. They were still searching for themselves and their identity in many ways.

The Magic fell to the Pacers 95-86, getting caught in the deathtrap that is the Pacers’ defense and could not escape. Certainly they could not make shots enough to get back into the game or win it.

Orlando’s defense was not sharp enough in the end to secure the win.

<p><strong><a href=. G. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO. B

C. <p><strong><a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

C. Orlando Magic. DEWAYNE DEDMON. B-. <p><strong><a href=

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

<p>Scott Skiles said it after the game. In all likelihood, Indiana did not play its best game.</p><p>The Magic did a good job defensively with the Pacers, holding them to 42.1 percent and 6-for-22 shooting from beyond the arc. They never really got the ball rolling to pull away from the Magic.</p><p>Orlando should get some credit for that for sure. The team played with more energy. But the Pacers were not blowing the doors out either. The Magic’s offense was playing poor enough that the Pacers should have been able to get some traction. Paul George slowed down and no one else picked up the scoring slack until the fourth quarter with <strong><a href=. 20-15. 6th East. INDIANA PACERS. C+