Orlando Magic Grades: Toronto Raptors 106, Orlando Magic 103
The Orlando Magic started to find some of their rhythm and defensive cohesion in the 2nd half in London. But the Toronto Raptors did enough down the stretch
103. 38. 106. 81. Final
The Orlando Magic gave up a 16-0 run in the first quarter and fell behind by as much as 14 points to the Toronto Raptors in London on Thursday. They were climbing uphill the rest of the game.
They found their way back into the game time and time again, relying on their defense to get them back in the second half. Orlando held Toronto to 35 points in the second half and gave itself every chance to win.
Victor Oladipo was driving and playing like the potential All Star he seemed to be last year — with a few missteps along the way — and the Magic made enough plays to tie the game.
Just never enough to come all the way back and win it.
Orlando was constantly and consistently behind and never could regain control over the game. The Magic did seem to take back some control in the second half and found the offensive and defensive gameplay they will need to right the ship. The gap was just too big to climb out of in the end.
VICTOR OLADIPO. B+. <p>Victor Oladipo adds another consecutive game where he is starting to look like the player that brought so much promise to 2016. He socred a game-high 27 points, shooting 10 for 20 from the floor, shooting five for seven from beyond the arc, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. That is the Oladipo the Magic want to see.</p><p>There were still problems, of course. Some of his decision making late in the game particularly was suspect. He pulled up for a 3-pointer with the game tied at the end of regulation. He lost the ball on the potential game-tying drive in overtime. Those plays do stick out, and he continues not to be able to get to the line.</p><p>The production speaks for itself. He made plays when the Magic needed them and carried them toward the finish line. He was not enough to get them over by himself. But the Magic should be happy to see this kind of play from Oladipo again.</p>. G. Orlando Magic
B-. <p><strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC
SF. Orlando Magic. TOBIAS HARRIS. B+. <p><strong><a href=
JASON SMITH. B. <p>NBA Twitter had its fun watching in wonderment as <strong><a href=. F/C. Orlando Magic
<p>The Toronto Raptors took control of this game early and never really let go. It was shaky though and the team never quite put the Orlando Magic away. Orlando was clearly better through the second half, Toronto just had enough cushion and then made plays down the stretch. The Raptors clearly won the game and were the better team for their consistency.</p><p>And they did it without good games from their star players. <strong><a href=. 25-15. 2nd East. TORONTO RAPTORS. B