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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 117, Atlanta Hawks 110

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jason Smith (14) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic were down early and struggling. Then the players who seemed to be struggling most woke up and helped push the Magic to a big victory.

38. Final. 110. 125. 117

Somehow the Orlando Magic did it.

It did not look like they would be able to do it with the way they started, falling behind 28-8 in the early moments. Scott Skiles had to take out most of his starting lineup and rely on a bench crew that would normally inspire little confidence. This seemed like more of the same.

The switch changed though. The team fought and fought and fought. There was no giving up. No backing down when the Hawks came at the Magic and expanded their lead back out.

The will and the defensive intensity and rotations eventually helped Orlando take the lead.

Things were far from perfect for Orlando. There were still the moments of poor execution, skittish play and uncertainty on how to finish. For the second night they pushed through those and finished the game, no matter what it took.

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

Orlando Magic. JASON SMITH. A-. <p><strong><a href=. F/C

<p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON. B

<p><strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO. C+

<p>As expected, the Atlanta Hawks came out of the gates blazing. They were focused and caught the Magic sleepwalking a bit. How or why that play did not continue is probably a mystery.</p><p>Orlando was getting good shots and missing them early on. Atlanta seemed poised to put this game away. But the Hawks could not. They were getting caught defensively and their ball movement stopped. The Magic did a good job taking them out of their strong play.</p><p>Atlanta’s bench for the second straight game just did not show up or support the starters at all. It scored only 19 points after scoring 13 points in Sunday’s game. That is a little better, but that group also gave up much of the lead in the fourth quarter.</p>. 30-24. 5th East. ATLANTA HAWKS. C+