Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 124, Philadelphia 76ers 115
The Orlando Magic did not play very much defense. Fortunately there were a few offensive performances to make up for it and get the win in Philadelphia.
The Orlando Magic had their offense rolling. Rolling in a way they have rarely had it going.
Just in those rare times the Magic get their offense moving like this, they sometimes leave their defense completely behind. And even against the worst offensive team in the league, no defense is something a team can score on. Again and again.
It was an uncharacteristic shooting game for Philadelphia, but Orlando defenders often ignored Philadelphia shooters. Then the Magic could not keep Ish Smith or T.J. McConnell out of the paint and that opened everything up. The defensive struggles would not stop.
Orlando found just enough defense though. Victor Oladipo buckled down and picked up a big steal to help open the fourth quarter and the Magic were able to keep their offense running, attacking the basket and getting to the foul line very regularly.
The Magic were always seemingly the better team. They just needed to wake up and assert themselves. When they finally did, the 76ers did not have the firepower to keep up.
A. <p>There is not much that needs to be said about <strong><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC
<p>Elfrid Payton is getting to be a frustrating and contentious subject matter for the Orlando Magic as they plan their future. Everyone knows his potential and what he can do when he is playing well, but frustration remains with the way he was playing. That had to be what was going through <strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON. C-
B. <p><strong><a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
B+. <p>Nikola Vucevic was Mr. Consistency throughout the entire game, but Victor Oladipo would end up being its hero in many ways. He had a steal early in the fourth quarter that turned into a fast-break opportunity. Oladipo’s energy defensively in the fourth quarter helped turn the game around. He was one of the few guys really pushing pressure on that end.</p><p>It translated well on the offensive end too. Oladipo scored 22 points an dished out four assists. He made 6 of 12 shots and made all nine of his free throws, including five from the foul line. That part of his game was especially surprising considering Oladipo’s troubles getting to the foul line.</p><p>He was a big shaky with some of his shot selection early on, falling in love with pull-up jumpers from mid-range and quick threes. When Oladipo was really effective, he was attacking the basket and that was big, especially late in the game.</p>. SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO
B+. <p>The Philadelphia 76ers have the worst offense in the league by almost every measure. They are a poor 3-point shooting team and they generally just struggle to score. They might stay in a game for a while, but that drought is always around the corner. Such is life as the least talented team in the league.</p><p>When you let them get confidence though, this team has enough talent to get things rolling, especially if you let Ish Smith run wild in the paint. That is what he was doing and he was able to score or send the Magic defense out of whack enough to get really open shots.</p><p>Philadelphia actually made its 3-pointers in this game and the momentum was rolling. The Magic finally grabbed it again in the fourth quarter and built enough breathing room with enough stops to hold off this team.</p>. 8-48. 15th East. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS