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Orlando Magic Grades: Phoenix Suns 102, Orlando Magic 84

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 4, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic came out more than flat. They were downright awful and it started with some key players playing their absolute worst in a loss to the Suns

38. 102. 66. Final. 84

The Orlando Magic seemed to fall into a rabbit hole early and only dig themselves deeper as the Phoenix Suns pushed and prodded the Magic throughout the game. That is not how things are supposed to go when facing a team 30 games under .500. Orlando needs every win it can get.

Instead the Magic came out lethargic on defense and quickly fell apart again on offense. And when they fell, they fell hard in this game.

The Magic missed their first 12 shots of the second half and fell behind by 17 points, never really recovering. The Suns were taking the ball right out of their hands and more or less beating them up physically. Orlando simply failed to respond.

It was a frustrating evening for the Magic in every way. Shots would not fall — 34.7 percent — and they were trying to force everything as they fell deeper and deeper into the hole.

And the Magic never dug themselves out. Never had a chance. Not with their lazy defensive effort and an offense that just could not get itself moving in any positive way.

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

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

MARIO HEZONJA. C+. <p><strong><a href=. SF. Orlando Magic

AARON GORDON. F. <p><strong><a href=. PF. Orlando Magic

A. <p>The Phoenix Suns played incredibly well, probably their best game in a stretch that has been disappointing and difficult. The Suns have probably been the worst team in the league for the last few months. They had lost 30 of the past 33 games and had fallen to 15-46 entering the game. Yes, this win brought them to 30 games under .500.</p><p>This would be a team you would expect to be just playing out the string, succumbing to injuries and packing it in. One good punch should put them away. Instead Phoenix were the aggressors from the start. The team played with incredible energy and intensity throughout the game.</p><p>The Suns took the game to the Orlando Magic throughout the game. They were more physical and forced the Magic out of their offensive sets. Alex Len ripped apart Vucevic and soon the rest of the defense followed suit. The Suns were at their very best and ripped apart the Magic.</p>. 16-46. 14th West. PHOENIX SUNS