Orlando Magic Grades: Chicago Bulls 112, Orlando Magic 80

The Orlando Magic laid an egg against the Chicago Bulls. Their offensive and defensive execution were not strong at all and it was another puzzling game.

The Orlando Magic had been living on the edge it seems with their first three wins. They had to fight back in each of them, putting together killer fourth quarters to eke out and hold onto the win. They always found that extra gear to stay in the game.

Of course, that was what happened in the first three wins. In the first three games — all losses — the Magic could not find that extra gear. Their opponents overwhelmed them when they struggled to make shots and took advantage of their frustration for fast-break points.

When the Magic lose, they are losing spectacularly.

Orlando cut a 17-point lead to five points early in the third quarter. It looked like that fight would be there and the Magic would again grit their way to a victory (or at least a close game). Then the lids sealed shut on the basket and the Magic could not figure out how to get things going offensively.

The defense was a mess from the beginning of the game. The Magic were digging themselves deeper into the hole with their own poor decisions and bad shot making.

The Chicago Bulls won 112-80 at United Center, holding the Magic to 26 points in the second half. This is the Orlando Magic team everyone feared would show up. And perhaps it will show up from time to time throughout the season. The reality is this team is not very good offensively.

And that offense still can affect their defense and defensive intensity. Of course, the Magic never really had that. Needing some strong offense to keep pace early before the Bulls pulled fully and finally ahead.

Chicago was the more aggressive, assertive and physical team on both ends of the floor. And it showed as they dominated throughout the game. The Magic never had a chance so long as their defense remained as disconnected and porous as it was tonight.