Orlando Magic Grades: Los Angeles Clippers 105, Orlando Magic 96

Without Serge Ibaka, the Orlando Magic were unable to keep up with the Los Angeles Clippers in a 105-96 defeat.

The Orlando Magic were unable to overcome the loss of Serge Ibaka in a close 105-96 loss to the LA Clippers at Staples Center on Wednesday.

The fourth quarter was back and forth game for the first eight minutes or so, but the Magic offense went cold down the stretch. Which led to former Magic guard J.J. Redick hitting some big shots to put the game away.

The Magic held on for three quarters, taking a 75-73 lead into the fourth. They just did not have enough left in the tank to hold off the Clippers. Redick and Marreese Speights hits key shots and the Magic came up empty on open jumpers to stay in the game.

Orlando’s best performer tonight was Aaron Gordon. He was able to take advantage of big mismatches all night by scoring 28 points, including 16 in the first quarter.

In an odd move, Gordon did not see the ball much at the end of the game and the Magic offense went cold. Getting the ball away from Gordon was a head scratching move.

In two games against he Clippers this season, Gordon has scored a combined 55 points. He was far and away the best player on the floor for Orlando and kept the team in this game with his scoring output.

Ibaka was a game-time decision heading into this game. But just prior to tip-off, the Magic decided to give him the night off after he worked out his sore shoulder. His presence on the glass and on the defensive end was missed against Los Angeles.

All game long, the Magic had a problem keeping DeAndre Jordan off the glass. In the first half alone Jordan snagged 13 boards (he had 20 on the night). Although the Magic have two quality starting centers on their roster, neither were able to handle Jordan’s physicality.

The loss of Ibaka allowed for Jordan to be dominant. The Magic do not have a replacement for his size. Aaron Gordon and Jeff Green can play the four, but do not have the height and Jordan took advantage of two smaller forwards, especially when Nikola Vucevic had to leave his man to cut off dribble penetration.

Frank Vogel also shook up the starting lineup tonight which may have been the reason for Gordon’s hot start. Vogel moved Vucevic back into the starting rotation while Jeff Green filled in for Ibaka. With a smaller lineup, the floor opened up more for Gordon and it allowed him to take advantage of the smaller defenders that the Clippers lined up on him.

One final note for the game was Mario Hezonja. He was given meaningful minutes for the first time in nearly a month. Hezonja threw a few beautiful lob passes to Bismack Biyombo and looked comfortable defensively.  Regardless of how Hezonja played tonight, it was still a pleasant sight to see him get some minutes.