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Orlando Magic Grades: Atlanta Hawks 113, Orlando Magic 86

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 4, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 113-86. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 113-86. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic failed to build momentum following Friday’s win, getting beat by a focused and dominant Atlanta Hawks team.

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The Orlando Magic felt confidence following a breakout win over the Toronto Raptors at home. There was talk of building momentum and carrying the good play from the last week into Atlanta to finish this back to back.

Then the ball tipped at Philips Arena. And from the start, the Atlanta Hawks dominated the game.

Tim Hardaway Jr. attacked Aaron Gordon and caught him sleeping scoring with ease. Dennis Schroder attacked the paint and the basket. Dwight Howard stared down drivers and changed shots with his presence, finishing around the basket on offense.

The Orlando Magic got beat and beat badly from the start.

The final embarrassment came with a 10-0 run to end the first half that put the game fully out of reach. The Magic trailed by 26 at halftime and by as much as 27 as the Hawks won 113-86 at Philips Arena on Saturday.

There was very little positive take away for Orlando. After three games where it looked like the Magic’s defense was rounding into some form, they gave way with ease to the Hawks. Atlanta did whatever it wanted from the start. And the Magic had no answer.

Their energy was just lifeless throughout the game. The Magic did not move the ball offensively and often got stuck in the paint staring down a swarm of Hawks defenders without any outlet.

The Magic simply could not get good shots, shooting 34.6 percent and 7 for 27 from beyond the arc. It was a poor offensive game for the Magic.

Just as it was a poor defensive game. Atlanta made 52.6 percent of their shots. They shot 60-plus percent from the floor in the first quarter as they took control and dominated the entire game.

The Magic had no answers. They were late and behind on everything. And a confident Hawks team pounced from the very beginning.

SF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. C+. Aaron Gordon was about the only player to play with any type of energy or intensity for much of the contest. And even he had his issues. Particularly on the first possessions of the game, Tim Hardaway Jr. attacked him and scored with his speed and mobility giving Gordon problems. Gordon eventually snapped to attention defensively. But it was far too late and he was far too alone.<p>Gordon was active offensively too. A good sign after his 0-for-7 night Friday. Gordon finished with 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting. His jumper was going in and he was aggressive trying to get to the basket. Much more under control.</p><p>His effort was noticeable just because of how lifeless the team was throughout the game. That is good for Gordon. But it was far from enough.</p>

<strong><a rel=. PF. Orlando Magic. SERGE IBAKA. D

Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON. F. <strong><a rel=. PG

Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. C+. With the Orlando Magic getting blown out, <strong><a rel=. SF

A. What did the Atlanta Hawks do poorly in this game?<p>From the very start, the Hawks attacked the basket and scored with ease. They had intensity and they just blew the doors off the Magic, shooting the ball well and defending everything. Orlando had zero breathing room. The Magic took a punch and never really got back up.</p><p>Atlanta never really let them. They moved the ball and found the open man with ease. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Millsap each had 21 points and their work was done through three quarters.</p>. 30-21. 4th East. ATLANTA HAWKS