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Orlando Magic Grades: Atlanta Hawks 95, Orlando Magic 83

By Zach Palmer

Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) shoots as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and forward Paul Millsap (4) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) shoots as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and forward Paul Millsap (4) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Nicholson was Orlando’s lone bright star off the bench. How did some of the starting lineup fair against the Hawks?

125. Final. 83. 38. 95

The Orlando Magic controlled the pace and tempo of the game for three quarters, opening as much as a 13-point lead.

The Hawks though showed why they are the best team in the East by taking control in the fourth quarter, going on a 24-2 run to take control of the game back, forcing seven fourth-quarter Magic turnovers and absolutely stymieing everything the Magic tried to do on both ends of the floor.

The final 95-83 score was indicative of where both teams are at right now.

A-. <p>With the recent string of injuries forcing Andrew Nicholson into playing time, all we can do is wonder, why was he not out there before?</p><p>Nicholson on most nights has shown up and showed off a vastly improved understanding of the defense. Tonight, Nicholson once again proved why he should have been playing consistently all year.</p><p>Nicholson came in in the second quarter and started scoring from the moment he touched the ball. Nicholson scored seven of his 11 points on jumpers and threw in a hook shot and a pair of free throws for good measure. Defensively, Andrew did a great job of rotating and helping out his guys on defense.</p><p>With Orlando only getting 18 points from the bench (11 from Nicholson), Nicholson’s offense was a huge reason for Orlando being so close tonight. </p>. PF. Orlando Magic. ANDREW NICHOLSON

ELFRID PAYTON. C+. <p>Outside of the third quarter <strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic

B. <p>The first quarter made me believe <strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO

NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C-. <p><strong><a href=. PF/C. Orlando Magic

A-. <p>Even though the game was close throughout the Hawks seemed like they were in control the entire game. The Magic did not contest many of Atlanta’s 3-point attempts in the first three quarters and you felt as though it was only a matter of time until they started falling.</p><p>They did, and they did so around the same time Atlanta’s defense stepped up their play. Atlanta knew they were the better team tonight and just waited to flip that switch to dispatch this Magic team. </p>. Team. ATL. ATLANTA HAWKS

Next: Magic fall apart in fourth quarter against Hawks