The Orlando Magic dominated from start to finish, turning in one of their best performances of the year, in defeating the Utah Jazz 102-93.
The Orlando Magic took a vice grip to the game early and never really let go. The defense suffocated the Utah Jazz into 17 turnovers for 20 Magic points. The offense moved fluidly and the ball worked quickly from side to side and into the paint. It was almost like Utah could not keep up.
The Magic built a 20-point lead in the first quarter relying on the things that are supposed to help define the Magic’s style in Scott Skiles‘ eye. They had sharp cuts and quickly moved the ball or attacked off the pass. They got into the lane and shot 31 free throws in the game.
Again, Utah just had trouble keeping up.
The Jazz made their runs, but the Magic always had an appropriate response and answer. They righted the ship before the Jazz could come all the way back after the Jazz cut the lead into single digits several times.
This was Orlando’s game in the end. The defense was strong, particularly in the paint and at the rim, forcing Utah into difficult and contested shots throughout.
This was the Magic’s complete game and they won it with ease — except for the bench players giving up the lead and forcing Skiles to put his starters back in to close the game out.