Orlando Magic Grades: Indiana Pacers 95, Orlando Magic 86
The Orlando Magic played better on the defensive end and gave themselves a chance to win. But poor shooting did them in and the Indiana Pacers pulled away.
The Orlando Magic needed a better defensive effort after the last three games. They knew it. Even coach Scott Skiles knew it. Just a progress in energy would do the trick.
It kept the team in the game for sure against the Indiana Pacers, even if things were not exactly precise. There were still plenty of mistakes to be made. Things were not completely precise.
And the offense was poor throughout. The Magic could not make a shot and became much more individually oriented as the shots failed to fall. They were still searching for themselves and their identity in many ways.
The Magic fell to the Pacers 95-86, getting caught in the deathtrap that is the Pacers’ defense and could not escape. Certainly they could not make shots enough to get back into the game or win it.
Orlando’s defense was not sharp enough in the end to secure the win.