The Orlando Magic were playing strong and getting good contributions but did not adjust as the Toronto Raptors upped their intensity in Sunday’s loss.
The Orlando Magic were rolling into the fourth quarter, attacking well and making shots as they built a small lead over the Toronto Raptors. Here was the team playing the best it has in some time and putting one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference on the ropes.
Then, as it has so often, the bottom dropped out. The players who were playing well no longer were hitting shots and the open man was not getting shots to go down. The defense lost some of its connection and the Raptors took the game away.
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan were attacking and getting to the line with seeming ease throughout the game. The Magic were back to their bad habits of rushing through offense and playing with a sense of tightness.
There was no slowing this roll or stemming this tide as Scott Skiles opted to let his lineup ride despite its growing ineffectiveness.
Orlando was left wondering how it let another close game get away. They were unable to get the missed opportunities back. And another chance for a win on a good effort night fell to the wayside.