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Orlando Magic Third Quarter Review: Answering the big questions

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) defends during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bismack Biyombo, Orlando Magic
Feb 9, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) defends Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Orlando Magic play with consistent effort?

The answer to this question is a flat and distinct no.

The Magic had some nice wins in the last 20 games. They have had some moments that made you think they were about to turn a corner. They got their defense to play well on several occasions.

But obviously not often enough.

This week proved a great example.

The Magic played one of their best games since the first quarter of the season against the Atlanta Hawks. They dominated the game in nearly every way. When they lost a nine-point lead and fell down by nine, they did not give up. And then raced ahead to win by 18. The game was never in doubt.

With three days to prepare for the New York Knicks, it felt like the Magic would finally get consecutive wins and build some momentum. There was no reason for Orlando to feel like it could not build consecutive strong performances.

Then the Magic laid an egg in the first quarter and much of the first half. They had one of their worst offensive games in a while with a season-low 11 assists. Orlando fell behind and never even made a run to threaten. At home.

It was a frustrating performance. But also very indicative of the Magic’s inconsistency.

Every opportunity Orlando had to build some momentum this quarter, the team dropped the ball. And that has the Magic staring down a high draft pick instead of the Playoffs once again.