Orlando Magic Grades: Washington Wizards 115, Orlando Magic 114

Without Nikola Vucevic, the Orlando Magic could not squeak out a victory over the Washington Wizards in a 115-114 loss.

The Orlando Magic looked in control for most of this game, without the steady offensive hand of Nikola Vucevic. they built as much as a 17-point lead and seemed to have things under control.

But Bojan Bogdanovic hit three 3-pointers down the stretch, including the game-winning shot with 46 seconds left. The Magic fell to the Washington Wizards 115-114 at Verizon Center on Sunday.

A buzzer-beating attempt by Aaron Gordon did not fall and the Magic have now lost their 40th game of the season.

Even with a heartbreaking defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from this game. Strong showings from Mario Hezonja and Bismack Biyombo were the biggest performances on the night.

The player of the game for the Magic had to be Biyombo. Who played major minutes with starting center Nikola Vucevic out with an Achilles injury. Biyombo played well notching a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double.

The Magic got off to a cold start in the fourth quarter and the Wizards cut the lead to only five in less than three minutes. The Magic gave up the lead in just less than seven minutes. It looked as if the Magic were going to find a way to lose this game.

Thankfully, the Magic were able to make it a back and forth game and with two minutes left, they had a three-point lead. It would not be enough as Bojan Bogdanovic drained a pair of threes that would give the Wizards a win.

The Magic were in control for a good portion of the third quarter, but the Wizards climbed back into the game and turned it into a single-digit game. The Magic were able to keep the Wizards in check and led 90-79 heading into the fourth.

In the first half, the Magic played with more effort. Although they were shorthanded, the Magic out-hustled Washington and it led them to a 61-45 heading into the locker room for halftime.

The second unit was led by Hezonja in the first half. Hezonja had a team-high 10 points along with a nice steal and a few nifty passes. He had confidence and was not afraid to let it fly early.

It is unclear if it was part of the plan, but Orlando fed Biyombo early and often. He ended the first quarter with eight points and eight boards. It seemed that action made him more active on defense and on the glass as Biyombo had a great first quarter.