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Orlando Magic Grades: Washington Wizards 115, Orlando Magic 114

By Ryan Doyle

Mar 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) steals the ball from Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) steals the ball from Orlando Magic forward Terrence Ross (31) during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Without Nikola Vucevic, the Orlando Magic could not squeak out a victory over the Washington Wizards in a 115-114 loss.

VS.
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Magic28332924114
Wizards25203436115

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.

Orlando Magic. BISMACK BIYOMBO. A. Bismack Biyombo was extremely active tonight. With the Magic thin in the frontcourt, Biyombo played with a ton of effort tonight.<p>Filling in for Nikola Vucevic, Biyombo did what he was paid all that money to do. Biyombo had a double-double on the night with 14 points and 15 rebounds.</p><p>He looked visibly tired in the fourth quarter, but that should be expected when he plays 30-plus minutes. The Magic needed all those minutes. At one point in the third quarter, they used Jeff Green and Aaron Gordon as their front court.</p>. C

AARON GORDON. B-. It has not been said enough, Aaron Gordon is a power forward. Tonight was another game that further proved that narrative.<p>He had his usual game full of high-flying dunks. Gordon ended the game with a 15 point, 11 rebound double-double.</p><p>But he did not have a good defensive game. Late in the fourth quarter, Gordon left Bojan Bogdanovic open for a pair of threes that would allow the Wizards to steal one late. Gordon also was solid in the fast break (minus the miss to end the game) and was active on the offensive boards. </p>. F. Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. B-. Mario Hezonja had it going early on tonight. He scored 10 points in the first half, hitting a trio of three-pointers.<p>Hezonja got a look late in the third quarter and did some nice things. Again with a limited bench, the Magic needed someone to step up and Hezonja did just that.</p><p>Hezonja finished the game with 12 points, a pair of rebounds and a steal.</p>. SF

B. Terrence Ross has proven to be a solid addition for the Magic so far. Ross had 20 points and shot 40 percent from three against the Wizards.<p>Down the stretch, Ross some big shots and was active on the defensive end with two steals on the night. He was able to hit perimeter shots and be a force in transition. His ability to deflect passes was on display all night with his two steals.</p>. SF. Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS

B. The Washington Wizards have been on fire since the new year. It did not look like it for much of tonight.<p>The Wizards lacked effort and the Magic took advantage in the first half. Washington did manage to go full steam ahead in the fourth to pull out a victory. The Wizards were led by Bradley Beal’s 32 points and Bojan Bogdanovic’s 27 off the bench.</p><p>Surprisingly, Bogdanovic was the game-changer for Washington tonight as he hit shot after shot in the clutch. John Wall did struggled offensively but played like his usual self in the final quarter to help propel the Wizards to another victory.</p>. 37-24. 3rd East. WASHINGTON WIZARDS