Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: One thing or another

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
Mar 5, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 115-114. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

A.J. Neuharth-Kuesch, USA TODAY

. (51-14). Previous: . San Antonio Spurs. 1. team. 29

team. 27. . (26-41). Previous: . New York Knicks. 24

(24-43). Previous: . Orlando Magic. 25. team. 38.

"The Magic were oh so close to starting off the week with a huge win over the red-hot Wizards, but gave up a 17-point lead, allowed a last-minute three-pointer and lost by one when an Aaron Gordon runner clanked wide left as time expired. The Magic then lost to the Knicks (113-105 on Monday), beat the Bulls (98-91 on Wednesday) and lost to the Hornets (121-81 on Friday) and Cavaliers (116-104 on Saturday)."

26. team. 84. . (25-41). Previous: . Sacramento Kings

The Orlando Magic always seem to take one step forward and then two steps back. They looked fine to start the post-All-Star Break season. And there were lots of positive signs. Orlando even bounced back to defeat Chicago in a solid victory.

But the Magic have not been able to sustain that. In fact, the Magic seem to be back to playing their inconsistent style. The magic are asking again about effort on a nightly basis. This is not a good sign for the team.

There is still a desire to believe the Magic are turning some type of corner or are going to do something good. Elfrid Payton has certainly probided a ton more hope. But the reality is the team is still losing and losing in some unsettling ways.

More than anything, the Magic need to cut out the inconsistent “competitive spirit” games and lose the absolutely devastating blowouts to take their next step.