In the Orlando Magic’s preseason opener, a pair of offseason additions made their presence felt in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
On the road against a stingy Memphis Grizzlies team, the Orlando Magic were outlasted 92-84 in their first preseason matchup. Orlando kept the game close for most of the final quarter, but a late Memphis run sealed the deal.
First-round draft pick Jonathan Isaac had a tremendous debut for the Magic. The rookie used his length to play solid defense and led the offense with a team-high 15 points. There is still plenty to work on, but Jonathan Isaac looked the part in his first game.
Another offseason addition had himself a night too. Jonathon Simmons showed why he may be an underrated signing for Orlando. Jonathon Simmons should fit right into Orlando’s new high-tempo offense. When Simmons is in transition, slam dunks will follow.
Things got ugly for the Magic at the tail end of the third quarter. The offensive rhythm disappeared and Orlando turned the ball over far too often. Jonathan Isaac and Khem Birch were bright spots, but the Magic’s deep bench faltered.
Orlando Magic
As the second half began, Orlando featured a very intriguing lineup featuring Jonathan Isaac and Bismack Biyombo. If these two can lock down the paint, it will make life for the second unit much easier.
The third quarter also featured a plethora of highlight plays including a handful of alley-oop dunks starring Mario Hezonja and Jonathon Simmons.
The starting lineup looked solid to begin the game. Like every season opener, they were restless and a tad sloppy but performed well for about 15 minutes in the first half.
Orlando’s first team defense was stout. The Magic forced the Grizzlies into taking tough shots and played well on the glass. The shots did not fall offensively, but they managed to get good looks.
The bench on the other hand, struggled throughout the first half. Veteran point guard Mario Chalmers destroyed the second unit, scoring a game-high 19 points. Of course, it is one preseason game, but the lack of depth appears to have carried over into the 2018 season.
The second unit did show a few good things offensively. When they made a few stops it allowed Mario Hezonja and Jonathon Simmons to run in transition for some easy baskets. Still, the Magic trailed 53-50 at halftime. The starters did not play in the second half.
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The Magic are next in action Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks in their Amway Center opener. They will also hold an open practice at the Amway Center on Tuesday at 6 p.m.