Orlando Magic Grades: Memphis Grizzlies 92, Orlando Magic, 84
By Ryan Doyle
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.
PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B. In just 15 minutes, <a target=
G/F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. C+. The Orlando Magic made it a point to get the ball in Mario Hezonja’s hands early. He hit a tough mid-range jumper off a screen but otherwise struggled to hit shots. Still, Hezonja let it fly and appeared to have regained his confidence on offense. Ending his night with 12 points on 33 percent shooting (4 for 12).<p>Defensively, Hezonja had an up-and-down performance. He managed a pair of steals but was anxious defensively. Chalk it up to the excitement of being back on the floor, but Hezonja has to continue his work on the defensive end.</p>
B. Well, Jonathon Simmons might join the dunk reel next to <a rel=. SG. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS
F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC. B+. All eyes were on the first-round pick, Jonathan Isaac, tonight. He got a long look tonight and made the most of it. He led the team in points with 15 points in a team-high 29 minutes.<p>It took Isaac a little while to get going, but he found his footing as the third quarter got underway. He used his remarkable wingspan to keep his man in front of him and his length to contest shots at the rim. If he can play defense at a high level, head coach <a target=
C+. The Memphis Grizzlies were missing some key parts of their starting lineup tonight. Both <a rel=. 1-0. 1st Western Conference. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
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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.