Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 112, Dallas Mavericks 89

The Orlando Magic wanted to get more consistent and continue on their path toward regular-season readiness. They did that in routing the Dallas Mavericks.

Coach Frank Vogel said the Orlando Magic did not need to make any emphatic statement going up against a depleted Dallas Mavericks team that did not even have their head coach in tow. Most of the Mavericks stayed home after a game Wednesday night in Dallas. The Magic’s focus remained on themselves and executing both their offensive and defensive schemes.

Still, a little flare is not a bad thing. Sometimes, the team has to give the fans what they want. A reminder and a look at what is to come.

The Magic opened up as much as a 22-point lead in the second half and held off a bit of a third-quarter rally to secure a 112-89 win over the Mavericks and Amway Center on Thursday.

Orlando again looked connected on offense, getting off to a fast shooting start this time. They worked the ball for open 3-pointers, shooting 53.7 percent in the first half and 7 for 14 from beyond the arc in the first half. The Magic were effective and efficient passing the ball too with 15 assists in the first half and 23 in the game.

Offensively, the Magic were finding little to stop them. Defensively, they certainly still need to tighten some things up. But they were flying to the ball and getting stops effectively. The ball containment certainly could still use some improvement, but it was better than Monday and headed in the right direction.

Defensively, they certainly still need to tighten some things up. But they were flying to the ball and getting stops effectively. The ball containment certainly could still use some improvement, but it was better than Monday and headed in the right direction. The Magic challenged shots and made life hard for the Mavericks all night.

Dallas shot 32.4 percent in the first half and were 9 for 31 from beyond the arc. Orlando could be happy with their overall defensive numbers. Dallas finished shooting 33.0 percent from the floor for the game.

Certainly, the team’s lack of star power and depleted roster helped in that matter. Still, the Magic had to do the work to put them away and score the victory. No matter how it came.

For a second preseason game, it seemed like the Magic were on the right track. They scored a dominant win where htey took care of what they wanted and improved from Monday’s defeat.

Next: Hope for Mario Hezonja

The Orlando Magic continue their preseason Saturday against the Miami Heat at the Amway Center. The game will be televised on FOX Sports Florida.