Orlando Magic Grades: Dallas Mavericks 99, Orlando Magic 96

The Orlando Magic were shorthanded against the Dallas Mavericks as they tried different preseason combinations. It left a game with few takeaways.

The Orlando Magic were willing to try something new. Or at least they had to if they wanted to get some players some needed playing time. They saw the back to back on their preseason schedule as their chance to do so.

In came Jonathon Simmons playing with the starters and a larger stage to showcase. Here was Wesley Iwundu playing with the backups and getting his longest extended run. There was Marreese Speights doing . . . Marreese Speights things.

It was hard to draw too much from the Orlando Magic’s 99-96 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Like last week’s game in Orlando, there were not too many conclusions to make with starters sitting out. There were player combinations that are not likely ever to play together again.

The Magic did not have five key players for Monday’s game at the American Airlines Center. They opted to sit Aaron Gordon, Bismack Biyombo and Elfrid Payton while letting Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier nurse some lingering injuries (nothing serious, according to coach Frank Vogel). Orlando was not in full force.

It was hard to draw too much. The Magic needed to increase their pace. And their defense was not as strong for large sections of the game.

But they found a way to remain competitive. D.J. Augustin and Marreese Speights led a 3-point barrage — hitting a combined 10 for 17 from beyond the arc. That helped Orlando overcome some difficult offense. They seemed to have a 3-pointer to keep them in the game.

Even to the end. Mario Hezonja hit a 3-pointer with three seconds left to bring the deficit within one. Only a miss at the buzzer prevented the dreaded preseason overtime.

The Mavericks were the ones in control most of the game. They got better quality shots and had the more sustainable strategy to win. That part will certainly make Vogel a bit upset.

But, overall, this was not a game to draw too many conclusions. The Magic were purposefully short and did not have their full roster. The team did not have the same cohesiveness its main roster has.

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The Orlando Magic will likely give some more regulars rest Tuesday as they head to San Antonio to face the San Antonio Spurs in their penultimate preseason game.