Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers 113, Orlando Magic 106

By Jonathan Treadway

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the preseason game on October 13, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic ended their preseason with a bit of an egg, struggling mightily on defense and falling to a winless, shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Orlando Magic finished their preseason Friday night at the Amway Center with a 113-106 loss to the previously winless Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers were without LeBron James and Kevin Love, adding to some of the frustration for the Magic in the finale.

Coach Frank Vogel said he wanted to play his starters close to regular minutes, at least through the first three quarters, as a sort of dress rehearsal. The goal was to see the team continue its growth and development as it takes to its new style and growing identity.

There were certainly moments where the Magic played with that speed and pace they wanted. And there were certainly moments where the team played strong defense, using their switching to bog down the offense and create turnovers.

But overall, it was a disappointing effort for the Magic, particularly on the defensive end. That was the first thing Vogel pointed out after the game. There were several mistakes for the team throughout the game.

The Cavaliers shot 50.0 percent for the game from the field and hit 24 of 29 free throws overall. The Magic struggled with their on-ball containment, a major problem from last year, struggled to close out on shooters effectively and fouled very freely. Their 23 personal fouls at times made it feel like an early preseason game. The defensive attention was just sloppy.

Call it a bit of a wake-up call.

Despite this, Orlando was able to battle neck and neck with Cleveland heading into halftime with a small lead. But the Cavaliers went on a run in the third quarter to take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter before the Magic fell, relying largely on their reserve players.

A-. <a rel=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

EVAN FOURNIER. B. <a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic

<a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS. B+

Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. D. <a rel=. F

The Cleveland Cavaliers played without LeBron James and Kevin Love, but they still played tough. Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose seemed to have turned the clock back tonight and looked much liked their younger, healthier selves carving up the Magic defense at times. Wade finished with 15 points in a little more than 12 minutes of action and Rose had nine points.<p>The bench also contributed in a big way to the Cavaliers’ win too. Cleveland outscored Orlando 36-23 in the third quarter with the starters sitting out the entire second half (outside <a rel=. 1-4. 14th East. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS. A-

Next: Evan Fournier looking to simplify role

The Orlando Magic finished their preseason with a 3-2 record. They will open the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 18 against the Miami Heat at the Amway Center.