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Orlando Magic Grades: Golden State Warriors 110, Orlando Magic 100

By Ryan Doyle

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 13, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 13, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Without star point guard Stephen Curry, the Orlando Magic were unable to overcome the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.

The Orlando Magic suffered their second consecutive loss with a 110-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on Monday.

The defending champions were without former MVP Stephen Curry and still managed to hold off the Magic. Kevin Durant and Draymond Green led the Warriors to a commanding victory.

With the game tied at 56 at the start of the third quarter, it appeared Orlando had a real chance to win this game. The Warriors dashed that hope as the Magic suffered a disastrous third quarter. It gave Golden State a 13-point lead which was enough to seal the deal.

Shooting a putrid 5-of-18 in the third, the Magic could not buy a bucket. They settled for jump shots and lost all momentum on the offensive end.

As the fourth quarter began, the Magic needed a miracle to get back into the ball game. The shooting woes continued as Orlando’s offense continued to struggle. Settling for jump shots and failing to get easy buckets at the rim, Golden State grew their lead.

After a strong first-half performance, Aaron Gordon was nowhere to be found after halftime. He appeared to be an afterthought offensively and with how he has looked this season, it is a mystery why he did not get more opportunities in the second half.

In what could have been a breakout game for the budding star, he took a backseat in a blowout loss.

Golden State overmatched Orlando in the rebounding department. The Warriors grabbed 50 boards compared to Orlando’s 35. Much of the Warriors offense was created due to offensive rebounds and their 27.9 percent offensive rebound rate. It did not hurt Orlando early. But as the game progressed, the Warriors made the Magic pay.

Heading into tonight’s matchup it appeared like the three-ball would reign supreme. Orlando could not find their rhythm from downtown as they shot an awful 31.3 percent (10 for 32). Golden State did not fare much better at 34.8 percent, but it was enough to bury Orlando late.

Typically, holding Golden State to such a low 3-point percentage could be enough to beat them. Their tremendous defensive performance held Orlando in check as Orlando only shot 42 percent from the field compared to Golden State’s 50 percent.

Life was easy for the Warriors in the paint as they scored 54 points in the paint, 32 of those points coming in the first two quarters.

In the first half the Magic were moving the ball well and getting everyone involved. Almost the polar opposite of the final half of the game.

The Magic opened up the game with a strong first quarter. Orlando shot well from the floor and led 29-27, after one quarter. From the opening tip, the effort was there to keep this game close.

Orlando took a step back in the second quarter as the offense went into a rut. In the final four minutes the Magic were able to tie the game up 56-56 at the half.

C. The best 3-point shooter in the NBA, <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

C. Like the rest of the team, Nikola Vucevic shined in the first half. He scored 13 points and only missed one field goal in the first 24 minutes. He lost his touch in the third quarter but added seven more points to his scoring total. Defensively, <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

B. Jonathon Simmons’ impact cannot be seen from the box score. Coming off the bench, <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS

C-. Still dealing with injuries, Elfrid Payton had a rough game. Even though Stephen Curry was on the pine, <a href=. G. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

The Golden State Warriors looked sloppy early. The offense did not look as smooth without point guard Stephen Curry. And they were lax defensively. Their turnovers were a constant problem, allowing the Orlando Magic to stay in the game.<p>Eventually, the Warriors settled down and played lock-down defense to stop the Magic.</p><p>Kevin Durant had a solid night as he scored 21 points and added seven rebounds and eight assists. Draymond Green was also solid with his 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting.</p><p> </p>. 11-3. 1st Western Conference. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. B+

Next: Orlando Magic enter most difficult stretch of season

Orlando has dropped back-to-back for the second time this season. The Orlando Magic will conclude their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.