Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Grades: Boston Celtics 118, Orlando Magic 103

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on November 24, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic were unable to get their offense moving or their defense in check as the Boston Celtics ran circles in a blowout victory.

The Orlando Magic were already trailing by double digits early in the first quarter. They gave up 40 points in the opening quarter.

The Boston Celtics put on a passing and cutting clinic, working around the Orlando Magic’s defense and scoring at will. That was something the team had to reckon with, putting themselves in a hole against a very good team.

What turned this from a regular blowout or defeat into an embarrassing effort was the effort. It was watching Terry Rozier fly through the lane past three Magic defenders to grab an offensive rebound. Or it was watching Marcus Smart come across the lane — with three first-quarter fouls no less — to block Bismack Biyombo at the rim.

The kind of not-quite-reckless abandon a team needs to bury another team.

At one point, FOX Sports Florida’s Dante Marchitelli reported coach Frank Vogel asking his team to take the fight to the Celtics. They were not going to be able to take the punches without putting up a little bit of fight.

The Magic may still be waiting for that fight, falling to the Celtics 118-103 at TD Garden on Friday. Orlando trailed by 30 points after three quarters. The final score was much closer than the actual margin of defeat.

Boston dominated Orlando in every facet. The Magic simply did not have the connectivity on offense or defense. Everyone seemed to be playing alone with poor ball movement and poor defensive play. The Magic got hung up on screens and did not fight around them. The help was not there in support. Orlando had just 11 of its 21 assists through three quarters.

About the only positive was the play of the deep bench that cut the 30-point deficit in half. Even Vogel said that was relatively meaningless. How Orlando played in the first three quarters mattered much more. And the Magic played as poor as they have all year.

The Celtics just took it to the Magic. It was never about the highlight plays — like Kyrie Irving taking Evan Fournier off the dribble with his hesitation dribble moves. It was about the little, gritty plays. Digging out rebounds and getting extra possessions. That was a constant throughout the game.

It feels like it has been a constant for the last week as the Magic seem to fall further into the pit.

NIKOLA VUCEVIC. D. The Orlando Magic’s defense has been in shambles for several weeks now. It is a problem that has many sources and should not be pinned on one player. But <a href=. C. Orlando Magic

C+. Like Nikola Vucevic, <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

C-. <a href=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C. <a href=. G/F

Next: Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag: A new future

The Orlando Magic have now lost seven straight games and nine of their past 11. They hope to get back on track against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.