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Orlando Magic Grades: Golden State Warriors 133, Orlando Magic 112

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 1: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 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 - DECEMBER 1: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 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) /
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The Orlando Magic struggled to contain the Golden State Warriors’ red-hot offense and found themselves in a shootout against a team no one can outscore.

Give the Orlando Magic this much credit: they kept coming.

Aaron Gordon kept trying to get to the basket or spring open for 3-pointers, draining shots over defenses draped all over him. Evan Fournier was trying to fake defenders out of position and create space for himself. Jonathon Simmons tried to end Jordan Bell at one point and kept his assault on the rim.

The Magic never really let the Golden State Warriors bury them with those devastating runs they are famous for. The game never became a laugher.

It was just never really close though. Orlando could create all the offense it wanted, but the team was never going to keep pace with Golden State. What team can?

Eventually, the Warriors make you pay for every mistake.

With the Magic trying desperately to get back into the game, Elfrid Payton had two free throws to keep the game close. He missed them both but got his own rebound. HIs ensuing floater also missed.

The Warriors did what they always do. They pushed the ball in transition and found Klay Thompson open for three. That felt like the dagger finally. The Magic were not coming back in this one in a 133-112 loss at the Amway Center on Friday.

Without a little bit of defensive resistance, Kevin Durant was able to get to the basket or dish for cutters. Stephen Curry was able to get himself going and pull the defense apart.

Golden State was not quite playing with its food, but the team was never truly threatened. The Magic kept within shouting distance, but hardly enough to put the result in doubt.

Orlando could not play the perfect basketball needed to keep pace. The Warriors had 41 points at the end of the first quarter and 78 at halftime. There is no coming back from that.

That is life going up against Golden State. Teams that are not disciplined defensively are powerless to stop them. Orlando was indeed powerless to stop Golden State at home.

<a href=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B+

Whenever something goes wrong defensively, the finger immediately points to <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C-

B-. Coach <a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS

Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C+. <a href=. SF

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS. B+. The Golden State Warriors dished out a season-high 46 assists, one off the franchise record. That is 46 assists on 55 field goals. They had the ball moving and played sublime offensive basketball. They were the Warriors — one of the very best teams in NBA history and the odds-on favorite to win another NBA title.<p>Kevin Durant had 25 points and seven assists. Stephen Curry scored 23 points and dished out 10 assists. Klay Thompson had 27 points. They were getting whatever they wanted and the Magic were powerless to stop them. Even if they played with a bit more physicality and effort, that probably would not have had much of an effect. Golden State finds a weakness and exploits it.</p><p>The Warriors’ 41-point first quarter and the ease with which the team scored made it feel like they could coast through the game. And it largely felt like they did. Their defense was lax — although their length bothered the Magic and forced some poor possessions — and their offense still succumbed to turnovers. Golden State’s 19 turnovers for 23 Orlando points helped keep Orlando nominally in the game. It was just nominally, the Warriors were always in control.</p>. 17-6. 2nd West

Next: Orlando Magic are next man up to replace Terrence Ross

The Orlando Magic are back in action Sunday as they take on the New York Knicks in a 3:30 p.m. matinee.