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Orlando Magic Grades: New Orleans Pelicans 111, Orlando Magic 97

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 22: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on December 22, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida Or. 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 22: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic on December 22, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida Or. 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 could not overcome the duo of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis and could not find their offense in their seven straight loss.

Anthony Davis skied over Nikola Vucevic for a throw-in putback dunk. Vucevic was in position but did not have the ability to clear the New Orleans Pelicans All-Star.

Coach Frank Vogel was incensed. And probably rightly so. Davis had to climb all over Vucevic’s back to get at the rim. He picked up a technical foul, one of four the Magic accumulated in the first half. Orlando knew how small its margin for error was and could not afford to see these 50/50 calls go against them. Not when they still had to fight.

Vogel was red in the face and the team certainly remained frustrated throughout. But his team was slowly fading in this game. The Magic hung tough to keep the deficit near 10 points, even with the rim seemingly closed off.

The Pelicans were just much better, constantly breaking down the Magic defense to get open threes or overwhelming them with the brute strength of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Orlando never had enough in a 111-97 loss to New Orleans at Amway Center on Friday.

Orlando shot 42.4 percent for the game and an icy 4 for 20 from beyond the arc. They could not get reliable scoring from Nikola Vucevic and had few places to turn.

Their odd starting lineup featuring Marreese Speights at power forward and D.J. Augustin at shooting guard failed to provide the spark the team needed.

But the game really turned on how the team handled the duo of Davis and Cousins. Davis finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Cousins finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, with six assists to boot. The two had their way on the inside, forcing double teams and kicking it out to the perimeter to open shooter. Orlando had no answer for them.

And lately, the Magic have had no answers for anyone. On either end.

Vogel is still searching for answers. And still searching for that spark to get his team going again.

PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON. B-. <a href=

C+. The Orlando Magic know they have a small margin of error with all the injuries. Coach Frank Vogel said after the game the team needs its players to play at their best right now to have a chance at winning. Unfortunately, the reality is the Magic are not getting that. Not every night. and not from their best player.<p>Nikola Vucevic got himself in position for a lot of good shots but failed to execute. He made just 7 of his 20 shots and missed all three of his 3-pointers. He finished with 21 points still. But it was a slog to get there. Vucevic struggled to get himself centered against the physical defense.</p><p>And on offense, it felt like DeMarcus Cousins was able to bully him around the basket too. He got beat to rebounds on several occasions and just bruised and battered inside. He needed a lot of help. And that put the Magic in precarious positions all night.</p>. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

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

G. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN. D. <a href=

B. The New Orleans Pelicans put the hammer down early in building a 12-point lead and maintained that throughout much of the game. It was a quick burn for the Pelicans as they jumped out to the early lead thanks to some great inside-out passing. Orlando’s focus was so much on the bigs that it left <a rel=. 16-16. 8th West. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Next: Frank Vogel still believes in team's direction

The Orlando Magic will be right back to work as they take on the Washington Wizards on the road on Saturday.