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Orlando Magic Grades: Houston Rockets 116, Orlando Magic 98

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 3: Ryan Anderson #33 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 3, 2018 at the 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 3: Ryan Anderson #33 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on January 3, 2018 at the 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic’s offense never could get going against the high-powered Houston Rockets. Eventually, the Rockets overpowered them in a victory.

Early in the first quarter, the Orlando Magic were grinding. Their defensive gameplan to switch every screen appeared to be working. They were stifling one of the top offenses in the league and one of the league’s great powers.

They just could not get the ball in the basket.

An open 3-pointer would rattle in and out. They got the offensive rebound and would be unable to hit the next open shot. Then would come the next miss. And the Houston Rockets would answer with a 3-pointer.

The Magic were stuck on four points for nearly five minutes in the fourth quarter, getting buried in a 10-point hole. They kept themselves in it despite their poor shooting, but never close enough to make the game actually close.

By the time the third quarter came around, Orlando’s poor shooting was too much. The Magic shot just 38.5 percent from the floor and the Rockets’ offense finally came alive. Leading by as much as 28 points, Houston ran away with an 116-98 victory at the Amway Center. The Magic simply did not have the firepower to keep up with the Rockets, even with them operating at half throttle.

The Magic could not create good shots. Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier both struggled to get themselves going, shooting a combined 9 for 34 from the floor. Gordon, especially, forced his shots, trying to work around Ryan Anderson and, for a short time at center, Clint Capela.

With the Magic’s two best scorers unable to get going, the offense bogged down and everyone seemed to be going at it alone.

The Rockets eventually broke down the Magic’s defense. Houston was patient with its ball movement and each missed shot seemed to take a little bit of Orlando’s defensive will away. The Magic’s hope of slowing down the Rockets and staying disciplined on their shooters eventually fell away.

And Orlando never really gave itself a chance in this one.

C-. There are going to be games the rest of this year that will remind you <a href=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

C-. Like Aaron Gordon, the Orlando Magic absolutely need <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

B. The Orlando Magic had one offensive outburst all game. In a second-quarter run, <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

B+. You have to give <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

B. The Houston Rockets were a bit unsure how they would perform without <a href=. 26-9. 2nd West. HOUSTON ROCKETS

Next: Orlando Magic must explore their late-game options

The Orlando Magic are back in action at the Amway Center on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.