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Orlando Magic Grades: Dallas Mavericks 114, Orlando Magic 99

By Philip Rossman-Reich

DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 09: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic in the second half at American Airlines Center on January 9, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 09: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic in the second half at American Airlines Center on January 9, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic saw a halftime lead dissipate as the Dallas Mavericks did whatever they wanted and tortured the Magic offensively in the second half.

There were brief moments where it looked like the Orlando Magic were ready to fight for this one. As the Dallas Mavericks zoomed past them in the third quarter after the Orlando Magic built a five-point halftime lead, it seemed the Magic were again going to capitulate.

Moments are not enough to win a game. That brief glimpse with Aaron Gordon fighting hard for an offensive rebound before throwing down a monstrous one-handed slam or Evan Fournier fighting off Dwight Powell to box out for a rebound (drawing a foul in the process)? Those were too few and far between.

Far more often, Elfrid Payton would switch onto Dirk Nowitzki in the paint rather than fighting through the screen, allowing Nowitzki to square up and shoot over him like he was not even there. More often, Powell would go rolling down the lane with no one to stop him or tag him. Or more often, the point guard would turn the corner and get all the way to the basket.

The Magic trailed by eight points midway through the fourth quarter, but it felt like 15. And Dallas eventually pulled away to win by that much, defeating Orlando 114-99 at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.

The Magic cut the lead to four points with about five minutes to play on Aaron Gordon’s long two. But that was as close as they would get. The Mavericks made back to back baskets, including an and-one on one of those missed pick and roll rotations, and that put the game out of reach.

Orlando could not generate offense consistently and gave up baskets in quick succession time and time again. Dallas scored 71 points in the second half, outscoring Orlando by 20 points. The Magic seemed to be struggling to generate offense and good shots. The Mavericks seemed to be getting them with ease, pick and rolling the Magic to death.

Against a team only a half-game ahead of them in the standings, the Magic got completely outworked and outclassed.

C-. Aaron Gordon needed some time to get himself going. And that was the problem. According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, Gordon was late to the team plane Monday and was held out of the starting lineup for that violation of team rules. The Magic started a bit down there and Gordon needed some time to get into rhythm.<p>His game was certainly really rough. He finished with a team-high 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting. He made just one of his seven 3-pointers (making him just 2 of his last 15). It was not a good shooting night for Gordon. And he seemed like he was forcing his shot time and time again.</p><p>But Gordon had moments where he got things going. There were moments when it looked like, despite all the struggles, Gordon was going to will his team to a victory and give them a chance. Maybe he did not get the full opportunity. He was not making shots to get them there anyway. Right now, a lot more is expected of Gordon.</p>. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

ELFRID PAYTON. D. The Dallas Mavericks are a unique team because of the bevy of ball handlers and pick and rolls they can throw at teams from just about everywhere. That puts a lot of pressure on pick and roll defenders to play at a high level. Too often <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic

B. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

B+. Another player who stood out well was <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN

B+. The Dallas Mavericks were abysmal in the first half. The Orlando Magic did a good job challenging their shots and slowing them down, forcing tough 3-pointers and keeping them out of the lane. After a quick start to the game, Dallas went completely quiet.<p>Then the second half started, and the Mavericks punished the Magic again and again. They ran the pick and roll to perfection to get open shots. They found mismatches and exploited them over and over again. And then eventually their defense caught up, switching everything on a Magic team that had no one who could attack consistently.</p><p>Dallas proved itself the better team, outlasting an Orlando team that is consistently lost.</p>. 14-28. 13th West. DALLAS MAVERICKS

Next: How the Orlando Magic rebuild will play out

The Orlando Magic are right back in action, taking on the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday.