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Orlando Magic Grades: Chicago Bulls 90, Orlando Magic 82

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 30: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on March 30, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 30: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball against the Orlando Magic on March 30, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic stormed back in the third quarter. But then they fell flat again in the fourth, falling to a moribund Chicago Bulls team.

The Orlando Magic erased a forgettable first half with a stellar third quarter. They climbed their way back into the game, doing exactly what a team of their caliber should do. The Magic should figure to have enough talent to beat a clearly developing (the kind word) Chicago Bulls team.

The Orlando Magic, like it did in its last win against the Phoenix Suns last week, buckled down in the third quarter and seemed poised to pull away. Aaron Gordon woke up from his first-half funk. The Bulls finally seemed to have the Magic’s attention.

Funny thing, though. The Magic let off the gas. A game that lacked any spark or energy throughout continued to do so into the fourth quarter. Neither team seemed particularly inspired to go after the game and get the win.

Really, just a little bit of effort would be enough. A little bit. Not much. Honestly, it was just a short spurt that would deliver victory or ensure defeat.

Regardless of how anyone feels about what is “good” at this point in the season, getting outworked by a lethargic Bulls team is not the way to go out.

Chicago outscored Orlando 24-13 in the final quarter at the Amway Center for a 90-82 win on Friday. The score was a sign of how inefficient and poor the teams were throughout the night. Chicago shot just 8 for 20 in the fourth quarter, grabbing four offensive rebounds. Each one seemed to be a killer helping the Bulls break a 71-71 tie.

A 9-0 run in a game where both teams shoot worse than 40 percent seems like a mountain to climb. It proved to be so.

The Magic got bogged down offensively, unable to create penetration or much offense efficiently. Orlando was just plain ineffective and lifeless throughout the night. Save the third quarter. But maybe that was more Chicago going through its general malaise. The Bulls seem to be blatantly… well, their lineups are not ideal.

Still, the Magic shot 33.0 percent from the floor and 7 for 39 from beyond the arc. Orlando still scored 40 points in the paint. But that was hardly enough. The Magic were complacent and willing to settle.

They got the result they deserved.

C+. <a target=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. C-. The Orlando Magic’s margin for error this year was always pretty small. Without elite talent and shaky depth, the team needed its best players to play well almost every night. Injuries only deepened the problem. So at this stage, the Magic need <a href=

JONATHAN ISAAC. B-. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic

BISMACK BIYOMBO. C-. <a href=. C. Orlando Magic

It is hard to complain about any win if you are a team like the Chicago Bulls. Finishing a game with <a rel=. 25-51. 12th East. CHICAGO BULLS. B+

Next: Mario Hezonja's growth evident

The Orlando Magic next head back out on the road, taking on the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.