Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Atlanta Hawks 94, Orlando Magic 88

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 9: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot against the Atlanta Hawks on December 9, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 9: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot against the Atlanta Hawks on December 9, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic continued to struggle to score as the Atlanta Hawks eventually outpaced them in the end to score a victory in the tank race.

The Atlanta Hawks left the game for the taking. Their 15-point first-half lead dissipated in a sudden burst of Orlando Magic energy. The two teams battling to stay out of last place in the Southeast Division were trading blows. They seemingly had each other’s number in a push and pull second half.

The Hawks were playing a young and energetic lineup of guys trying to make it in the league. They looked every part of it, trying to outhustle the Magic at every turn.

Orlando was playing its old stalwarts, trying to eke out a win. As the team had when it fell behind by double digits on the road, the group lacked the spark. Open shots and easy shots refused to go down and the frustration growing was palpable once again.

The Magic were forcing everything it seemed. Atlanta played much freer and looser. The results showed exactly that.

The Magic never could get their shooting in order. Any momentum they tried to build seemingly stopped with each brick and each missed shot. Orlando was searching the entire time and unable to find much of anything.

The Hawks had just enough in a 94-88 win at Philips Arena on Sunday. The Magic continue to lose in frustrating, lethargic ways. That was written on their faces as every comeback attempt seemed to fall shorter and shorter.

The Magic ended up shooting 34.4 percent from the floor for the game, continuing a trend of poor shooting performances. The team seemed unable to create consistent penetration or get open looks. The ones they did get did not seem willing to fall.

The Hawks were parading to the basket it seemed at will on the other end. Despite attempting only one free throw the entire game, the Hawks were the clear aggressors. They had 33 assists and scored 50 points in the paint.

Atlanta may have gone through its own stretches where it could not hit a shot, but frustration never took over for the team. Orlando was left constantly searching for offensive generators.

And no one seemed able to step up. Not in the way the team needed.

Even trailing by two midway through the fourth quarter, the team gave in to frustration and let Atlanta stay in control. That is how no-name players can retain confidence and finish things out. That is what the Hawks did.

C-. <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

Everyone has waited for <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC. A-

C. Like Nikola Vucevic, the Orlando Magic are turning to <a href=. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

B+. Right now, it might be hard to argue against <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN

A-. The Atlanta Hawks played like the scrappy team every bottom-dwelling team wants to play like right now. They are low on talent so they have to make up for it with grit and with hustle. That may not lead to perfect play. It probably will not. But it can lead to favorable results.<p>The Hawks were willing to scrap and fight all night. They moved the ball well finding their shooters in the corner. And they attacked the basket, willing to create for themselves and others throughout the night. This group of no-name players might lose the game, but they were going to go down swinging.</p><p>That kind of attitude is the exact attitude that bights teams like the Orlando Magic. They took advantage of Orlando’s lethargic play. Atlanta is not a good team. The Hawks proved that as the magic stayed in the game. But effort wins a lot in this league.</p>. 22-55. 15th East. ATLANTA HAWKS

Next: Lakeland Magic's season ends with defeat to Erie BayHawks

The Orlando Magic continue their road trip Tuesday as they take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.