Orlando Magic: Top 10 games of the 2018 season

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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7. Nov. 1 @ Memphis Grizzlies

Final. 99. 211. 101. 38

Grades . . . Orlando Magic doing it differently, but always finding a way to win

In hindsight, this game was just downright silly. And its ending probably should have foreshadowed where these two teams would eventually end up. But at the moment the Orlando Magic played the Memphis Grizzlies in early November, both teams had a lot to get excited about.

Yes, the Magic and Grizzlies met about three weeks into the season as the top teams in the Eastern and Western Conference. Yes, this game had the markings of a matchup of two early-season surprises. Where did things go wrong?

A lot of places actually. Most of them at the end of this game.

The game featured a downright comedy of errors. With the Magic up by two points, the Magic turned it over twice with a chance to ice the game. Including one where Terrence Ross, lining up for an open 3-pointer stepped out of bounds. The Grizzlies could not take advantage of the mistakes.

A game that felt like the Magic were struggling to close and falling into their bad habits quickly turned into a laughable and enjoyable, but concerning moment. The team was never really the same after sitting a 6-2 following this game. A home blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls was the first sign of trouble.

To this point, though, the Magic were finding a way to win games, even if they did not have their best stuff. And win in spite of it.

Too bad neither team was much of anything after this game was played.