Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 119, Flamengo 82
The Orlando Magic made quick work of Brazilian team Flamengo in a preseason exhibition. Aaron Gordon led the team with 29 points.
The opponent is not one that will allow for anyone to make any sweeping conclusions. Really all the Orlando Magic wanted to do was look more organized and prepared for the regular season. They wanted a sense that they were moving in the right direction and correcting some mistakes from their previous game.
Against a team like Flamengo, the Magic should have been able to outwork them with their talent and overwhelm them with their skill. That turned out to be the case early on as the magic raced ahead and led by as much as 43 points in a 119-82 win at the Amway Center on Friday.
Orlando’s defense was on point, challenging shots and making things largely difficult for Flamengo. Of course, they should, the Magic are the far better team.
Orlando’s dominance was not unexpected. And in that sense, the team performed exactly as the team could hope for.
Aaron Gordon ran wild on Flamengo with 20 first-half points. Mohamed Bamba and Nikola Vucevic played together with some success, including Bamba taking a dribble handoff at the elbow and breaking his man off the dribble. That probably will not happen when the games start counting or even against most NBA competition.
The biggest concern was whether the team would be able to look more organized defensively and limit their fouling. The Magic certainly looked better on that end, stymying any attack Flamengo put together and turning them into transition opportunities. The communication was solid as the team switched more seamlessly and had their coverages set to keep Flamengo from getting too deep into the paint.
Orlando could have led by more if not for regular preseason rust and a few missed 3-point opportunities.
The fouling was something of a problem. The team gave up 16 free throw attempts and had 15 fouls in the first half. Gordon had four fouls alone in the first half. But even that got under control as the team gave up just eight more free throw attempts the rest of the game.
At least the team was willing to be plenty physical. Whether the team can dial that back or wait for officiating to return to regular season levels is the next question.
Overall an easy night for the Magic.
A. Aaron Gordon certainly tried to shake off some rust in Monday’s preseason opener as he tried to force some offense and settle for mid-range jumpers. That is the greatest fear with Gordon as he tries to take a bigger role in the offense. How he looked Friday is probably more the direction the team wants him to go. And a perfect example of how he can play.<p>Gordon scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half, working really within the offense. Gordon made 10 of his 12 shots. He got out in transition to finish at the rim himself — in only the way Gordon can. . . with force. But he also looked to get others involved and dished the ball well. He was searching for his teammates.</p><p>Gone were the forced shots and over dribbling that characterizes his poor games. When the ball worked to him at the 3-point line he took the open three or kept the ball moving. This is an example of exactly how Gordon needs to play.</p>. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON
B+. Coach <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC
A-. Orlando Magic fans got their first up-close-and-personal look at <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. MOHAMED BAMBA
G/F. Orlando Magic. MELVIN FRAZIER. B+. <a href=
Flamengo tried. They really did. The team was in a difficult spot and almost immediately found themselves trailing. And the Orlando Magic did a bit of a slow burn before taking full control by the middle of the first quarter.<p>This team has some interesting players and some shooter who gave the Magic some problems. But none of them are at a NBA level. Even Anderson Varejao and <a rel=. . . FLAMENGO . C+
Next. Orlando Magic must earn respect and attention. dark
The Orlando Magic return to action Monday night in Miami against the Miami Heat.