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Orlando Magic Grades: Detroit Pistons 103, Orlando Magic 96

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 7: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 7, 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 - NOVEMBER 7: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against the Orlando Magic on November 7, 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’s bench let the team down and forced the Magic to be perfect down the stretch. The Detroit Pistons did not let them be.

64. 96. 38. Final. 103

The pattern has begun to emerge. There were hints of it and fits and starts that seemed to buck the trend, but the pattern is clearly emerging. And it is one the Orlando Magic surely cannot overcome every night. And one that will drive Steve Clifford continuously crazy.

It certainly did after the game when Clifford said it plainly and simply. The bench sucked.

And where the Orlando Magic were able to overcome the constant shortcomings — and offensive droughts — the bench spurred on Monday night in an improbable comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they were not able to do so Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic could not push their luck any further.

Perfection is just so hard to achieve in pressure situations. Twice.

Aaron Gordon and the Magic certainly felt game. The energy and confidence they could do it again was clear. In transition, Aaron Gordon posed with his hand behind his head as he threw down a one-handed alley-oop slam that cut the Pistons’ lead to three with about 2.5 minutes to play.

But the Magic could not be perfect again. Luck would not favor them once more.

Andre Drummond blocked an Aaron Gordon block attempt as the Magic were scrambling to stay in it. And the Pistons continued to whip the ball around and find open shooters, getting timely makes from Langston Galloway and Stanley Johnson to hold the Magic off.

When Reggie Jackson nailed a 3-pointer to give the Pistons a comfortable lead with about a minute to play, it was clearly over. Orlando had let it slip away, unable to support a starting group that played largely with the energy and focus the team requires.

The Pistons made their comeback and ran away with a 103-96 win at the Amway Center.

Orlando got just 20 points off the bench. But 15 of those came from Terrence Ross. The reserves outside of Terrence Ross made just one of their 14 shots. Those droughts prevented the team from stretching their lead.

It left Clifford upset and angry with his team’s effort overall. Orlando had left one on the board with seemingly correctible mistakes as the team struggled for the third straight game to execute even basic sets with regularity.

B+. The Orlando Magic had little to complain about from their starters. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

Just like Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon played about as well as anyone could hope while he was in at least. Gordon was strong chasing down rebounds and patient offensively. He has shown a lot of growth and maturity in the last stretch of games, finding a good rhythm with his shot and a better understanding of when and how to attack.<p>Gordon finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. That is about as complete a game as he has played. Despite shooting 7 for 15, it is hard not to feel impressed with the complete nature of his game in this one.</p><p>His only problems were his foul trouble. That knocked him out of the game for much of the first half and parts of the third quarter. But there is no coincidence both Gordon and Fournier were +16 for the game. The Magic were far better with them on the floor.</p>. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B+

Orlando Magic. JERIAN GRANT. C-. Coach Steve Clifford specifically criticized the Orlando Magic’s lack of organization from the bench unit for the team’s struggles. When asked to elaborate that, he said specifically it was guys being in the wrong spots to start the play. Some of that responsibility has to fall on the point guard. And there <a href=. PG

B. Terrence Ross at least continues to try to make things happen off the bench. And he is now the de facto starter, coming off the bench to provide his scoring punch to the team with that second unit before he works to finish games with the starters. That is the exact kind of role the Magic want for him.<p>Ross finished with 15 points, making 6 of his 12 shots. That is becoming relatively par for the course with Ross. He has become a bit of a gunner looking for his shot and sometimes offering some questionable shot selection. But somebody has to do it for this team. Ross is that guy right now.</p><p>The biggest pain for the Magic were the turnovers. Ross had three. So too did <a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic. TERRENCE ROSS

8th East. DETROIT PISTONS. B. The Detroit Pistons needed a win desperately. They played with the energy they needed after they got down to go out and get it. But the Orlando Magic were working them for long stretches. The Magic’s starters were the better group by far. The bench unit was so bad for Orlando, it gave Detroit confidence.<p>Credit should go to players like <a href=. 5-5

Next. Orlando Magic seeking killer instinct. dark

The Orlando Magic finish their three-game homestand Friday against the Washington Wizards.