The Orlando Magic took a step back and looked like the fragile team of old as the Indiana Pacers thoroughly tore them apart in a blowout at Amway Center.
The Orlando Magic were chasing the entire night. They had cut the Indiana Pacers’ double-digit lead down to four points in the third quarter. But it still felt like they were chasing. Like they had to play with desperation early in the third quarter, trying to force everything at the basket.
The Pacers put the Magic on the back foot from the start. And the Magic seemed like they were finding it difficult to create consistent offense or get stops. Orlando was struggling to find that rhythm that is necessary for the team to win.
And so the bad habits reappeared.
There were the wild forays to the basket. The quick shots from beyond the arc after one pass or no attempt to get into the paint. And, most alarmingly, the lackluster defense that allowed the Pacers to execute without much impediment.
Indiana was always in control and put Orlando away early in the third quarter on its way to a 112-90 win at Amway Center on Friday.
The Magic were off with their shot from the beginning. Unlike Wednesday’s game, the team was not generating good looks and seemed to be settling after hitting 20 3-pointers in Wednesday’s game. Orlando made just 8 of 33 3-pointers and 40.4 percent of the team’s shots.
That is difficult to win shooting that poorly. Especially when the team is struggling to defend.
The Pacers took advantage of 16 Magic turnovers into 20 points. Indiana shot 47.3 percent from the floor. They were not the model of complete efficiency. But they carved the Magic with consistency. They worked to get good shots and attacked the Magic, leaving them staggered. Especially with their poor offensive output.
There was no catching up at that point. And the hole got deeper and deeper reminding the Magic of where they were and not where they have been heading this season.
The Orlando Magic head back onto the road Monday to take on the Dallas Mavericks.