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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 97, Chicago Bulls 91

By John Black

MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 13: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 13, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MX - DECEMBER 13: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls as part of the NBA Mexico Games 2018 on December 13, 2018 at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marred by another game of poor shooting, the Orlando Magic edged out the Chicago Bulls in Mexico City due to Nikola Vucevic’s late-game heroics.

24. 97. 38. Final. 91

Yes, the Orlando Magic walked away with another mark in the win column, snapping their three-game losing streak. But it was not pretty.

Far from it.

Nikola Vucevic scored the Magic’s last 10 points, including draining a jumper off a pick and roll with Evan Fournier with about 30 seconds to play.

That came after D.J. Augustin drew a charge in a tie game. Nikola Vucevic would then help challenge and change Zach LaVine‘s shot, allowing the Magic to dig out the rebound and escape with a 97-91 win over the Chicago Bulls at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City.

Orlando was in control of the scoreboard for most of the game, but Chicago roared back with a 10-0 run to start the fourth quarter. But the Magic stayed persistent and tied the game at 83 with six minutes left.

That is when Vucevic took over.

Vucevic nailed a three from the top of the key to put the Magic up 86-83. He then scored the Magic’s last ten points until D.J. Augustin’s free throws sealed the deal.

Outside of Vucevic’s heroics, the rest of the team struggled, yet again, to shoot the ball effectively.

The Magic ended the night shooting an underwhelming 41.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. Most glaringly was Aaron Gordon‘s eight points on 2-for-11 shooting. Even though the 23-year-old power forward played 37 minutes, he did not see the court for the last four minutes of a close game because of his offensive inefficiency.

Defensively, the team looked abysmal for long stretches, allowing the Bulls to shoot 48 percent from the floor and 55 percent from three.

LaVine was able to score at will the entire game — he finished with 23 points while shooting 10 for 18. Orlando’s perimeter defense was practically nonexistent, especially in regards to Justin Holiday who made four out of his five attempts.

But the team stepped up in the final moments of the fourth quarter. After giving up that big run, the Magic made several key stops down the stretch to pull out the win and come from behind after trailing by five early in the fourth quarter.

While it is nice to get back on the winning track, the Magic ultimately struggled against an inferior 6-22 Bulls team. If anything, Thursday’s game shined more light on Orlando’s recent struggles.

But all wins count the same. And it is better to learn those lessons while winning.

Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. A. Nikola Vucevic had 16 points going into the fourth quarter. That would have been a fine game and a good pace. But he took over in the final minutes, scoring 10 straight for the Orlando Magic to put them over the top. The Magic do not win this game without Vucevic. And Orlando leaned heavily on him down the stretch.<p>Vucevic’s return to All-Star level play after his eight-point outing against the <a href=. C

B+. Contributing 15 points, including the game-sealing free throws, and seven rebounds, D.J. Augustin was clearly Orlando Magic’s second best player Thursday night. While his assist numbers were low — only two the entire night — they are more a reflection of the rest of the team’s poor shooting.<p>The win in Mexico City marked the Magic’s 10th win when Augustin scores in double-digits. As the season progresses, it has become increasingly clear how integral Augustin is to the Magic’s success. He kept the ball moving and when given the ball in a position to shoot, he was reliable to finish.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN

C-. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC. C+. <a href=. F

15th East. CHICAGO BULLS. B+. It may seem like a high grade for a team who ultimately came out of the game with a loss, but you have to take into consideration the Chicago Bulls’ current position.<p>Only a quarter of the way through the season, the Bulls fired their head coach. With only six wins thus far into the season, the Bulls could be expected to take the trip to Mexico City as more of a vacation than a business trip. But they came out to play, and they came out to win.</p><p>They fell short in the end, but being able to play as hard as they did in this situation says a lot about their heart. Considering where this team was earlier this week and how much they have struggled, the effort and energy were there to get a win. The Bulls just missed the shots down the stretch.</p>. 6-23

The Orlando Magic stay in Mexico City to play the Utah Jazz on Saturday.