Orlando Magic Grades: Utah Jazz 106, Orlando Magic 93
The Orlando Magic lost a 21-point lead once again and fell apart in the second half as the Utah Jazz sent them to a new low point for the season.
38. 106. 118. Final. 93
Aaron Gordon was trying to fight and get the Orlando Magic back in the game after they lost a 21-point lead and faced a deficit against the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz had erased that deficit with a killer third quarter run and a Magic team that looked staggered. But the deficit was still manageable and a win was still in play. Aaron Gordon was working to try to get a rebound and save the ball or force some offense.
But none of it worked. As he skirted the sideline and saved it to Evan Fournier in the corner, Fournier heaved it quickly as he thought the shot clock had not reset. The rebound caromed long right to Donovan Mitchell.
Donovan Mitchell weaved his way through D.J. Augustin and Terrence Ross, both giving half-hearted efforts to foul him before he get going. Mitchell got through both for a jam on his way to 33 points and a major second half that saw the Jazz flip the script from the first half to the second half in a 106-93 win at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
Utah outscored Orlando 60-30 in the second half, erasing that deficit and coming hard at Orlando in almost every way.
The Magic struggled to get even into their offense effectively, often standing around as Magic players were left trying to go at it alone and create shots against one of the best defenses in the league. D.J. Augustin’s miracle 3-point heave was a symbol of how inept the Magic’s offense and how cruel the basketball gods were.
Still, despite blowing that lead, Orlando trailed by only four points entering the fourth quarter. Through it all, the Magic still had a chance to win. And they were still in the game deep into the fourth quarter.
The most disappointing thing — even more than blowing the big lead — was how the team seemed to give in to frustration time and time again. It was how the Jazz were able to whipe the ball around quickly and break down a frustrated Magic defense down the stretch.
Orlando is going to struggle offensively. The team simply does not have the firepower. But the defense let go and did not pay attention to detail. With the Jazz pushing them around, they finally knocked them down and left them buried to end this rough 1-5 road trip.
AARON GORDON. C+. Aaron Gordon came out on fire looking to make an impact on the game. He had a fire in his eye after a poor game against the <a href=. F. Orlando Magic
D. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
C. <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC
B+. <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN
A-. The Utah Jazz were in trouble in the first half. They were missing open shots and they were struggling to keep up with the Magic. Orlando scored 63 points in the half and was dominating them. Things were going in the wrong direction for Utah.<p>The Jazz turned things around completely in the second half. They played with more energy and more physicality. They pushed the Magic around and their confidence just grew and grew. Their 32-12 third quarter was built on the typically strong defense the Jazz always play with along with an offense that felt unrelenting.</p><p>Their fourth quarter was even better in a lot of ways. The Jazz never let up and Donovan Mitchell took over. Orlando had no answer and were clearly staggered and a bit fatigued on the road. Utah played with the poise a Playoff team needs. And they had the star to lead them all the way back and beyond.</p>. 21-21. 9th West. UTAH JAZZ
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The Orlando Magic return to action Saturday when they host the Boston Celtics at the Amway Center.