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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 111, Dallas Mavericks 106

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 8: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on March 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 8: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on March 8, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic got things rolling early and never seemed really threatened despite an inconsistent defensive effort and a late charge from Dallas.

On one hand, the Orlando Magic looked focused and energetic as ever. They flew to the ball for blocks and stymied a powerful Dallas Mavericks offense, using it to feed their transition play and get easy baskets.

Everything for the Magic came easy and the lead ballooned quickly.

On the other hand, the Mavericks constantly proved how quickly they could come back and make things interesting.

Orlando came out of the halftime locker room a bit too lax and unfocused. Dallas cut the 15-point halftime deficit to seven on a 10-2 run. The Magic seemed uninterested defensively and they fouled unnecessarily and lost all the focus they know is necessary.

Coach Steve Clifford reminded them of that after the game. Especially since the Magic let it happen again at the end of the fourth quarter.

Dallas took an 18-point deficit down to five by the end of the game. The Mavericks had control and the Magic could never get comfortable enough.

Evan Fournier had to hit a difficult layup to secure the Magic some comfort. But he had plenty of miscues down the stretch too that seemed to leave the door slightly ajar. The Magic could never feel completely comfortable they were going to pull this one out.

Orlando was able to win 111-106 over Dallas at the Amway Center on Friday. The Magic snapped their two-game losing streak and kept pace on a night where everyone in their competition for the final Playoff spot won. That remains the most important part.

But the Magic had flashes of brilliant play — a blocked shot from Nikola Vucevic or from Aaron Gordon in recovery leading to run out layups. They were just flashes. Enough to carry the day and build up a big lead with an offense that played extraordinarily well through three quarters — 92 points, 52.2 percent shooting overall and 13 for 24 from beyond the arc.

That was enough in this game. It will not likely be enough in most outings either. But the Magic had enough to get the job done in this one. They had enough.

Enough should not cut it in these kinds of games.

F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B. <a href=

B. It took <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

C. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

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

27-38. 13th West. DALLAS MAVERICKS. B-. The Dallas Mavericks are still seeking to figure out who they are. Maybe it does not matter this year. Everything for them seems to be about Luka Doncic and his development and growth. He has taken over the primary playmaking and scoring role for this team. They seem to go how he goes. Along with the effort the team gets from the other players.<p>Doncic did his part despite some early struggles. He scored 24 points on 9-for-20 shooting with eight rebounds and five assists. He stepped up especially in the third quarter to pull Dallas back. And <a rel=

The Orlando Magic hit the road for a two-game trip starting Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Next. Orlando Magic's strong rebounding seeing some slippage. dark

The Orlando Magic are now one game behind the Miami Heat for the final spot in the Playoffs. With two Orlando Magic wins or two Cleveland Cavaliers losses, the Magic will be eliminated from receiving top odds in the NBA Draft Lottery.