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Orlando Magic Grades: Game 5 – Toronto Raptors 115, Orlando Magic 96

By Philip Rossman-Reich

TORONTO, ON- APRIL 23 - Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) blocks a Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) shot as the Toronto Raptors play the Orlando Magic in game five in their first round series in the NBA play-offs in Toronto. April 23, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- APRIL 23 - Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) blocks a Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) shot as the Toronto Raptors play the Orlando Magic in game five in their first round series in the NBA play-offs in Toronto. April 23, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic bowed out of the playoffs with a crushing defeat to the Toronto Raptors on the road. The Raptors were simply the better team.

81. Final. 96. 38. 115

D.J. Augustin was desperately trying to get into the lane. The Orlando Magic were already down, trailing by as much as 24 points in the first quarter. And they were trying to claw their way back. Albeit too little too late.

As they had so many times in this series, the Toronto Raptors put their foot down and did so emphatically.

That is when D.J. Augustin met Marc Gasol. Augustin tried to shoot a floater and before the ball seemingly left Augustin’s hand, Gasol had it blocked, sending it careening toward the scorer’s table.

That was the kind of dominance the Raptors showed from the opening tip in a 115-96 closeout victory at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. The Magic’s spirit looked broken toward the end of Game 4. The quick spurt seemed to finish the job.

Orlando was never in this game. They missed some shots early and they seemed to let go of the rope trying to force things offensively. Meanwhile, Toronto could not miss. And they broke down a lackluster Orlando defense.

It took the Magic a while to find any footing. Orlando was too far down and unable to get its defense going. That led to frustration. Nikola Vucevic picked up his third foul midway through the second quarter, eliminating him for most of the first half. Aaron Gordon gave into frustration, bowling through Kyle Lowry on a charge for his third foul.

The team was searching for energy and a little bit of consistency. The team cut the lead to 12 in the second quarter with Khem Birch providing some energy off the bench. That was a nice bit of fight. But the Raptors’ starters came back in and re-extended the lead. Orlando had the fight in them, but once again lacked the execution to stop Toronto’s stars.

The Raptors finished shooting 48.2 percent and 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. Kawhi Leonard hit all five of his 3-pointers on his way to 27 points. Pascal Siakam added 24 points. Everyone on Toronto seemed able to contribute as the team opened up a 37-point lead.

The Magic scored the final 18 points to cut the lead to a respectable mark. But the season was long lost. And the season is now over.

C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. F. No one will fault <a href=

C. With Nikola Vucevic MIA, the Orlando Magic were struggling all series to find someone to step up and make up for his offensive absence. It was probably always asking a bit too much of <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

B-. D.J. Augustin had been very quiet since his Game 1 heroics. <a rel=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN

B+. If there was one glimmer of hope in this game, it came in the minutes <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH

A+. Orlando Magic coach <a href=. Toronto wins series 4-1. Game 1: vs. 76ers. TORONTO RAPTORS

Next. Orlando Magic offense dooms team. dark

The Raptors advance to the second round with a 4-1 win in the series. The Magic’s season is now over.