Orlando Magic need Aaron Gordon to shake off preseason shooting woes

Early Struggles

It was hard to argue with many of Aaron Gordon’s shots even in this difficult stretch.

He was attacking the basket, trying to get to the line and just missing. Perhaps he was forcing things, especially in the games against the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers without Nikola Vucevic.

Gordon just hoped things would work when the lights turned on for real. Nobody seemed worried.

"“I’m just getting ready for the season, shooting shots, trying to find my rhythm,” Gordon said after last week’s preseason loss to the Heat. “The last three games havebeen good at all. Just continue to play, I’m excited for the lights to come on and have it be winning time.”"

Things started off seemingly the same way for Gordon in Wednesday’s opener.

He got the ball on the block with Cedi Osman defending him. He sealed and turned for a hook shot that fell off no good.

No one would complain about the execution of this play or the look Gordon got. A little running hook is exactly what the play is designed to create.

But like the game against the Miami Heat, and like the final three preseason games, Gordon struggled to get himself going. His shots just would not fall. Gordon finished with nine points on 2-for-8 shooting.

Gordon’s scoring woes appeared to continue.