Orlando Magic Grades: Toronto Raptors 104, Orlando Magic 95
The Orlando Magic again struggled to get their offense going with their star players struggling the most in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.
95. 38. 104. 81. Final
Things clicked on for the Orlando Magic so quickly and suddenly.
Three-and-a-half quarters of frustration and false starts finally seemed to kick into overdrive. Coach Steve Clifford found the right combinations and the Magic were finally able to make that final push over the top.
Jonathan Isaac was a key part of the 13-0 run that gave the Magic a brief lead. He hit a 3-pointer and then erased a Serge Ibaka shot, injecting some needed energy into the team. Terrence Ross would complete the run with a 3-pointer.
As much as Orlando struggled offensively, the team had its chance to win once again. No one could fault the Magic for staying in the fight and grinding their way to a chance at a win.
Just as quickly as the offense turned on, it turned off again.
Kyle Lowry answered a Markelle Fultz layup with a 3-pointer, working his way around a screen to get the space to fire. The Toronto Raptors were in the lead for good. The Magic were unable to respond.
They returned to rushed shots and forced offense that dug them in a hole. The team lost its precision and rhythm that keyed their surprise comeback. The Raptors were able to hit over the top of good defense.
Orlando let some frustration go with some poor shot and foul choices down the stretch. The Magic can say they fought and kept their cool. . . at least, until the end. There the Raptors took control for a 104-95 win at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.
The Magic again struggled with their shot. They have yet to clear 100 points in any game this season.
Orlando shot 38.2 percent from the floor in the game. The team settled for a lot of 3-pointers too throughout the game — shooting 12 for 39 from deep. The Magic failed to move the ball and create paint touches.
That stagnated the offense. And the defense slipped in the early part of the game as the Raptors were able to get out in transition and score. Orlando was sloppy, careless and lethargic. The Raptors easily camped on their imprecise execution.
The Magic found some energy with some smaller lineups. Their bench was again a saving grace with Markelle Fultz, Michael Carter-Williams, Al-Farouq Aminu and Jonathan Isaac especially setting an energetic tone.
That eventually lifted the rest of the team. And it got them back in the game. As bad as things were, Orlando still had its chance to win the game.
But offensive execution remains the Magic’s biggest issue. And late in the game, Orlando could not get the shots it needed.
<a href=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. F
C-. Just like Nikola Vucevic, the Orlando Magic need more from <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON
F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC. A+. Jonathan Isaac though had the best game of his career. The Orlando Magic stayed in the game seemingly because of Isaac’s constant energy, defensive pressure and shot-making. Isaac was not creating off the dribble, but when the ball found him, he delivered. Isaac consistently made good decisions and made his shots.<p>Isaac scored a career-high 24 points, making 7 of his 10 shots and five of his seven 3-pointers. He hit on five free throws too, showing his ability to get to the line. When he got the ball around the rim, he finished and he converted in transition.</p><p>Still, Isaac’s offense is a bonus (and a shame the Magic wasted this kind of a game from Isaac). It is his defense where he makes a huge impact. After struggling some with <a rel=
C+. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
B+. The Toronto Raptors seemingly had that continuity bump the Orlando Magic were hoping for. The Magic’s starting lineup is struggling right now and they look like they are figuring out how to play together again. The Raptors meanwhile could blitz the Magic early and take command. They looked together and focused early on.<p>The Raptors have a mess of arms to throw at teams like the Magic too. OG Anunoby has proven to be a solid energy addition to that starting lineup. He frustrated Aaron Gordon for much of the early part of the game. There is a lot working for Toronto including the stellar play of Pascal Siakam (24 points) and Kyle Lowry (26 points).</p><p>The Raptors still have growth to make though. Orlando settled down and the team’s defense shut Toronto down for long stretches. The Raptors have a mess of arms, but their shooting is still coming around outside of Lowry. And Orlando took advantage. This was a battle of two good defensive teams and it proved to be that.</p>. 3-1. 2nd East. TORONTO RAPTORS
Next. Orlando Magic will only go as far as their offense will take them. dark
The Orlando Magic return home to start a three-game homestand. They play next Wednesday against the New York Knicks.