The Orlando Magic found a little offensive spark. But it was not enough for them to overcome the Dallas Mavericks in a late-game situation.
D.J. Augustin came around the screen to receive the inbounds and set up the most familiar play this Orlando Magic team has run in the last two years.
The clock was ticking down and D.J. Augustin had Nikola Vucevic ready to set a screen next to him. The familiar pick and roll with Augustin rocking to his left is what delivered the team a Playoff win last year.
The Dallas Mavericks were ready for it, cutting off Augustin’s drive. Nikola Vucevic popped out to the 3-point line and D.J. Augustin got the ball to him. Nikola Vucevic fired, believing the line of the ball was true over Dwight Powell‘s outstretched arm.
Like so many shots this year, the execution did not matter. The ball was just not going to go in. Not at this moment not for this team. Orlando had its chance again to get a win but fell short 107-106 in Dallas at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
Orlando set itself up to win the game thanks to some stellar defense. The Mavericks, the league’s best offense, failed to make a field goal for the final three minutes. But Orlando was unable to execute well enough down the stretch.
Aaron Gordon committed his fifth and sixth fouls on back-to-back possessions with offensive fouls.
The first one clearly incensed Aaron Gordon after the game, flat-out telling the media that 10 out of 10 times that play would have gone in his favor (and for an and-one at that). The second one, Gordon let his arm separate from his body, allowing the defender to sell the contact.
In either case, it was a misstep the Magic could not afford. Nor could they afford the missed shots down the stretch from various players. Orlando’s undoing after controlling much of the first half was quick shots and settling for jumpers.
The Magic made their living in this game attacking the paint (60 points in the paint), getting to the foul line (22 of 28 from the line) and attacking the offensive glass (10 offensive rebounds for 15 second-chance points). The Magic were energetic and eager to win. They stayed patient throughout much of the night.
No one should question this team’s effort or even their urgency. It is purely about execution and shot-making.
Those moments where they lacked patience on both ends is where the Mavericks succeed. Dallas struggled to get much going consistently offensively, especially late. Orlando’s top defenders did a good job eliminating Dallas’ best attackers. Except for a few critical moments, including a spate of fouls midway through the fourth quarter that had both teams in the penalty.
The Magic seemed to loosen the offense finally. It was reliable for them even without great 3-point shooting — still, a huge difference as Orlando made only 6 of 24 from beyond the arc. The defense was strong when it had to be.
But Orlando still comes down to shooting and shotmaking. And the Magic fell short even if the looks feel good.
The Orlando Magic return home Friday to start a five-game homestand against the Memphis Grizzlies.