Orlando Magic Grades: Houston Rockets 130, Orlando Magic 107
James Harden scored 54 points and left the Orlando Magic’s defense scratching its head for answers in a home loss to the Houston Rockets.
Final. 130. 169. 107. 38
Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier could only shake his head as Dante Marchitelli interviewed him before halftime against the Houston Rockets on Friday.
The big problem was the obvious one. Russell Westbrook was making a living driving straight to the basket and finishing over a retreating defense that was doing little to slow him down or make him think about anything but the basket.
But the big scoreline and the big story was James Harden. He had a field day in the second quarter, scoring 18 on his way to 54 points for the game.
As Evan Fournier gathered his thoughts to think about what there was to say he simply said, “Shit, he made tough shots.”
That was certainly the case in the first half. Orlando was clinging to some hope behind Fournier’s performance. And then the bottom just fell out.
The Magic could no longer watch Harden hit step-back shot after step-back shot. They had to start pressing up on him and sending Khem Birch to double. And the Rockets became clinical, taking the Magic’s defense apart to the tune of 22 3-pointers on just 38 attempts.
This Magic team that still struggles so much to score, is not coming back from that. Especially with Harden still able to rip apart the defense and get his shots in.
The Rockets had no trouble defeating the Magic 130-107 at the Amway Center on Friday, riding Harden all the way to the finish.
No one could blame the Magic too much for the struggles. Orlando trailed by seven at the break with the only real issue being some lax transition defense trying to slow down Westbrook.
Orlando got its transition defense settled, but then could not slow down Harden.
He started to cook in the second quarter where he scored 18 points and added another 13 in the third. Orlando was doing its best to keep it close, but ultimately could blame a stagnant offense for slowing things down.
The Magic shot 44 percent for the game, but still hit 15 of 37 3-pointers and dished out 24 assists. The Rockets were switching every screen — from all positions — making it difficult for the Magic to get into the paint. That poor shooting was enough to be the difference.
Houston hit 22 3-pointers, Orlando hit 15. The Magic lost by 23. So each step-back from Harden and then, ultimately, everyone else. The Rockets made 22 of 39 from the outside, Ben McLemore hitting 6 of 7 as the Magic had to pull more defenders to slow down James Harden.
The Magic really had no answers. Maybe nobody could have any answers with the way Harden was playing.
A-. There is not a whole lot more that needs to be said about Evan Fournier. The guy is doing everything he can to drag the Orlando Magic to at least level with <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
B. The Orlando Magic were more than game to compete with the Houston Rockets for at least a half. Evan Fournier was one half of the reason. The other was <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON
C-. <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN
C. Khem Birch will likely be exiting the rotation when Nikola Vucevic likely returns to the lineup on Sunday. His time as the starter was certainly mixed with some inspired play but also some really poor play and a lot to be desired. Some of Birch’s weaknesses certainly made it clear how much the Orlando Magic miss Vucevic.<p>Birch though finished with a solid defensive game — albeit an uncomfortable one. He did a generally good job shading James Harden and protecting the lane while still being able to contest lobs to <a rel=. C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH
4th West. HOUSTON ROCKETS. A+. For most teams relying solely on two players to do the bulk of the scoring would be a bad thing. Having only two guys dominating the ball and having the defense load up against them would be a sign of a loss. This is not most teams. How the Houston Rockets played on Friday is exactly how they want to play.<p>It may still be imperfect with Russell Westbrook and James Harden seemingly taking turns on who dominates. But there is a ton of danger if they figure out the right balance. Both players are very unselfish and will make the right play, taking what the defense gives them and moving the ball quickly to the open man. That is what both did all night.</p><p>It took Westbrook going first, speeding up the pace and attacking the rim to discourage the defense before Harden picked the Magic apart first with his shotmaking and then with his drives and kicks. Orlando’s defense was scrambled and they had no answers to slow the Rockets down. Maybe nobody would.</p>. 17-8
Next. Orlando Magic eager to welcome back Nikola Vucevic. dark
The Orlando Magic are 11-14 and head back on the road to start a four-game West Coast trip in New Orleans against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.