Orlando Magic Grades: Charlotte Hornets 123, Orlando Magic 115

A poor defensive performance cost the Orlando Magic as they suffered back-to-back preseason defeats with a home loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

170. 115. 38. Final. 123

In what was the first Orlando Magic game to take place at the Amway Center since March, Steve Clifford’s team put in a miserable first quarter showing which saw them go down by 14 heading into the second. They rallied to get back into the game, but ultimately never could corral the Charlotte Hornets in a 123-115 loss.

Charlotte made just 12 of 27 shots in the first quarter, but hit four 3-pointers and turned five offensive rebounds into four points to stymie Orlando and keep the team from establishing a good rhythm early.

The Hornets scored 32 points in the opening quarter as the magic just looked a step slow in all phases of the game.

The starting group struggled to rebound the ball, presenting the energetic Hornets with plenty of opportunities to score, and they did not track shooters on the perimeter which gave Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier plenty of early opportunities from beyond the arc.

Foul problems again proved to be an issue, with the Magic lacking concentration on defense which contributed to the team struggling to gain any momentum. This was not helped by the number of turnovers either, Orlando giving the ball back to their opponents on five occasions in the first quarter alone and 19 for the game — leading directly to 22 Charlotte points.

Things improved defensively, particularly in the second half, but it was not enough.

Every time the Magic cut the lead the Hornets would come right back with a made three, shooting an impressive 43.9-percent from behind the line compared to Orlando’s 32.4-percent.

It was another lesson in what good shooting teams can do. The Atlanta Hawks punished Clifford’s team with a fine shooting display in the last preseason game and the Charlotte Hornets made the most of a lackluster defensive effort to knock down plenty of threes, often finding space in the corners with rookie LaMelo Ball making the most of these chances.

The starting five did little to provide confidence going into the season, but the team’s second unit, which included rookies Cole Anthony and Chuma Okeke showed several positive signs.

Anthony once again demonstrated his tremendous energy and passion for the game, creating opportunities for his teammates and opening up space with his speed.

He scored 11 of his 13 points in the first quarter to give the team a much-needed spark. He also knocked down three of his four three-point attempts.

A fantastic second quarter for the 20-year-old helped his team cut the lead, while his fellow rookie, Okeke, demonstrated his own shooting ability by knocking down two of his four threes.

Nikola Vucevic led the team on a great run at the start of the third quarter with seven points in the first four minutes, taking the load on offense as he has done so often in a Magic jersey. He finished with 27 points on 12-for-20 shooting, adding 12 rebounds for good measure.

But as the lead for Charlotte narrowed, Charlotte continued to hit back with devastating shots from outside, killing Orlando’s momentum in the process.

The Magic fought until the very end despite a disappointing defensive performance. The lead was cut to three late in the fourth as both Dwayne Bacon and Markelle Fultz found their rhythm but two Gary Clark turnovers killed any chance of a comeback and ensured the Hornets came out with the victory.

This is only the preseason, and it is very possible that the Magic have been holding something back.

Nonetheless, there are very real concerns that Clifford must address before the opening game with the Miami Heat in less than a week. Most of all ensuring that his team are locked in defensively and are playing with intensity from the very start.

Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. A. Nikola Vucevic started the game off slowly but really came into his own as time went on. He started the third quarter brilliantly, recording seven points in just the first four minutes and knocking down shots from all over the court including from 3-point range. He took the responsibility on offense and gave his team a fighting chance, finishing with 27 points and 12 rebounds.Defensively there were vulnerabilities. Cody Zeller did not have a ton of joy but the Charlotte Hornets’ pacey backcourt felt comfortable driving at the center and were able to finish around him. He did seem capable of blitzing pick and rolls which the Magic have done more of this preseason. But the team is still learning how to defend with this pick-and-roll scheme.What the team needs from Vucevic is his offense, however, and seeing him getting back to his usual level is very encouraging ahead of the new NBA season.. C

Orlando Magic. COLE ANTHONY. A-. Much like Chuma Okeke, it was another hugely promising display from the young point guard, Cole Anthony. He led the second unit with immense confidence, using his speed to create opportunities for his teammates, and he displayed great court awareness and vision. His total of four assists does not tell the whole story, with his teammates often missing good looks created by Anthony’s play.What is also clear from watching Anthony in the preseason is he can shoot. He enjoyed a fantastic second quarter where he displayed excellent 3-point shooting. These were good looks at the basket. But for a team that regularly does not make the most of these opportunities, it is fantastic to see someone knocking down shots with ease.. PG

B. Chuma Okeke once again showed his shooting ability, knocking down two threes with one of them coming from the result of some fantastic play from his fellow rookie, Cole Anthony. The Orlando Magic struggled immensely shooting from beyond the arc last season simply due to a lack of good shooters. So the early signs Okeke has shown are hugely encouraging heading into the new season.He also demonstrated the ability to create for his teammates, including a fantastic pass to Terrence Ross for an easy dunk. Okeke is a clever basketball player with the ability to pull off some fantastic passes to partner his confidence shooting threes.The 22-year-old has also shown his defensive potential, often guarding his opponents well and forcing them into difficult shots or making them look elsewhere. There were mistakes, however, with Okeke sometimes switching off from his assignments. Overall though another solid showing for the young forward who is still finding his feet after such a long spell out with injury.. F. Orlando Magic. CHUMA OKEKE

Evan Fournier really struggled to get it going against the Charlotte Hornets, giving plenty of fodder to his critics. Fournier got several good looks at the basket from 3-point range but failed to make them count, going 0 for 4 from beyond the arc. His team cannot afford for him to have shooting dips like this if next season is to be a success.He finished with just four points and contributed to that terrible start defensively which saw Charlotte build up a big lead.A positive was his two blocks but the guard also failed to take care of the ball with four turnovers. With Anthony impressing, the pressure will be on Fournier to deliver this season. . G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C

1-2. 9th East. CHARLOTTE HORNETS. A-. The Charlotte Hornets look a much-improved team from last year. Even without Gordon Hayward through injury, the deadly backcourt of Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham posed a threat from deep while the Magic struggled to deal with their pace. Rozier scored 13 of his 20 points in the first quarter and made three 3-pointers while Graham had 18 with four 3-point makes.<div class=

LaMelo Ball was fantastic off the bench, displaying top-level court vision and passing as well as some excellent three-point shooting. Ball finished with 18 points, making 4 of his 9 3-point shots after struggling against the Toronto Raptors in the Charlotte Hornets’ opening preseason games. He added five assists including several lobs to Miles Bridges.

Head coach James Borrego will want an improvement defensively though. They gave up too many points in the paint (50) as well as second chance buckets (22) which will hold the team back if it continues in the regular season. What is clear though is that the Hornets will be a real threat to the Magic’s challenge for playoffs.

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The Charlotte Hornets look a much-improved team from last year. Even without Gordon Hayward through injury, the deadly backcourt of Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham posed a threat from deep while the Magic struggled to deal with their pace. Rozier scored 13 of his 20 points in the first quarter and made three 3-pointers while Graham had 18 with four 3-point makes.