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