On the second night of a back-to-back for both teams it was a dull loss in Dallas for Orlando by a scoreline of 92-108. The Magic made mistakes and lacked energy in the face of a swarming Mavericks defence. As so often this season fouls and turnovers were a huge part of Orlando’s downfall.
A low scoring game saw Orlando register less than 27% when shooting from deep.
As mentioned above fouls and turnovers were an issue for the Magic. The Mavericks took 38 free throws amassing a 32 point haul from it. Both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis lived at the line. The 15 turnovers committed by Orlando gave Dallas a further 21 points. Against a team not renowned for rebounding the Magic were outplayed on the glass at both ends, seeing Dallas grab 12 offensive rebounds.
Magic Top Performers
Robin Lopez joint led the Magic scoring with 16 points, making 8 of his 9 field goal attempts.
Jalen Suggs continued where he left off in Charlotte. Also registering 16 points he played with determination and strength.
Moe Wagner was the third Magic player to score 16 points. As always he was the thorn that got under the opposition skin.
Cole Anthony was the only other Magic player to make double-digit scoring with 12 points.
Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Chuma Okeke (PF), Robin Lopez (C)
Magic Bench Unit –Jalen Suggs, Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross, Moe Wagner, RJ Hampton, Admiral Schofield, Ignas Brazdeikis
Moving On After A Dull Loss In Dallas For Orlando
Josh Cohen’s game reviews are available on the Orlando Magic website.
Orlando’s record is now 8 wins and 36 losses, which sees the Magic remain last in the Eastern Conference. Of the last 10 games played the Magic have won 1. The home record stands at 2 wins of 17 games played, whilst on the road it is 6 wins in 27 played. In points per game the Magic score 101.9 whilst conceding 110.8, rating 28th on offence and 24th defensively.
Orlando now return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday 17th January (U.K. midnight Tuesday).
The Portland Trail Blazers
Portland have not been the expected force this season.
Portland’s record is 17 wins and 25 losses, seeing them 10th in the Western Conference. Of the last 10 games played they have won 4 times, including their last game. At home Portland have a decent record at 14 wins in 25 games played. On the road is a different matter, with just 3 wins in 17 played. In points per game the Trail Blazers score 108.9 whilst conceding 113.1, rating 12th on offence and 29th defensively.
Portland won last night in Washington, beating the Wizards by 115-110. Anfernee Simons leading the scoring with 31 points.
They were without Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Cody Zeller and Larry Nance Jr but expect this situation to have improved by Tuesday night.
Portland Starting Unit – Anfernee Simons (PG), Ben McLemore (SG), Nassir Little (SF), Robert Covington (PF), Jusuf Nurkic (C)
Portland Bench Unit – Dennis Smith Jr, Tony Snell, CJ Elleby, Trendon Watford, Keljin Blevins
