A shorthanded Orlando Magic team fell to a heavy defeat in Houston at the hands of the Rockets, by 90-132. Orlando had little to offer in a very one-sided contest.
A SHORTHANDED ORLANDO MAGIC
We all saw the graphic about starting line-ups during the game broadcast and it made for sad reading.
The “if fit” Magic starters were Markelle Fultz, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Nikola Vucevic.
On the night Orlando started Cole Anthony, Dwayne Bacon, Gary Clark James Ennis III and Nikola Vucevic. It does not carry the same threat or offer the equivalent defensive muscle.
THE EFFORT
It is hard not to be disappointed at some of the effort from the team last night. Even with injuries a 42 point defeat is embarrassing and unacceptable.
Postgame saw an angry Coach Clifford. In the press conference he called out the players, being critical of a lack of readiness, effort and professionalism!
SCORING
Orlando managed only 33 points in the first half. That is just a single point more than Houston scored in the first quarter!
Orlando were led by Nikola Vucevic again with another double-double. He scored 22 points, whilst taking 12 rebounds.
In his first NBA start Cole Anthony scored 15 points, took 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
Mo Bamba scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, including two shots from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, having played around 9 minutes of the final quarter Bamba left the court and did not return. It was unclear if it was fatigue or an injury, appearing to be holding his back in discomfort.
DEFENCE
Orlando saw a familiar problem in the game as they were unable to defend the 3 ball. Houston rained in 22 from deep. Orlando also turned the ball over 12 times, whilst only making 2 blocks.
MOVING ON
A full game review by Josh Cohen on the Orlando Magic website can be read here.
Next up is Dallas.
