Orlando’s offensive play lacked any rhythm last night as Boston’s defence shut down the Magic. By the close the Celtics had won 116-83. The win extended Boston’s winning streak over Orlando to 9 games. It also saw Boston sweep the season 3-0. As a Magic fan it was an ugly game and not fun to watch.
The Magic failed to find any rhythm all night. From the field Orlando shot less than 36% and just over 19% with the three ball. In every category Orlando trailed but nowhere more starkly than on assists. With just 17 assists Orlando clearly displayed a lack of ball movement that blighted the attacks, along with a lot of fumbled ball handling.
However in a development season as fans we all knew there would be nights like this. The coach will certainly use some of the video as a learning experience.
Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 17 points, followed by Wendell Carter Jr with 14. They were the only two Magic players to score in double digits.
Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), Jalen Suggs (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Wendell Carter Jr (PF), Mo Bamba (C)
Magic Bench Unit – Gary Harris, Terrence Ross, Chuma Okeke, Moe Wagner, Admiral Schofield, Ignas Brazdeikis, Robin Lopez (DNP)
Up Next After Boston’s Defence Shut Down The Magic
After being mauled on offence by the Grizzlies and Boston’s defence shut down the Magic it is time to move on from this back-to-back. Orlando head West, as the Portland Trail Blazers await on Tuesday 8th February.
Orlando now has a record of 12 wins and 44 losses. The Magic are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and hold the worst record in the NBA. In the last 10 games played the Magic have won 4. The home record stands at 5 wins of 25 games played, whilst on the road it is 7 wins in 30 played. In points per game the Magic are scoring 102.9 whilst conceding 111.4. The efficiency rating for the Magic remains 28th on offence but dropped to 23rd defensively.
The Portland Trail Blazers
Orlando have lost 10 games straight to Portland, however head coach Chauncey Billups has not had the easiest first season in charge.
Damian Lillard, Cody Zeller, Nassir Little and Larry Nance Jr all remain out. They have recently traded Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe, Justice Winslow and Keon Johnson.
Portland played last on Saturday night (February 5th), losing at home 137-108 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Last Portland Starting Unit – Anfernee Simons (PG), CJ McCollum (SG), CJ Elleby (SF), Tony Snell (PF), Jusuf Nurkic (C)
Last Portland Bench Unit – Ben McLemore, Dennis Smith Jr, Trendon Watford, Justice Winslow, Greg Brown III, Keljin Blevins
Portland’s record is 21 wins and 33 losses, seeing them 11th in the Western Conference. Of the last 10 games played they have won 3 times, losing their last 5 games. At home Portland have 14 wins in 29 games played. In points per game the Trail Blazers score 107.8 whilst conceding 112.3, rating 20th on offence and 29th defensively.
Josh Cohen’s game reviews are available on the Orlando Magic website.
