Orlando got themselves off to another good start and held their own for much of the first half. But the Magic lose three straight at home to the Jazz, 109-124.
ANOTHER LINEUP CHANGE
Before the game the Orlando Magic announced James Ennis III would miss the game due to a sore left calf.
Already missing Cole Anthony and Aaron Gordon, Ennis would miss the game, Dwayne Bacon was back into the starting lineup.
James Ennis III had started the previous four games.
FIRST QUARTER
Both teams started slowly on the offensive end, Utah playing in their second night of a back to back after losing to Miami Friday.
Orlando forced 4 turnovers in the opening quarter but failed to make much of an impact on offensively, shooting just 36% from the field.
Keeping the Jazz out of the paint was going to be a real key for the Magic but Utah scored 12 of their 22 first quarter points in the paint.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic in scoring with 7 points but really struggled with the length of Rudy Gobert, a theme that would continue.
SECOND QUARTER
The Jazz were a lot more efficient in the second quarter getting balanced scoring from both the starters and the bench unit.
Mo Bamba getting the back up minutes gave the Magic a lift with 5 points including a 3-pointer and a put back dunk.
Orlando and Utah both went 11-22 in the quarter, both making six 3-pointers.
The Jazz really won the quarter by getting to the free throw line nine times, Utah led by 4 points at the half.
WHERE THE GAME WAS LOST
Utah come out of the locker room a lot sharper, turning the screw as they outscored Orlando 33-26.
All Star Donovan Mitchell was outstanding who poured on 15 of his 31 points in the third quarter going 5-8 from the field.
Orlando’s struggles from beyond the three point line and inability to get to the free throw line allowed the Jazz to take control.
Despite 11 points from Nikola Vucevic in the third and 7 from Evan Fournier, they got little help offensively to keep the game close.
FINAL QUARTER
The damage had already been done, the Jazz who led by 11 after three quarters continued to hold Orlando at arms length.
Mo Bamba knocked down two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, a welcome sign for Magic fans.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nikola Vucevic had himself another night with 34 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, making five 3-pointers.
Orlando allowed too many offensive rebounds and second chance points which led to wide open threes.
Evan Fournier and Terrance Ross combined for 11-36 (26 points), when they both struggle it’s always going to be a tough night.
UP NEXT
After the Magic lose three straight, they stay home to face the Dallas Mavericks (16-16) on Monday, who’ve won 7 of their last 9 games.
A full game review by Josh Cohen on the Orlando Magic website can be read here.
