Let’s start from the top. Yes, the Magic gave a huge effort on defense (in the first half) against the mighty Golden State Warriors and mind blowing star Stephen Curry, who set a record for making a 3-point shot in his 128th consecutive game as fellas dropping a nickel +1 (51) on the boys in blue. The second half of the contest was forgettable for the Magic.
The Magic had been playing with some renewed energy since the all-star break, by beating the Dallas Mavericks, letting a close one slip by against the Indiana Pacers, and beating the Philadelphia 76ers. yes, they got the victory, but teams left the arenas with unacceptable field goal percentages. For example, the Warriors shot 60.1 percent and hit 13 3-pointers, while the Magic shot 45.6 percent with 10 threes. Philadelphia shot 57 percent in the first half and 59 percent through three periods to keep the Magic sweating. New York shot 46.3 percent and buried the Magic with 30 free throws on 36 attempts. The defense needs to be fixed, and fast.
The Magic have a slim chance of making this year’s playoffs. They face the 76ers tonight at the Amway center in Orlando.
