5 Things We Learned from Orlando Magic's 89-97 Loss to Oklahoma City

After a wonderful start by the Orlando Magic in Oklahoma City, things quickly died and the Thunder rose in the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The Magic started 8-9 in the first quarter as center Dwight Howard showed off his new and improved glass jump shot. But things changed as Orlando shot just 22 percent from the field over the last three quarters. Superman Dwight Howard was less than stellar with only nine points entering the fourth.

After their hot start to the game, the Magic missed 13 shots in the second quarter and scored 19 points to OKC's 28.

A lot is to be said for Orlando's poor performance against the Thunder on Christmas Day. Lack of defense, poor shooting and just an overall bad showing. But it was just the first game of the year, and the Magic have a few more to correct some of their issues.

Before the Magic travel back to Orlando to take on the Rockets Monday night, here are five things we learned about their loss to the Thunder.

Dwight Howard Doesn’t Like To Play on Christmas

I saw a stat featured during Sunday's game that Dwight has a 23 percent field goal percentage on Christmas Day. I don't believe that Howard will ever play for the Magic again on Christmas Day, but if he remains with Orlando, please remind the NBA that Orlando should not play on Jesus' birthday.

Howard had his usual high number of rebounds with 14 for the night, but he only logged 11 points. The Magic move best when Dwight has his game going and on Sunday night, maybe his mind was elsewhere—as it always seems to be on Xmas Day.

Howard will play better. I don't think that this was a performance that he just mailed in. He just doesn't play well on holidays, I guess.

Ryan Anderson’s Coming out Party?

Despite Orlando’s poor showing, Ryan Anderson kept shooting. He had 25 points on the night with 10 rebounds and one assist. I would say that’s a pretty efficient night for Anderson.

The wanna be rap star got the start over Glen Davis and showed why he should keep it (via The Orlando Pinstriped Post). Well, that and Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy has Davis as his back-up center and doesn’t want him to get into foul trouble.

Nevertheless, Anderson played well and was the bright spot for an otherwise dark night for Orlando.

Magic Are Lazy on Defense

I'm sure if I were to say to Van Gundy—or even mention it to him a post game presser—I would get my writing pad handed to me. But from what I could see, the Magic looked loose around the basket and failed to switch or get back on defense more than a few times.

There isn't much defense for a player like Kevin Durant, but he had a healthy 30 points with point guard Russell Westbrook chipping in 14.

It was the first regular season game of the year and it was on the road. I won't put much stock into a loss like this, but the Magic have to do a better job defending.

Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu Go Combined 4 for 20

Should I type that stat again? Between Richardson and Turk, they hit four shots on 20 attempts. No team can win games consistently when two of their starters who can score hit four baskets.

It may take a little while for Orlando to gel as they have new pieces, but the effort from Rich and Turk are reminiscent of their playoff performances against the Hawks last year.

Jameer Nelson Is Good When He’s Aggressive

Jameer is not going to get you 25 a night with 15 assists and seven rebounds. But what he can do is provide a needed spark when Orlando is down.

Nelson turned in an 18-point performance with six assists but no three pointers.

He's a serviceable point guard but expendable. He seems to get better each season, but he's at his best when he drives the lane to draw the defense. He's small and quick enough to pass defenders and can slice and dish to Dwight or to a wing man when he does get aggressive.

I wish that we could see more of that Jameer instead of the three-point slinging version we too often receive.

Magic Return Home Monday To Play Houston

The Magic are officially 0-1 for the year and have 65 games remaining. They return home to Orlando on Monday to face the Houston Rockets to try and even up their record for the season.