Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Post-Game Analysis
If there is one word to describe the Orlando Magic’s performance Christmas night in Oklahoma City, it would be FRUSTRATING. Although Orlando started the game hot making eight of their first nine shots, the remainder of the game reminded fans of the first-round playoff series last season against the Atlanta Hawks. Although it’s the first game of the season, every move Orlando makes will be magnified with the uncertainty of Dwight Howard’s future.
While Oklahoma City’s star Kevin Durant shined Sunday night scoring 30 points, Dwight Howard continued his Christmas Day struggles, scoring 11 points on just 4-of-11 shooting. Early in the first quarter, Orlando showed signs of a team putting the Howard trade distractions behind them. Hedo Turkgolu hit Dwight Howard with a pass in the lane leading to a dunk, and the team moved the ball well offensively.
However, after Oklahoma City went on a 13-2 run in the second quarter and jumped out to a 17-point lead, the air was let out of the Magic’s balloon. The Magic were down 55-41 at halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, Orlando had cut the lead to 10. The Magic defense stepped up forcing missed shots and turnovers on four straight Thunder possessions, however, Orlando returned the favor turning the ball over four times.
Oklahoma City’s Thabo Sefolosha drained a 24-foot three-pointer, and the Thunder never looked back. Oklahoma City closed out the fourth quarter defeating the Magic 97-89.
There were some positive aspects in tonight’s game. Ryan Anderson had the best performance for the Magic, landing a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jameer Nelson was the key to the Magic’s attempt to come back in the third quarter and ended the game with 18 points and six assists. Dwight Howard struggled offensively tonight, scoring just 11 points with 15 rebounds and two blocks.
Glen Davis and Jason Richardson, two key players who need to perform for Orlando to win, struggled throughout the night. J-Rich failed to find any type of rhythm, going 1-of-10 and managing only two points. Glen Davis, the leader of the preseason comeback win against Miami on Wednesday night, recorded only six points and five rebounds off the bench.
The rest of the Magic's bench also struggled. Orlando ended the first half with only four bench points, all coming from Glen Davis. JJ Redick scored just eight points (all of which resulted from free throws). The Thunder's bench outscored the Magic's bench 39-25, with nine of Orlando's bench points coming from Von Wafer at the end of the fourth quarter.
The Magic look to improve on tonight’s performance in their home opener against the Houston Rockets tomorrow night. Oklahoma City will travel to Minnesota to battle the Timberwolves.
