Magic PG Cole Anthony Reveals Reason Behind Loss vs. Pacers
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is in unfamiliar territory after losing consecutive games for the first time since mid-January. The second of those losses came Sunday in a 111-97 defeat at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.
While the Magic started off strong, building a double-digit lead in the first half, the advantage was short-lived. The Pacers cut their deficit to three by halftime and blew the game open in the third quarter by outscoring the Magic 39-21 in the frame.
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“We stopped moving that rock, we started trying to get into a lot more isolation and there’s times where that would work and there’s times where it won’t," point guard Cole Anthony said. "That’s two games straight we’re shooting under 40% from the field.”
The Magic shot 37.5 percent from the field and scored under 100 points for the second consecutive game. Anthony mentioned that it is difficult to beat playoff-caliber teams when shots aren't falling, and he's right. But the best way to combat missed shots is to keep passing the ball in order to get a better look.
The Magic also struggled to defend in the third quarter against the Pacers, who have the second-best offense in the NBA. Ultimately, Indiana saw Orlando struggling and put a foot on the gas.
Orlando tried clawing back in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late for the Magic.
The Magic are back in action on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
