Magic Loss vs. Grizzlies Reflection of Entire Season

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic may have lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, but there was a lot to like in the team's loss ... similar to the vibes the team has had all year long.

"They hit us in the mouth early," head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "I think that was not being able to step into the game right away, but that's been this group all year. The ability to compete night in and night out no matter what's happening, down 23, not hanging our heads but just continuing to fight."

This season, the Magic was hit in the mouth early because the team wasn't able to step into the game right away. Orlando dealt with injuries to several players, including Markelle Fultz, Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony early on, which led to a disastrous 5-20 start.

But plummeting to the bottom of the NBA standings didn't change the Magic's competitive edge. Since that 5-20 start, Orlando has played above .500 with a 27-24 record, a mark that would have the team competing in the play-in. Out of those 24 losses, 10 of those have come by six points or less, some of which have come against the league's best teams, like the Grizzlies.

Sure, the Magic hasn't been perfect, but what team with an average age of 23.7, third-youngest in the NBA, is supposed to be? Given the circumstances, Orlando hasn't been too shabby and is expected to take a leap next season like the one it has taken this season.

While Tuesday night's game ended in a loss and the season will likely end in missing the playoffs, the Magic's identity has been solidified. Orlando will compete and continue to fight no matter what, and teams that do that should eventually figure it out and become contenders.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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