The Magic Insider

Magic major issue exposed in loss vs. Bulls

The Orlando Magic are on a losing streak after falling to the Chicago Bulls at home.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero dribbles past Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero dribbles past Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams. | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

In this story:


The Orlando Magic are going home disappointed for a second straight night after falling to the Chicago Bulls 110-98 on Saturday night inside the Kia Center.

The Magic finished dead last in the league last season in 3-point shooting and a lack of growth was shown against the Bulls. The Magic made just 3 of 24 shots from downtown in the loss to the Bulls.

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner takes a shot over Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner takes a shot over Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro. | Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Magic offense struggles mightily against Bulls

From the beginning of the game, it was clear the Magic were going to struggle on offense. Calls that were made in the game against the Atlanta Hawks were not being made, which appeared to throw the team off a bit.

Despite the Magic's offensive woes, the team was in it for most of the game. Orlando was within just three points at the end of the third quarter, but Chicago pulled off a run in the fourth that sealed the game for them.

As a team, the Magic shot just over 39 percent from the field. It's hard to win any game in the NBA shooting at a clip that low.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic in scoring with 24 points, but it came on an inefficient 7 of 21 from the field. He made the first of Orlando's 3-pointers, but couldn't get any others to fall.

Anthony Black had 19 points, while Franz Wagner dropped 17 and Desmond Bane had 14 of his own.

For the Bulls, seven players scored in double figures. Josh Giddey led the way with 21, while Jalen Smith had 16, Ayo Dosunmo and Nikola Vucevic dropped 15, Tre Jones scored 13, Patrick Williams added 12 and Kevin Huerter put up 11 points.

The Magic will have to show some growth in that area throughout the season if they are going to be taken seriously as a contender in the Eastern Conference. The team will make some adjustments before they head out on the road to try and get the ship back on track.

The Magic will hope to bounce back on Monday when they begin a five-game road trip in the City of Brotherly Love against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

More Orlando Magic Stories

Magic face 'good problem' after beating Heat

Five questions ahead of Hawks vs. Magic matchup

Magic won't have key starter vs. Bulls

One reason why Magic lost vs. Hawks

Magic rookie makes NBA debut vs. Bulls


Published | Modified
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Share on XFollow JeremyBrener