The Magic finally got some of their guards back, but they really could have used a center.
In addition to Markelle Fultz making his season debut, Cole Anthony returned from a 16-game absence, the Magic’s defensive deficiencies were exposed as they were overpowered inside and on the boards in a 125-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
In his first shot attempt of the game, Fultz backed down Dejounte Murray in the post and hit a baby hook on the paint. He got right to work by doing so.
In addition to demonstrating early hustle by stripping the ball and diving to the court to obtain possession and create a transition opportunity for the Magic, he also did so.
In the first quarter, Fultz was replaced by Anthony after having an oblique injury that forced him to miss 16 games. Ross came back from an illness and hit two of the Magic’s three-pointers.
In the first quarter, the Magic shot 50 percent from the field, with Fultz making a midrange pull-up when he checked back in. Despite Atlanta missing all six of their deep shots, the Hawks shot 64 percent from the field. The Hawks made 16 of 19 two-point shots in the quarter, resulting in Atlanta leading by 38-27 after one. Capela, who scored 12 points in the first on 6-for-6 shooting, led Atlanta’s effort.
In the second quarter, Mosley tried out his new backcourt depth by putting Fultz and Anthony on the court together along with Gary Harris, Paolo Banchero, and Bol Bol.
However, the Atlanta Hawks’ efficient shooting continued throughout the second period, and they began making three-pointers. The Magic shot 38 percent in the period, but the Hawks’ shooting percentage remained high, resulting in them leading by as many as 21 points. Trae Young recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists in the first half as the Hawks led 70-50 at the break after shooting 58 percent.
The Hawks continued to dominate the Magic on the interior (11-for-15) and struggle from the perimeter (1-for-11) in the third period. Young tallied 15 points in the period, and Atlanta entered the final quarter with a 100-76 lead.
The Magic never got any closer than 15 points within in the fourth quarter.
Capela finished with 20 points on 9-for-10 shooting and 12 rebounds, while Young accumulated 30 points and 14 assists. Atlanta shot 69.4 percent inside the arc (43-of-62) and overwhelmed the Magic 49-33 on the boards, as Orlando gave up 14 second-chance opportunities.
Magic big man Franz Wagner scored a team-high 22 points, and Paolo Banchero had 20 points and five assists in a 115-99 rout of the Bulls on Tuesday night. Quiet night for Bol Bol, who got the start at center and had six points and five rebounds in 27 minutes.
Fultz finished with eight points on 3-for-8 shooting and four assists in 17 minutes. Anthony had 11 points on 3-for-7 shooting in 24 minutes. Ross had 12 points, including this dunk.
The Magic need to put together a better defensive game if they are going to start turning this season around. There are a lot of weapons in the Magic offensive but it means nothing if they can’t stop the progression of points from the other side.
