Magic Lose Third Straight

Published: 29^th Jan 12 8:06 pm

by Sean Rollins
seanrollins

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Derick Hingle-US Presswire

The struggles in Orlando continue as the Magic (12-8) fell to the Indiana Pacers (13-6) Sunday night 106-85 at Amway Center.

With starting point guard Jameer Nelson out with concussion-like symptoms, his presence was missed immediately. Chris Duhon, who started in place of Nelson, turned the ball over four times in less than six minutes. The Magic would end the first quarter with an amazing 11 turnovers. The Magic turned the ball over 14 times in the first 17 minutes of the game. At the end of the first quarter the Pacers led the Magic 29-22. After Indiana built their lead up to 15 during the second quarter, the Magic made a comeback late in the quarter and would go on an 18-2 run taking a 51-48 lead into the half.

The game turned in the third quarter as the Pacers took over outscoring Orlando 32-17. They continued to push their lead in the fourth quarter outscoring the Magic 26-17 as the Magic fell for the third straight time losing their fourth game in their last five games. Orlando has now lost by more than twenty in three of those four losses.

Statistically Dwight Howard was the bright spot for the Magic scoring 24 points and grabbing 13 rebounds but he also missed 11 of his 15 free throws as his free throw percentage continues to be his biggest weakness. A small improvement from Friday night is that three other Magic players scored in double figures. Though the Magic shot 48% in the game, they only shot 40% in the third quarter.

As the fans started streaming out of the arena during the fourth quarter, their boos were louder than they have been all season. Whether this is just a tired team playing nine games in 14 days or the implosion of a once promising season, this is a slide the Magic cannot afford to let go much longer in this shortened season.

Up Next: The Magic will fly to Philadelphia to face the 76ers Monday night. The Sixers are 14-6 this season and coming off of a 21-point win over Detroit at home Saturday night.

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