National Basketball Association

Orlando Magic Grades: Chicago Bulls 112, Orlando Magic 80

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Orlando Magic laid an egg against the Chicago Bulls. Their offensive and defensive execution were not strong at all and it was another puzzling game.

VS.

	1	2	3	4	T
Magic	24	28	11	17	80
Bulls	37	24	27	24	112

The Orlando Magic had been living on the edge it seems with their first three wins. They had to fight back in each of them, putting together killer fourth quarters to eke out and hold onto the win. They always found that extra gear to stay in the game.

Of course, that was what happened in the first three wins. In the first three games — all losses — the Magic could not find that extra gear. Their opponents overwhelmed them when they struggled to make shots and took advantage of their frustration for fast-break points.

When the Magic lose, they are losing spectacularly.

Orlando cut a 17-point lead to five points early in the third quarter. It looked like that fight would be there and the Magic would again grit their way to a victory (or at least a close game). Then the lids sealed shut on the basket and the Magic could not figure out how to get things going offensively.

The defense was a mess from the beginning of the game. The Magic were digging themselves deeper into the hole with their own poor decisions and bad shot making.

The Chicago Bulls won 112-80 at United Center, holding the Magic to 26 points in the second half. This is the Orlando Magic team everyone feared would show up. And perhaps it will show up from time to time throughout the season. The reality is this team is not very good offensively.

And that offense still can affect their defense and defensive intensity. Of course, the Magic never really had that. Needing some strong offense to keep pace early before the Bulls pulled fully and finally ahead.

Chicago was the more aggressive, assertive and physical team on both ends of the floor. And it showed as they dominated throughout the game. The Magic never had a chance so long as their defense remained as disconnected and porous as it was tonight.

Serge Ibaka

PF, Orlando Magic

Those times seem few and far between. Ibaka is not the last line of defense the Magic need right now. Oftentimes, he is not even on the last line of defense. Ibaka has looked a step slow sliding into help on rotations. Either that or the effort is not there to cover for his teammates and defend the rim. Ibaka’s defensive problems continue to be a big issue for him and the Magic.

Ibaka had his moments. He scored seven points and grabbed seven rebounds in the game. He showed some activity around the basket on offense and hit a few jumpers.

But Ibaka’s defense continues to stick out like a sore thumb. And frustratingly so.

Aaron Gordon

SF, Orlando Magic

Gordon led the team with 15 points on 6-for-15 shooting. He looks more and more comfortable taking shots off the dribble and even driving to the basket. Gordon is making some things work. It is not quite efficient yet. But slowly teams will respect his shooting more and more.

And then there is his defense. Gordon still sometimes leaves his feet on pump fakes. Those will continue to decrease with experience. Still there is the foundation for one of the best defenders in the league. He had several possessions defending Jimmy Butler where he locked him down. And those possessions are becoming more frequent.

On a night when few players played defense, Gordon was the one guy who looked like he was ready to commit on that end.

D.J. Augustin

PG, Orlando Magic

The exact opposite happened in the second quarter of Monday’s game. The Magic’s second unit was lifeless, unable to defend and unable to generate offense. Augustin was constantly getting blown up on screen and rolls and unable to initiate the offense. He was turning it over and the Magic could never find their rhythm.

Augustin scored six points on 2-for-10 shooting. He was not credited with any turnovers, but his poor play at point guard hurt the Magic as they fell further and further behind.

Nikola Vucevic

C, Orlando Magic

Vucevic finished the game with 11 points on 5-for-8 shooting. All of his production came in the first quarter. Defensively he contested Robin Lopez, but often gave up deep position. He did about all he could in help side.

But Vucevic has to demand the ball. When Orlando is struggling on offense, Vucevic has to be the guy they turn to for buckets. He is efficient in the post and a solid player in screen and rolls. Yet the Magic did not go to him. At all. He was invisible after his big first quarter

Vucevic is an incredibly important player for this Magic team. They need him to be a presence. He was in the first quarter. He was not thr rest of the game.

Chicago Bulls

4-3, 7th Eastern Conference

They did not play defense well to start the game, but they were the ones to buckle down. The team with one of the worst defensive ratings in this early season shut down the Orlando Magic. And they did all this while only making three 3-pointers.

The Bulls perfectly played the Magic defensively to create fast break opportunities. They did not have to be efficient, they just had to be patient and aggressive. Orlando wilted, struggling to keep Chicago drivers in front of them and struggling to keep pace in what turned into a track meet. That is the kind of game the Magic are not likely to win.