Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic (32-38) lost to the Houston Rockets (45-25) 116-108 at the Kia Center on Wednesday.
The Magic’s inconsistent season continued as their shots failed to fall, once again highlighting their biggest deficiency: poor shooting. Orlando shot just 25% from three-point range and suffered offensive lulls in the first and third quarters.
The Rockets outscored the Magic 32-20 in the third quarter, forcing Orlando to battle back. This time, however, they lacked the necessary firepower.
“Ultimately, it comes down to breaking down zones,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We got some great looks. Our guys are going to keep stepping into those looks. I really do believe we got some spray-outs for some wide-open corner threes, some open wing threes…You are going to get the great looks with P (Paolo Banchero) and Franz (Wagner) generating those looks. You have to be able to continue to step in and knock them down.”
This marked the 35th time this season the Magic shot below 30% from three-point distance.
Paolo Banchero continued his strong season, leading the Magic with 31 points. Franz Wagner contributed 20, and Goga Bitadze added 19 points off the bench.
All five Houston starters scored in double figures, led by Jalen Green with 26 points. Jabari Smith Jr. added 13 points off the bench.
Orlando outscored Houston 60-46 in the paint and recorded five more assists than the Rockets. However, the Rockets hit two more three-pointers and made 12 more free throws. A 12-0 run by Houston midway through the third quarter also proved costly.
Against the current top eight teams in the Western Conference this season, the Magic are 1-13.
Orlando will look to bounce back on Friday when they travel to play the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m.
