The Orlando Magic lost to the Portland Trail Blazers 128-114 at home Wednesday, falling to 2-3 on the season.
The Blazers came out strong and it never seemed to cool down from then. The Magic were playing from behind most of the game but made it a close game in the fourth quarter. The Magic cut down the Blazers lead but were unable to stop key plays on defense.
Blazers Guard Damian Lillard said after the game he played with some extra motivation because of a heckler in the crowd.
“I told him, ‘You’re going to get them in trouble.’ I’m here for this. He kept on talking and then in the second half, I didn’t hear a word from him,” Lillard said.
After the game Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford said, the team did not play well on the defensive side of the ball.
“The biggest thing tonight was the defense. There are two things you have to do to be able to win in this league, and that controls the ball somewhat, even against the great players,” Clifford said.
Magic players echoed the same frustrations after the game in the locker room. Aaron Gordon said the Blazers were making tough shots.
“We were a little too far off the body,” said Gordon.
Evan Fournier was disappointed in the play of the Magic. He said the team just has to do better guarding the ball.
Next up, the Magic are on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.
