Looking to extend their winning streak to three games, the Orlando Magic kicked off the New Year with a date against the Washington Wizards in our nations capital. Despite being in prime position after three quarters, the Magic collapsed in the fourth quarter, falling 103-91 in Washington.
The visiting Magic got off to a quick start, scoring nine of the first 11 points in the game. However, after taking that early 9-2 lead, things began to unravel for the Magic, who went field goalless for nearly five and a half minutes of game time. After turning to the bench, however, the Magic found a little bit of energy, keeping it within striking distance against a slowly heating up Wizards bunch. Despite falling behind by as many as seven, the Magic found themselves down just three, 24-21, after 12 minutes of action.
With their reserves in, the Magic began to get things going. Behind a 10-1 run, the Magic surged back to take four point lead of their own. That run was quickly answered by the hosts, who went on a 23-14 run of their own to end the quarter to take a somewhat commanding five point lead into the halftime break. Overall, the Magic's starters struggled mightily in the opening half, while their bench did all they could do to keep them afloat, scoring 26 of their 43 first half points.
Out of halftime, the Magic were once again flat, allowing the Wizards to surge out to an early 12 point lead. The Magic would whittle it away slowly, but Washington was seemingly always able to answer, pushing the lead back up to double digits within a few possessions. After falling behind 64-54 at the midway point of the quarter, the Magic began their surge, ending the quarter on an 18-8 run, thanks in large part to hot shooting -- the team shot 13-of-21 in the quarter -- and heightened play on the defensive end.
Trading buckets for the first five minutes of the quarter, it seemed as though the Magic were poised for yet another tight game. Washington got hot, however, going on a quick 10-0 run to take a commanding 10 point lead with just under five minutes to go in the game. Much like their previous meeting in Washington, Wizard big man Kris Humphries picked apart the Magic in the final quarter, scoring all 11 of his points in the final 12 minutes.
Six Wizards finished in double figures, led by John Wall's 24-point, 13-assist double-double. Otto Porter scored 20 for the third straight game, with Ramon Sessions scoring 13 off the hosts bench. Garrett Temple joined Humphries with 11, with Marcin Gortat finishing with a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Victor Oladipo did much of the damage for a struggling Magic offense, scoring 20 on the night. Nikola Vucevic finished the night with 14, while Tobias Harris scored 13. Evan Fournier finished the night with 11, with Jason Smith adding 10 off the bench.