After kicking off 2016 with a loss to the Washington Wizards, the Orlando Magic had a quick turnaround with a game in Cleveland against the Cavaliers on Saturday night. From the start it was clear the Magic were outmatched, getting dominated the entire way by the Cavaliers, 104-79.
Much like Friday night in Washington, the Magic got off to a rough start, missing most of their shots and struggling on the defensive end. Cleveland used an early 11-0 run to take clear control, pushing their lead to as many as 20 throughout the first quarter. The Magic shot a woeful 33 percent from the field in the opening quarter, while turning the ball over four times, leading to eight easy points for the Cavaliers. After one, the Magic found themselves down 16, trailing the hosts 29-13.
The second quarter didn't bring much better results for the struggling Magic. Their struggles on the defensive end began to swell even more, with the team struggling to contain Cleveland's dribble penetration on a consistent basis. The Cavaliers were able to do whatever they wanted on each end of the floor, pushing their lead to as many as 29 in the quarter, before settling in with a 23 point advantage at the halftime break. The half was a forgettable one in every facet for the Magic, who looked clearly outclassed by the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
Things didn't get much better for the Magic out of the halftime break. Despite making a small push to cut the lead down to as few as 17 early in the half, the Cavaliers imposed themselves throughout much of the quarter, pushing their lead to as many 31. Despite falling behind by 31, the Magic were a bit better on the defensive end, forcing the Cavaliers to shoot 36 percent from the field.
Heading into the fourth quarter, there was no doubt who was going to win. Trailing by around 30 for much of the quarter, the Magic were able to empty their bench and give guys who may not get major minutes a long look. The loss knocks them down to 19-15 on the season, with the team next scheduled to play on Monday night in Detroit.
LeBron James did much of the damage for the Cavs, finishing with 29 points on the night. Kyrie Irving added 13, with Kevin Love and Tristian Thompson both adding 10.
Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 11. Mario Hezonja and Shabazz Napier both scored 10 on the night.