Orlando Magic Starts Hot, But Goes Ice Cold in Loss vs. Dallas Mavericks
ORLANDO - For the first time in the young season, the Orlando Magic is sending its fans home disappointed after a 117-102 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night inside the Amway Center.
The Magic started off hot, making 6 of its first 9 shots from beyond the arc in the first half. The strong shooting from distance helped the Magic jump out to a 15-point lead in the first half, but the Mavericks were able to chip away.
Orlando led by 13 at halftime, but Dallas erased that lead entirely in the third quarter after outscoring its opponent 33-17.
From there, the veteran Mavericks were able to put away the game.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero defending Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams.
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
The loss snaps a two-game win streak for the Magic and drops the team to 4-3 on the season. Meanwhile, the Mavs improve to 6-1, holding a tie for the best record in the Western Conference alongside the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.
The Mavs were led by their All-Star pair in Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who combined for 50 points. The Magic got 20 points from reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, while Cole Anthony and Moe Wagner each had 19 points off the bench.
The loss should certainly give the Magic something to think about as it continues to develop and grow early in the season.
The Magic is back in action on Thursday in Mexico City when it takes on the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on NBATV.
