Orlando Magic Falls to Los Angeles Clippers After Third Quarter Collapse

The Orlando Magic lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 118-102 on Tuesday to fall to .500 on the season.

ORLANDO - After taking a 50-47 lead into halftime, the Orlando Magic completely fell apart during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers, leading to a 118-102 loss on the road. 

In the third quarter, the Magic gave up 41 points to the Clippers, the most it has given up in any quarter this season. Orlando was unable to keep up, only scoring 21 points in the quarter and falling behind by 17 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Russell Westbrook had 16 of his 18 points in the third quarter, adding in three assists and three steals to help Los Angeles put the game away. Paul George, who led both teams in scoring, put up 14 of his 27 points in the third as well. 

Orlando left a lot of points on the board, going 19-33 from the free throw line in a game it lost by 16 points. The shooting wasn't much better from anywhere else on the court, as they shot 45.9 percent from the field but just 23.1 percent from three on 26 attempts. 

Paul George scored 27 points in a win against the Orlando Magic.  / USA Today Sports

The Magic struggled offensively all game, and the defense couldn't hold up enough to keep it close. The 118 points they gave up to Los Angeles were the most they have given up in a game this season. 

Last year's Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero struggled again, continuing his cold start to the season. He recorded 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals while going 5-13 from the field and 4-8 from the free throw line. So far this season, he has had performances of 12 points, 14 points, 9 points and now 15 points while shooting 37.7 percent from the field and making only two threes. 

If Orlando is going to make a run at the play-in tournament, it will need Banchero to look more like he did during his rookie season than he has through four games. 

Next up for the Magic is a showdown with the 1-3 Utah Jazz on Thursday at 9 p.m. That game will conclude the four-game west coast road trip, which will end with Orlando one game above or below .500.