The Orlando Magic fell to the Golden State Warriors in a 104-99 defeat, marking their fourth consecutive loss. Despite a strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt, the Magic ultimately succumbed to the Warriors' offensive firepower and struggles in clutch situations.
Down by 15 points heading into the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors , the Orlando Magic were in a desperate fight to avoid their fourth consecutive loss. They found a spark, opening the quarter with a 25-8 run and taking a 92-90 lead with 4:27 remaining. But the Magic's struggles in clutch situations resurfaced as Golden State closed the game on a 14-7 run, securing a 104-99 victory at the Chase Center on Monday night.
This loss extends Orlando's skid to four games, dropping their record to 24-27 on the season. 'I don't know if we even got a stop,' guard Cole Anthony lamented after the game, referring to the final stretch. 'We might have got one or two stops in that final stretch, but ... we couldn't stop them, at least in that final stretch.' The Magic actually performed well defensively in the first two quarters, limiting the Warriors' offensive firepower despite Golden State's shooting woes. Although the Warriors shot just 34.6% from the field and 3-of-16 from three-point range, Orlando was only slightly better at 36.6% from the field and 5-of-23 from distance. The score was tied at 43-43 at halftime, after Orlando surrendered a seven-point lead in the final 1:47 of the second quarter. However, the Warriors' long-range shooting prowess ultimately proved too much for Orlando to overcome. Golden State shot an impressive 57.9% from the field and 6-of-8 from three in the third quarter, outscoring Orlando 39-24 and taking a comfortable lead. This cushion allowed the Warriors to withstand Orlando's valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt. 'We always talk about it coming down to those final possessions – it's never that,' Magic coach Jamahl Mosley explained after the game. 'It's a 39-point third quarter where you let go a little bit, your communication breaks off, you don't knock some shots down.' 'That third quarter is what puts us in that hole,' Anthony echoed. 'We fought. I don't think it's a question of our fight. We just had mental lapses where we give up a third quarter. We give up as many points in the third quarter as we do in the first half.'Despite the loss, Orlando received strong performances from its starters. Anthony led the way with a game-high 26 points off the bench, while Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero contributed 21 and 18 points respectively. As a team, Orlando shot 43.4% from the field and 8-of-32 from three-point range. For Golden State, Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points and Stephen Curry added 24. The Warriors finished shooting 43.6% from the field and 12-of-39 from three-point range.Mosley pointed to the Warriors' offensive efficiency as a key factor in the loss. 'You look at a 15-0 free throw count in that third quarter,' he noted. 'I think just our ability to defend without fouling, one and then our ability to attack the basket. We had 52 points in the paint, attack the basket 47 times and shot 10 free throws. That's a factor in it but that's not the only factor in this game.' Jalen Suggs remained sidelined due to a left quad contusion, missing his fourth consecutive game. The Magic will continue their road trip on Wednesday night against the revamped Sacramento Kings, with a tip-off time set for 10 p.m. ET
NBA Orlando Magic Golden State Warriors Loss Cole Anthony Franz Wagner Paolo Banchero Clutch Plays Comeback Attempt
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