Magic Miss Opportunity, Sink Further Down

The Magic cannot blame cold shooting this time. They hit on 48.4 percent of their shots, which is pretty good considering the last week of games. They cannot blame poor ball movement, getting 21 assists on 31 field goal makes. The opportunity was there. Holding a three-point lead through the first half and erasing a 15-point deficit behind some strong defense and fantastic ball movement to find open shooters. It felt like things were solved. The missed opportunities though will be the one that hurts this team most. Orlando is not a team in the business of moral victories. Not a team in the business of finding silver linings even in tough losses. The Pacers, in the end, took it to the Magic, playing with a fire and edge and willingness to sacrifice that is necessary in these type of games. Indiana attacked the offensive glass, harried and harrassed Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes, Hedo Turkoglu and Orlando's ball handlers. The hustle stats were all in the Pacers' favor. Orlando ...