More Growing Pains as Orlando Falls to San Antonio 120-97

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic took a tough loss against the San Antonio Spurs at Amway Center Monday night.

But First…Solidarity.

During the National Anthem prior to tipoff, both the Magic and Spurs locked arms in protest of Sunday’s police killing of Daunte Wright in Minnesota, for whom a traffic stop due to expired plates and an illegal hanging air freshener from his rearview mirror escalated. Police said Monday that the officer reaching for the taser mistakenly grabbed her gun instead, causing Wright’s tragic death. San Antonio head coach Greg Popovich had scorching words during his pregame press conference. “It just makes you sick to your stomach. How many times does it have to happen? … That individual is dead. He’s dead. His friends and family are grieving.”

A Hard Game (for Orlando)

During the first quarter, Orlando had a humble 9-6 lead, then both teams tied at 13 points. The score remained tied for a while until the Spurs pulled away. Once they did, the Magic tried but failed to recover from a growing point gap that held fast in the 20-25-point range.

The newer faces stepped up for the Magic on Monday. RJ Hampton led the Magic in scoring with 16 points, going 7 for 10 in field goals, nailing one of his two three-pointers, with 8 rebounds and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. put up 15 points, going six for 11 on field goals with eight rebounds and four assists. Dwayne Bacon was 6 for 14 on field goals, had 4 rebounds and 3 assists for 14 points.

While Mo Bamba carried the Magic last game, he left tonight’s game early after suffering yet another injury. Terrence Ross was 2 for 4 on field goals, got 4 of 5 free throws, and 2 rebounds to net a whopping 8 points on the night.

DeMar DeRozan led the scoring for San Antonio with 19 points, was 7 of 11 on field goals, nailed all five free throws and offered 6 assists. Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points, hitting 6 of 16 field goals, 2 of 5 three-pointers, and all three free throws, along with 5 rebounds, 6 assists and one steal. Lonnie Walker IV and Rudy Gay added to the scoring with 12 points each.

All in all, the Magic appeared sluggish in Monday night’s match, as they did in the previous two home games. With this newly rebuilt team, the players have to start all over again to gain a rhythm, because they’re now hurting on speed, defense and scoring, all of which leave them vulnerable against every team. The Magic were unable to substantially close that point gap, and ultimate lost to San Antonio 120-97.

The Magic play two games on the road before returning home Sunday, April 18 to host the Houston Rockets at 7pm ET.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com