Maybe its post Howard decision fatigue or maybe it is just plain poor play, but the Magic got whooped tonight by a Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls team tonight, 85-59.
The Bulls held the Magic to just 59 total points, one of the lowest outputs in franchise history. This is the team’s third loss in four games with all three losses coming to teams with superior talent and records. The Bulls, Spurs, and Heat all bested Orlando by double digits, which may prove that the Magic aren’t ready for prime-time.
Bulls forward Carlos Boozer has been one of the team’s most inconstant players since arriving in Chicago, but he abused the Magic on Monday night. He scored 24 points and snagged 13 rebounds and held Magic forward Ryan Anderson to 10 points.
But more than anything, not discounting the Bulls suffocating defense, Orlando looked lethargic and uninspired. This was a road, home back-to-back for the Magic, so maybe fatigue was a factor. They traveled to South Beach last night, only to return with a ten point loss in their back pockets. The Heated rocked them 91-81.
What’s interesting about this Magic team, who seems stuck on repeat, is that in another month the season will end and the Magic will more than likely draw the third seed in the NBA playoffs. If that were to happen, Orlando would face off against the Atlanta Hawks if the season ended today.
For the year, the Hawks have beaten the Magic twice. They rushed Orlando out of the playoffs last season and could very well do the same in 2012.
In the end, it is just another loss for Orlando. For all of the theatrics that surrounded Dwight Howard and this team just a few days ago, it may all be for naught. Orlando continues to tread water with no real end in sight. For this franchise to improve or move forward, they will have to make a decision on Dwight Howard.
He is one of the city’s most beloved people and carries the Magic on his broad shoulders. But general manager Otis Smith has done this team a dis-service by failing to develop young talent and trading for old, broken down players.
We can look at this Bulls game as a loss in a long, broken cluster of fast and furious NBA games. Or we can view this from a realistic point of view and recognize that it is time for the Magic to move on.
-JH
