ORLANDO — The Magic (5-9) lost their second consecutive game at home Wednesday, losing 110-89 against the San Antonio Spurs (13-3) with Manu Ginobili leading the way with 20 points and 5 assists at the Amway Center
“That is an impressive ball club, well coached, extremely disciplined, and they came out with one mission tonight and that was to get a win and they did a good job of doing that,” said Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn.
The Magic spent most of the first half playing catch up after going down by 10 late in the first half. With Spurs super sub Manu Ginobili sparking San Antonio with 12 points and five assists off the bench in the first half alone, the Magic struggled to get the same kind of production off the bench.
The Magic offense, on the other hand, was stagnant as they couldn’t get much production out of any of their bench players, including key 6th man J.J. Redick who had 7 points on 3 of 9 shooting, forcing the starters into trying to do too much with none of the starters shooting over 50%.
The Magic as they have all year struggled with San Antonio’s size upfront with All NBA center Tim Duncan schooling the young Magic front court on the offensive and defensive side of the ball scoring 15 points on 63% while holding the Magic to 43% from the field.
“We have to put in more of an effort as a team, limiting some of our mistakes when we are out there, just be more decisive on offense,” said Jameer Nelson who finished with 14 points.
As the third quarter progressed, you could see that the Magic were overwhelmed at both ends of the court the Spurs passing game frequently created open shots for their guards Tony Parker and Gary Neal who had 14 and 19 respectively, as well as Parker leading the Spurs with 8 assists.
“We moved the ball real well, we had some guys get hot in Manu and Gary. They made some shots and gave us the lead there,” said Duncan.
With an 82-64 lead at the end of the fourth quarter the Spurs chose to sit Parker and Duncan for the rest of the game and letting reserves get some playing time. Midway through the quarter the Magic had done the same thing.
The Magic take on the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night before heading out on a five game road trip. While the Spurs hope to finish their six game road trip undefeated as they take on the Miami Heat tomorrow.
