Photo Gallery: Orlando Magic’s defense falters in 130-107 loss to the Portland Trailblazers

Nikola+Vucevic+tied+a+season+high+with+30+points.+Photo+by+Leeann+Figueroa

Nikola Vucevic tied a season high with 30 points. Photo by Leeann Figueroa

Nate Marrero, Sports Editor

The Orlando Magic defense struggled to contain the Portland Trailblazers, as they lost 130-107.  The Trailblazers were without their best player in Damian Lillard. 

“We haven’t played Magic defense here for a while,“ Magic’s head coach Steve Clifford said. “We’ve gotten better offensively [but] we haven’t made strides defensively and we’re not good enough offensively to beat the best offensive teams trying to outscore them… Right now we just have too many guys who are not interested in playing defense.”

Portland shot 16 of 33 from three and all of their starters scored in double-digits. CJ McCollum led the way with 41 points while Hassan Whiteside had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. 

“The problem with our defense every night is the three-point shooting,“ Clifford said. “That was the problem again tonight.”

Nikola Vucevic tied his season high with 30 points and had 11 rebounds for a double-double. Terrence Ross scored 23 points off of the bench. 

Aaron Gordon missed the game with right knee inflammation. 

Orlando will start a four game road trip Wednesday night when they face the Miami Heat at 7 p.m.