Magic’s foul troubles becoming greater issue
The turning point for the Orlando Magic’s 111-102 Wednesday home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers came once their advantage for most of the game turned into a disadvantage.
Through the first three quarters, the Magic dominated the Clippers from the foul line and defended mostly without fouling. Orlando made 15-of-19 free throws and committed 10 fouls in that span compared with Los Angeles’ 1-of-2 foul shots and 18 fouls.
But the Magic’s edge in free throws quickly dissipated in the fourth after they struggled with early fouls.
“We messed up on our part by less than two minutes into the quarter putting them into the bonus,” said Cole Anthony, who had 19 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds but 4 fouls. “That kind of changes our whole gameplan because at that point we can’t be as aggressive we want to.”
The Clippers made 6-of-7 free throws in the fourth’s first two minutes after the Magic committed 4 fouls, including 3 in the first 1:07. This led to Los Angeles getting in the bonus quickly and taking 2 free throws for every foul for the remainder of the game.
The Clippers scored 35 points in the fourth quarter. They made 23-of-25 free throws after Orlando committed 13 fouls. The Magic made 2-of-3 free throws.
The Magic helped the Clippers, who made 24 of 27 free throws compared to Orlando’s 17 of 22, get to the line more frequently with intentionally fouling down the stretch when the outcome was mostly decided.
But the way those early fouls came — after allowing offensive rebounds, reaching in on drives — left the Magic feeling like they gave the game away after leading for most of it.
“We don’t mind the physicality, but us doing a better job of recognizing when we can be aggressive,” said coach Jamahl Mosley. “They picked up those quick three fouls moving into the quarter and then we’ve got to play with our hands back, showing our length, showing our verticality and being in position early. When we get to that bonus, understanding showing your hands versus that level of aggression at the rim.”
The Magic’s struggles with fouling were an issue before Wednesday.
Their opponent’s free throw attempted rate of 33.5% in their six games since Jan. 15 — when they allowed the Dallas Mavericks to take 38 free throws — is the league’s second-worst mark behind the Detroit Pistons (11-36), who they play Friday at Amway Center.
The Magic ranked slightly above average (12th) in opponent free throw attempted rate in their first 31 games, but have been bottom-five in that category (27th) over their last 18 contests.
“Just got to be smarter,” said Franz Wagner. “We tried to play physical, but we’ve got to play smarter at the same time.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
