Orlando, Fla. — The Orlando Magic dropped their third straight game on Friday, losing at home to the Utah Jazz by a score of 74-87. The Magic were able to keep it competitive throughout, but a 13-2 run by the Jazz at the end of the game closed out any hopes of a Magic comeback. Both teams struggled to find their shot all night, but Orlando’s offensive problems were more severe – missing 11-straight shots at one point and shooting 33 percent from the floor. Though the Jazz were held to 40 percent from the floor, Orlando failed to capitalize.

Despite early defensive struggles that saw the first three Jazz baskets of the game come via open layups, the Magic may have found their defensive identity.

More concerning is just how bad the offense was on Friday. Only two Magic players registered in double figures during the loss, with only one of them shooting over 50 percent from the floor. The Magic frontcourt of Nikola Vucevic, Serge Ibaka, and Bismack Biyombo combined to shoot 3-of-29 from the floor, in addition to being beaten on the boards 43-52.

It’s safe to say that Jazz center Rudy Gobert was a problem for the Magic, as he accumulated three blocks, 13 rebounds, and 13 points, as well as limiting the team to just 30 points in the paint.

Four Jazz starters, Gordon Hayward, Rodney Hood, Derrick Favors, and Gobert each registered at least 13 points, despite the team’s shooting woes. The Magic were able to make their run with the second and third units in, as Orlando’s starters lacked both offensive and defensive chemistry.

D.J. Augustin and Evan Fournier were the lone bright spots in a Magic offense that could only muster 74 points.

Augustin enjoyed a breakout game, as his 19 points were the most he’s put up since coming to Orlando this offseason. With the Magic trailing after the first quarter, the veteran point guard hit back-to-back threes to start the second quarter and ignite the offense. If Augustin continues to play like this, it will be a tough decision for Magic head coach Frank Vogel going forward.

Elfrid Payton, the team’s starting point guard, logged two points and zero assists in 23 minutes of action.

Speaking of lineup changes, young phenom Aaron Gordon was benched in favor of veteran forward Jeff Green before tip-off. When asked about the decision, Vogel said that he wanted to try to stagger the minutes of Payton and Gordon, both third year players.

“We [wanted to] rely more heavily on our veterans,” said Vogel, “I just wanted to separate [Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton] and have them each play with four veterans most of the game.”

Nine games into the season and sitting at 3-6, Magic players are aware that the clock is ticking on their cohesion.

Newly acquired center Bismack Biyombo said that the team needs to get it together if they hope to make the playoffs.

“The coaches have come out and spoken about it. The players seem to listen, but we have to do it and we have to get it done,” said Biyombo, “if we want to be a playoff team, we need to start protecting home…this game is about challenges. You take the challenge, be a man about it, and get it done.”

The Magic (3-6) will hit the road for a reunion road trip this week. On Sunday, they head to OKC for a Serge Ibaka homecoming, and a Victor Oladipo check-in. Then on Monday, Frank Vogel returns to Indiana for the first time after his contract was not renewed this offseason.

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