The New Orleans Pelicans are now on their longest losing streak in franchise history after a 130-119 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
How it Happened:
New Orleans got down early in the Smoothie King Center after Orlando got out to a 11-4 lead within the first five minutes.
The Pelicans did not grab their first lead of the game until the final three minutes of the first quarter after JJ Redick connected on a 26-foot 3-pointer to put New Orleans up 22-21.
They finished the opening quarter on an 11-3 run to take a 30-24 lead into the second.
The lead lasted until there was 6:14 remaining in the first half when Orlando guard Markelle Fultz assisted on a Nikola Vucevic 3-pointer. The Magic led 44-43 before ending the half with a 58-57 advantage.
The game started to get away from the Pelicans after the third quarter. New Orleans was outscored 41-27 in third. Orlando’s lead ballooned to 11 points with 5:23 left in the third.
It was escalated in the third once Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry was ejected from the game after he received his second technical.
The Pelicans then entered the fourth quarter down 15 points, and while New Orleans outscored the Magic in the final frame, they were unable to overcome the deficit.
Orlando finished the game with eight players with double-digit scoring performances. The Pelicans were top-heavy when it came to their top scorer. New Orleans were led in scoring by Jrue Holiday (29), Redick (23) and Brandon Ingram (21). They received a big scoring night from Josh Hart off the bench, but the Magic’s balanced scoring attack proved to be too much for New Orleans.
Big Number: 21
Orlando made 17-of-34 3-pointers against the Pelicans but they also got to the free throw line throughout the game. The Magic made 21-of-26 free throws, while the Pelicans only converted 6-of-12.
Player of the Game: Jonathan Isaac
The Orlando forward had an efficient day in the Smoothie King Center with 21 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting from the field.
Up Next: Home vs. the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, Dec. 17; Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.