“To be honest, I love where we’re at,” Malone said before the game. With the proper context, Malone wasn’t dismayed by his team’s 10-10 start. Overall, the Magic dropped 32 points in the quarter alone and trailed only 83-79 entering the fourth quarter. On more than one occasion, Malone called a fiery timeout to question the defensive rotation or address a breakdown. Orlando’s push was built on comical turnovers and lackadaisical interior defense. The Magic blitzed the Nuggets on a 22-10 run in the third quarter that shaved the deficit to just four points. The Nuggets were either content with their lead or unconcerned with their opponent. “While you’re out so many smalls and wings, it’s definitely a conversation that we need to have,” he said. Malone said he spoke with president of basketball operations Tim Connelly on Wednesday about potentially bringing someone up from the G League. Morris (22 points) and Barton (14) offered their typical production, but the Nuggets’ depth got exposed after that.

The only healthy guard options left were Morris, Barton, Facu Campazzo and little-used Markus Howard. Hyland didn’t test positive for COVID, according to a league source, but was forced to quarantine due to a close contact. Nuggets guards Austin Rivers and Bones Hyland both entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols and are expected to miss several games as a result. Magic spoil Aaron Gordon's Orlando homecoming with stunning comeback Close Menuįor a team already snake-bitten, Wednesday brought even more depressing news.

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