Denver Nuggets 112, Orlando Magic 90: Three Takeaways

The Orlando Magic ended their road trip with a thud as the fatigue of the trip and the back-to-back got them in a frustrating loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The Orlando Magic were sluggish from the beginning.

The movement, energy and aggression that characterized the breakthrough win against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday were replaced with lethargic movement, a return to iso ball and late rotations. The Magic were feeling the effects of the long road trip and the difficult travel for this back-to-back.

But Orlando found a spark. The defense started to tighten up and force turnovers. The Magic were finding a bit of breathing room and got the lead.

It felt shaky. But it was something. The team's fight was there for this kind of game.

Then it all dropped off again. The Denver Nuggets were first to every loose ball. They started stringing together threes. They raced ahead for a nine-point lead at the half. The Magic had started to let go of the rope.

Then things went off the rails in the third quarter on the way to a 112-90 defeat to the Nuggets to end this road trip 1-5.