Losing streak stretches to five as Orlando gives up another one to Chicago, 102-93. At one point in the season, the Magic held the title of the league's stengiest defenses. The last 5 games, the Magic are giving up 98.4 while scoring only 81.4. That's an average loss by 17 points. Ugly.
Where is the defense guys? Seriously, aside from brief moments in the first half of these losing efforts- the Magic are looking like the 2003 team. I know this has to frustrate the fans. The Magic were on the verge of building something. No one expected the 4 game winning streak to turn into 10, but to follow up with 5 losses is unacceptable.
With that said, I still think this is a decent team. I'm not asking for the Co-GM's to start throwing out any drastic trade scenarios - but I'm seeing a few players that need to sit. Hedo Turkoglu, Pat Garrity, Kelvin Cato and possibly Tony Battie need to see some bench time in favor of Terrence Morris, Mario Kasun, Stacey Augmon and Bo Outlaw.
Something isn't quite right with this team. Even with the 4 game winning streak, something was missing. Leadership. For now, Dwight Howard just isn't ready to lead this team. And while Steve Francis is capable of leading a team, I just don't think the players quite trust him. We need Grant Hill. I wouldn't go throwing him right into the starting lineup anytime soon, but this team needs Grant Hill on the floor.
A few notes about individuals: Howard put up his 14th double-double of the year. Francis had 6 turnovers. Cato did not play; he had a spider bit or something.
