Sixers Can't Match Magic's Size As Winning Streak Comes to an End

The short Sixers hung around until the very end, but the Orlando Magic had too much size on their side, putting an end to Philadelphia's winning streak.

Here's what I saw.

Likes

- Of course Guerschon Yabusele was one of the few dependable sources of offense in the first half. He did an outstanding job of attacking the basket with strength, both as a creator for himself and as a play finisher out of the ball screen. He actively solved problems for the Sixers, bowling his way into the paint for finishes over smaller defenders. He even made a gorgeous read out of the short roll late in the second quarter, diming up a teammate in the dunker's spot when the rim protector lifted to stop the ball. He's expanding his comfort zone a bit every game. 

- Nick Nurse has been more of a problem than a solution for much of this season. Not that he can be held responsible for over $100 million in salary consistently being unavailable. But, he has not made the best decisions with what he has at his disposal. That being said, he flipped the game on its head when he went to a zone defense early in the second quarter. 

The Sixers appeared dead in the water as Jonathan Isaac laced a corner three to push Orlando's advantage to 15 points early in the second quarter. The size was overwhelming, there was no lineup idea that would feasibly eliminate the disadvantages at the rim and the Sixers couldn't find a sustainable formula on offense.

So, Nurse decided to turn the Magic into three-point shooters. The Sixers began to chip away little by little. If you told me this was a 30-point Magic lead at halftime, I would've nodded, not the least bit surprised. It felt like a miracle that the game was instead tied at the break. Swung entirely by the Sixers going zone.

Dislikes

- If the Sixers were going to have any chance of beating a big, good Magic team sans Paul George and Joel Embiid, they were going to have to maximize the value of their possessions because they sure didn't have the size to combat Orlando in the paint on defense. This was not a matchup that allowed for sloppy passes, giving the Magic the ball in the open floor. So, that McCain and Maxey both got picked off by Jalen Suggs on bad passes early in the first quarter was quite bad. You know Suggs' reputation. You know the challenges this matchup poses. You have to value the basketball.

- In a similar vein, the last Philadelphia possession of the first quarter really encapsulated the lack of attention to detail: Suggs went down grabbing at his ankle as Philadelphia made its way up the court. The Sixers had a clear five-on-four advantage. But, they slowed the pace and stalled themselves out long enough for Suggs to get up and limp up the floor to eliminate the advantage. Hard to claim you're focused if you don't notice the uneven jersey count in front of you.

- It is difficult for Nurse to make the argument in favor of giving veterans priority to minutes when Reggie Jackson tries to isolate against Isaac, drives baseline and throws a pass for a live-ball turnover. To make matters worse, Jackson then tagged Isaac in transition and still was nowhere close to him on a catch-and-shoot three a few moments later.

- A tip from a guy who has watched quite a bit of basketball in his life: don't go at Jonathan Isaac at the rim. Just reset the possession and do something else. Challenging him will not end well for you.

- I understand that Paul George not playing makes for a rough night to make this point, but the Magic using Franz Wagner to pick apart the zone in the fourth quarter is a good example of why chasing stars is better than pursuing a bunch of high-level role players in free agency. Wagner was not a free-agent acquisition for the Magic. But, he's a big wing who can slot right into the soft spot of the zone. When it came to winning time, the star wing played like a star wing. Wagner made shot after shot, from midrange jumpers to floaters, to set the tone for Orlando in the fourth quarter.

It's not about having one star. It's about the fact that Paolo Banchero was not available. But, the Magic had a running mate who is not a small guard to stabilize the offense while their lead star is out.

Spare thoughts

- Nurse and company should never challenge a call before the fourth quarter. I don't say that out of the assumption that there will be a high-leverage call on which to use it. I say that because the jabronis who officiate this league are bound to screw up important calls in critical moments. Better to be able to correct their mistakes when it matters most. Then again, that's assuming Nurse's challenge wouldn't fly in the face of some obscure rule in the handbook. These days, he's not having much luck with those review opportunities.

The Sixers (5-15) will host the Orlando Magic (16-8) again on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., Eastern time. You can watch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia.