In a game that was defined by its delays due to the San Antonio Spurs being stranded in Charlotte, N.C. due to inclement weather, the Orlando Magic failed to take advantage of the latter’s arrival that came just hours before tipoff. 

Orlando ended up falling on Sunday, 112-103, to a team that was coming off the first game of a back-to-back, and that coach Jamahl Mosley warned would play with a sense of freedom given the circumstances. After the game, he characterized the Spurs’ effort as desperate. 

“Yeah, I thought they were the more physical team, the more aggressive team to start the game,” Mosley said. “They played desperate; they played with a sense of urgency to start the game out.  

We kind of tried to get ourselves walking into the game. And that's not the way you can play against a team like this. The record is what it is for a reason.” 

Conversely, Mosley lamented his own team’s effort.  

“No, it's surprising the way we started. You know, we should have more energy. The game plan was in front of us — we've been a physical team; we've been an aggressive team. You know, these last couple games, we have started out that way. So, for us to come out, not as sharp, not as aggressive, not as physical.  

Now, mind you, there was moments where we got caught early. You know, it's hard to come back from a 24 to 6 free throw deficit early. But again, there was still time and we were close in those games that we can't allow those things to get to us.” 

Lack of intensity has been a common theme in Orlando’s struggles this season; often delivering poor results. When Sunday’s game gave rise to another lackluster performance, Mosley took accountability. 

“Yeah, I take that,” he said. “We're all taking ownership in this. I think we have to. And at the end of the day, what we walked through and what we looked at today in film was how this team plays. They get out in transition; they attack the basket. We've got to sit down in guard. We started off initially with that, but then some fouls were called.  

So now you're not, you're playing against it with your big, but I just think overall, we didn't give the entire effort that we needed to give to beat a team of this caliber.” 

It is an issue that needs to be addressed, and one Mosley and his coaching staff plan to confront. 

“You know, as we continue to go forward, we'll talk to the group and see exactly what that looks like. But it should never be a factor of effort and energy coming out on a night against a team that really did just fly in the day of the game.”

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!