3 Takeaways from the Trail Blazers disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic

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Gary Payton II, Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. Even when it goes right, it goes wrong

Portland was averaging nearly 16 turnovers per game before the bout with the Magic. They came out mistakes blazing with seven giveaways in the first quarter and gave up 13 points of those turnovers in the first 12 minutes alone.

That did not bode well for a team whose biggest bugaboo this season has been surrendering possessions to the opposition.

The Blazers ended the night right at their average of 16 turnovers, which led directly to 22 Orlando points. Portland also gave up 48 points in the paint, 18 of which came in the first quarter alone when the Blazers dug themselves a quick hole.

However, Portland outscored the Magic in points off turnovers and points in the paint anyway, which brings us to another major issue that’s plagued the Blazers all season and was a catalyst for the loss – bench production.

The Magic’s second unit outscored Portland’s 19-16. That’s not a dramatic difference (although three points were the final margin of victory for Orlando), but more worrisome is the fact that the Blazers’ bench got off a whopping eight field goal attempts in 44 minutes.

Make up for one mistake, fail to correct another.