Let’s assume for a moment that the Orlando Magic retain Dwight Howard beyond the March 15 trade deadline. Even with Howard in the fold, the team will have to make significant improvements defensively for it to have any shot at making a deep in the playoffs.

Thursday night offered a painful case in point.

After three strong quarters, the Magic wilted against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unable to stop All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Magic relinquished an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost 105-102 at Amway Center.

“Our fourth-quarter defense was pathetic,” coach Stan Van Gundy said after his Magic allowed the Thunder to shoot 67 percent in the final period. “I give them credit for what they did, and they’re hard to stop. But it shouldn’t be every possession.”

via Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel