Jameer Nelson and the Orlando Magic played well but lost a close one to Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. (Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)

The Orlando Magic lost to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon, but they played with good energy, moved the ball on offense and came milliseconds away from taking the Eastern Conference’s top team to overtime.

The Magic forced the Bulls into 21 turnovers, keeping the close despite Chicago shooting 60 percent from the field. Ryan Anderson broke out for 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson posted 17 points and 11 assists.

Playing without superstar and team captain Dwight Howard, it wasn’t a bad showing.

And that has to be a vote of confidence to the Magic as they’re lined up to take on the Bulls in the second round of the playoffs, right?

Stan Van Gundy, Ryan Anderson and Jameer Nelson discuss in the videos after the jump.

Ryan Anderson said it felt good to play so well while undermanned against the Bulls.

Jameer Nelson is trying not to look forward to the Bulls in the playoffs, but there were a lot of good things to take from Sunday’s game.

Stan Van Gundy thought the Magic did a good job defending Derrick Rose, even though he scored 39 points.

Zach McCann can be reached at zmccann@orlandosentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ZachMcCann.