Whilst it benefits the team’s lottery odds there was disappointment as Orlando lose to Detroit in the Amway Center by 134-120. It was another game where an opponent lit up the scoreboard, this time Saddiq Bey. In scoring a career high 51 points Bey became the fourth payer this season to score 50 points or more in a game on the Magic. It is the first time ever in Magic history that two players have made this total in consecutive games.
Whilst the Magic scored freely over all the response to the mauling by Brooklyn was disappointing. The defence again failed to be a cohesive unit. Some of that was down to the absence of key players, but that was true of both sides. Statistically both teams were closely matched but Detroit held the lead by double digits going into the final quarter.
Magic Top Performers
Franz Wagner scored 26 points as he showed why he should be a part of the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Moritz Wagner followed his brother in scoring, in making a start he tallied 16 points.
Terrence Ross led the bench with 17 points.
Cole Anthony recorded 12 points and 7 assists.
Mo Bamba got a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Markelle Fultz put up 11 points and 5 assists.
Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), RJ Hampton (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Moe Wagner (PF), Mo Bamba (C)
Magic Bench Unit – Markelle Fultz, Terrence Ross, Admiral Schofield, Ignas Brazdeikis, Robin Lopez, Gary Harris (DNP),
Injury Report – Jalen Suggs, Chuma Okeke, Wendell Carter Jr, Jonathan Isaac and Bol Bol were all out for Orlando.
After Disappointment As Orlando Lose To Detroit What’s Next?
Orlando now have a record for the season of 18 wins and 53 losses. There are 11 games remaining. This still sees the Magic last in the Eastern Conference. Over the last 10 games played the Magic have won 4. The home record stands at 8 wins of 34 games played. On the road the record is 10 wins in 37 games played. Points per game sees the Magic scoring 104.5, whilst conceding 112.5.
The Orlando Magic next face another lottery bound team as the home stand continues against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game takes place on Sunday in the Amway Center at a U.K. friendly time of 10pm.
It will be the first meeting of the season between the two teams and could be Orlando’s first look at Josh Giddey. The Thunder are on a long losing streak, sitting 14th in the Western Conference.
A further game review is available on the Orlando Magic website, as written by Josh Cohen.
