The Sacramento Kings edge out the Magic by 130-142 in a game that exploded offensively but where little defence was played. By the final buzzer both teams had made season highs for points scored.
The Kings shot 54.6% overall from the field and 44.1% from 3-point range. They were assisted by a turnover laden third quarter by Orlando, which would ultimately prove decisive.
Magic Top Performers
Seven Magic players scored in double figures, including all 5 starters.
Cole Anthony had a bounce back performance equalling his season high with 33 points, to go with 8 assists.
Franz Wagner had 19 points, with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. He has now scored in double figures in 21 of his first 26 career games.
Mo Bamba continues his push towards the top of the NBA rankings for blocks, adding another 4 to the tally. He also contributed 14 points and got hit with a bizarre technical foul early after catching Richaun Holmes accidentally around the eye.
Wendell Carter Jr turned in another double-double performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He further added a block and 6 assists to tie his career high.
Gary Harris scored 16 points, Robin Lopez was a strong presence in the paint for 11 points and Terence Ross hit 17 points, including a highlight reel dunk.
Moving On As The Kings Edge Out The Magic
The road trip now moves to Los Angeles where the Magic will play both LA teams on a back-to-back. First up is the LA Clippers on Saturday afternoon (U.K. tip time is 8:30pm).
The LA Clippers are being led by Paul George, who averages 25 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. However they remain without Kawhi Leonard. The L.A. Clippers played at home last night, winning 111-114 over the Boston Celtics. Both Serge Ibaka and Paul George missed that game. They were led by Brandon Boston Jr from the bench with 27 points. Marcus Morris put up 20 points, Reggie Jackson 17 and Luke Kennard added 15 points. Both Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac had 10 point and 10 rebound double-doubles.
Starting Line-Up: Reggie Jackson (PG), Terance Mann (SG), Marcus Morris Sr (PF), Nicolas Batum (SF), Ivica Zubac (C)
The Clippers have a 14- 12 winning record and sit 5th in the Western Conference. Of the last 10 games played the Clippers have won 5, including their last two played. Home form sees them winning only 10 of 17 played.
Orlando’s record is now 5 wins and 21 losses. The Magic stay 14th in the Eastern Conference, above Detroit. The Magic have won 1 of the last 10 played, now being on a 3 game losing streak. The home record reads 2 wins of 10 games played, whilst on the road it is 3 wins in 16 played.
Josh Cohen’s review of the last night’s loss is available here on the Orlando Magic website.
