Orlando’s cold shooting saw Washington win in the Amway Center last night by 104-92. The Magic failed to lock in on either end of the floor, seeing them struggle from start to finish. For the fourth time in the five game homestand Orlando shot a field goal percentage below 40%. For an 8 minute period that stretched over the end of the first quarter and start of the second Orlando failed to score. The site of Jalen Suggs limping off during the fourth quarter with an ankle sprain completed the night for Magic fans.
One of the few positives of the night was the reduced amount of Magic turnovers and fouls.
Even with key players missing the Wizards depth and experience told. Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell all had strong games. Dinwiddie hit a team leading double-double. Kuzma hit a hot stretch of shooting in the third quarter that blew the game apart. Harrell dominated in the paint all night, bullying his way to 20 points.
Top Magic Performances
Cole Anthony led the Magic with 22 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds and a block. The final stat line is largely thanks to making 11 of his 12 free throws. From the field Cole shot 4 of 16 from the field, whilst making 3 of his 9 attempts from beyond the arc.
Wendell Carter Jr scored 17 points, whilst adding 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. Wendell made 4 of his 6 shots with the three ball.
Mo Bamba recorded another double-double with 14 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. That stat sheet disguises that he had a tough night against Montrezl Harrell, being out muscled in many situations.
RJ Hampton provided energy from the bench as he covered for Suggs fourth quarter absence.
Moving On After Orlando’s Cold Shooting Saw Washington Win
Orlando dropped to a 3-10 losing record that puts them last in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic now head out on the road for a very tough five game trip.
First up is Atlanta on Monday night to take on the Hawks, who own a 4-9 losing record. The Atlanta Hawks have been experiencing some struggles having lost six games straight. Even so they remain dangerous. Trae Young has been a threat, averaging 24.5 points and 9.2 assists per game.
The trip continues with stops in New York, Brooklyn and finally Milwaukee twice. The first Bucks game is on the second night of a back-to-back for Orlando.
The Magic’s Josh Cohen game review can be read here on the Orlando Magic website.
