The Magic close preseason with a win in hard fought one point victory over the Boston Celtics by 102-103 in the Amway Centre last night. The Magic finished preseason with a 1-3 losing record.
This was the third of four preseason games that had come down to a one point game for Orlando. In the previous two the Magic’s had missed the opportunity to take a win. Not so last night.
After 26 lead changes Jeff Dowtin Jr hit the winning shot with a fade away jumper for 2 with just 0.2 remaining of the game. Dowtin was immediately mobbed by the Magic squad, all celebrating his efforts to secure the victory as he tries for a future roster position with the team.
The Mentions
The starting unit Coach Mosely went with was another change as Jalen Suggs had been withdrawn due to a non-COVID illness. The lineup selected was Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr and Mo Bamba.
Again the Bamba and Carter Jr partnership blossomed. They produced points, assists, rebounding, steals and blocks.
RJ Hampton led all Magic players in scoring with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Cole Anthony, Bamba, Carter Jr, Dowtin and E’Twaun Moore also all made double digit scoring. The Magic also saw Franz Wagner have his most solid game in the uniform.
The Magic defence was at times impressive, with 10 blocks (Bamba with 5 of those) and 10 steals. Unfortunately, turnovers were a feature of Orlando’s game and contributed to many a Celtics lead.
A Full Review As The Magic Close Preseason With A Win
A full game review by the Magic’s Josh Cohen can be read here on the Orlando Magic website.
The real business begins next, with opening night in San Antonio on October 20th against the Spurs. Both teams are young and athletic, a combination that suggests the game could be a slugfest!
