The Magic fall in Boston in their first preseason game by a single point. A final score of 97-98 held a lot of positives for the Magic.
A TECHNICAL WIN FOR THE MAGIC
As we wrote in our game preview preseason is not about getting the W, it is about chemistry, fitness, running plays and defensive sets against an opponent. It is also about avoiding any unnecessary injury. Preseason games are an extension of training camp.
Those principles were on view throughout the night as the Magic played well for the full 48 minutes.
At the end of the first half and at the close of the third Orlando led. At points they held a double digit lead.
With 5 minutes to go in the final quarter and up by 5 Orlando pulled everyone and went with a G League Lakeland Magic lineup of Gravett, Dowtin, Schofield, Brazdeikis and Teske. This decision was made by Coach Mosely, as he did not want the main players having major minutes, Ross leading the way with a touch over 23 minutes.
THE MENTIONS AS THE MAGIC FALL IN BOSTON
Jalen Suggs on his debut had a tough opponent in Marcus Smart. Suggs fought hard on both ends for his 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and got a couple of nice deflections. It was a positive start.
Franz Wagner also made a start, collecting 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, a block and a steal on 19 minutes of play.
Mo Bamba! If we can see Mo put a consistent run of games like this together he can become the player fans hoped he would be. Effort and energy for his double-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 blocks.
Cole Anthony took over the game when on court, coming from the bench. His shot was good and showed range. Cole finished with 16 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds.
Moe Wagner from the bench also finished with 16 points. Wendell Carter Jr and Gary Harris both also recorded double digit scoring with 10 points each.
THE MAGIC FALL IN BOSTON – FULL REVIEW
A full game review by the Magic’s Josh Cohen can be read here on the official Orlando Magic website.
Up next for the Orlando Magic is a road game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday (U.K. tip time of 1:00am Thursday).
