The Magic fell to the Raptors in Toronto last night in a heartbreaker by 109-110. A supreme effort came up just short at the final buzzer.
The young Magic team rolled with every punch the Raptors threw and came back each time fighting. They showed an incredible spirit and desire as they continued to play for each other. With injuries and inexperience still impacting on the squad they continue to show growth.
There was a disparity in the calling of fouls, a frustrating feature of the game for Magic fans through the night. A clear flagrant foul on Jalen Suggs on a four point play was not called or even reviewed. That cost Orlando an additional inbounds possession.
As Raptors fans chanted “Scottie’s better! Scottie’s better!” Toronto we’re leading in the final two minutes. Suggs nearly showed otherwise! The four-point play with 52 seconds left cut the gap to 100-106. Suggs then blocked Anunoby from which Franz Wagner made it a one-point game sinking a three with 33 seconds left.
Coach Mosely look back and wish he could revisit his timeout call in the final moments. Bamba took down a defensive rebound with 10 seconds to go and the Coach chose to let the play develop. Bamba fed Suggs, who drove into the box as the Coach called timeout with a shade under 6 seconds left, only to see Suggs make the lay up. Having a timeout remaining and with Cole Anthony regaining possession at half court with around 2 seconds remaining he allowed play to unfold rather than design an inbounds play.
For Toronto Fred VanVleet was the driving force, ably supported by Gary Trent Jr, OG Anunoby and star rookie Scottie Barnes.
Top Performers For The Magic
Mo Bamba was brilliant as he attained his fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 18 rebounds. His contribution also saw him dish out 5 assists and make 3 blocks.
Wendell Carter Jr again in partnership with Bamba took his third double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Cole Anthony led all scorers with 24 points and carried the Magic offence all night. He nearly made a half court heave in the final second that would have given Orlando the win.
Franz Wagner continues to score at least 10 points or more in every NBA game he has played in. Again his basketball intelligence showed on the defensive end.
Jalen Suggs showed some good plays and made 21 points.
Moving On After The Magic Fell To The Raptors
A full game review by the Magic’s Josh Cohen can be read here on the Orlando Magic website.
Up next for Orlando is part two of the back-to-back on the three game road trip. It is a short journey to Detroit for the second night of the back-to-back facing the Pistons on tonight. Number 1 draft pick Cade Cunningham could make his debut for the Pistons, having missed the season through an ankle injury. Detroit have a 0-4 losing record on the season so far.
Finally Orlando move to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 1st, with a 3-1 winning start that sees them sat at 3rd in the Western Conference.
