The Wagner’s were Magic in Charlotte last night as Orlando broke a ten game losing streak with a 116-109 win.
Having lost each of the first three quarters by a single point the Magic entered the final period down by three points. However the Magic took control of the fourth quarter, led in a big part by the bench unit. Opening it with a 15-2 run Orlando took their chances. Defence up until that point had apparently been an optional extra for both teams. In the final twelve minutes Orlando held the free scoring Hornets to just 18 points. It could have been just 15 but Terry Rozier made an uncontested three at the final buzzer when both teams were seeing time out.
Magic Top Performances
Moe Wagner had a night, hitting his season high in scoring and leading the team with 26 points. He did a bit of everything, including making four of eight from deep and getting under the opposition’s skin.
Franz Wagner showed some finesse in this performance. Footwork, court vision and determination were present throughout. He has scored double figures in 37 of his 43 NBA games, including attaining 20-points or more on 10 occasions.
Jalen Suggs returned after missing 20 games, coming off the bench. He was a catalyst for the improvement of the bench contribution. He was diving for the loose ball and showing great commitment. Finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal in 22 minutes Jalen’s return was a welcome sight.
Gary Harris kept the scoreboard ticking over again for Orlando as he registered 18 points in the effort. This maintained a run of double-digit scoring, which now stands at 20 in his last 21 games.
Cole Anthony provided 8 points on a night where his shooting was again not at its best. However he did notch 6 rebounds and 8 assists.
Magic Starting Lineup – Cole Anthony (PG), Gary Harris (SG), Franz Wagner (SF), Chuma Okeke (PF), Robin Lopez (C)
Bench Unit – Jalen Suggs, Terrence Ross, Moe Wagner, RJ Hampton, Admiral Schofield (DNP), Ignas Brazdeikis (DNP)
Wendell Carter Jr (hamstring), Mo Bamba (toe), Michael Carter-Williams (left ankle), Markelle Fultz (left knee), Jonathan Isaac (left knee), and E’Twaun Moore (left knee sprain) were out for Orlando.
What’s Next After The Wagner’s Were Magic In Charlotte
Josh Cohen’s game reviews are available on the Orlando Magic website.
Orlando’s record is now 8 wins and 35 losses, which sees the Magic remain last in the Eastern Conference. Of the last 10 games played the Magic have won 1. The home record stands at 2 wins of 17 games played, whilst on the road it is 6 wins in 26 played. In points per game the Magic score 102.1 whilst conceding 110.9, rating 28th on offence and 24th defensively.
This win was on the first night of a back-to-back, which sees Orlando now move to play in Dallas tonight.
The Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are also on the second night of a back-to-back.
Last night Dallas take a 112-85 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Six other Mavericks’ made double figure scoring, including 16 from Tim Hardaway Jr off the bench.
Dallas have a record of 23 wins and 19 losses, which sees the Mavericks at the 5th seed in the Western Conference. Of the last 10 games played Dallas have won 8. The home record stands at 11 wins of 19 games played, whilst on the road it is 12 wins in 23 played. In points per game the Mavericks score 105.4 whilst conceding 103, rating 25th on offence and 3rd defensively.
Both Willie Cauley-Stein and Kristaps Porzingis will be out.
