Cole Anthony last night:

25 PTS
8/12 FG
4/5 3P
28 MIN off the bench pic.twitter.com/NU3s4wM5lb

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 22, 2022

COLE WORLD

After missing the regular season opener with an undisclosed illness, Cole Anthony has returned with a vengeance.

Anthony exploded from the bench, leading the Magic with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 4 of 5 from three. Unfortunately, the rest of the Magic’s rotation couldn’t match the vibe. Collectively, Orlando’s deep shooters produced a 4-for-29 performance, on a tough Friday night in Atlanta.

“Our energy kind of faded as we got to the fourth quarter. They started picking us apart, taking advantage of that, and that’s how they were able to get so many open looks.”

PRAYERS UP FOR SUGGS

Sadly, starting guard Jalen Suggs suffered a sprained right ankle during the third quarter of the game, ending his night. While his fifteen minutes of playing time was quiet offensively, Suggs sent that time locking up Atlanta star guard Trey Young in the first half.

Postgame, Head Coach Jamahl Mosley offered support, and a word of encouragement for his second-year standout:

“My heart goes out to the kid. He’s working and continuing to battle no matter what happens..

Continued to put the work in despite injuries. [He’s] a resilient, tough kid. He’s going to continue to bounce back.”

Wishing J-SUGGS a speedy recovery, and return.

AIR PAOLO

Unsurprising absolutely no one, Paolo Banchero notched his first NBA double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Another historic night for the first overall pick, as he surpasses Lebron James for most points in a two-game NBA career debut.

But game aside, Friday night was also a reunion for Paolo and the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray, who became acquainted with each other back during the Summer.

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HOME, SWEET HOME

Seeking their first win since preseason, a merciful end to an sneakily difficult road trip may bode well for our Magic.

Cole, Banchero and the Orlando Magic return home for an opening night match-up with the defending, Eastern Conference champion, Boston Celtics at Amway Center on Saturday.