What a week of basketball the Orlando Magic have had. Orlando did not win every game, but they demonstrated that they are a team with a lot of talent and promise. One could argue that the Magic should have beaten both the Phoenix Suns in the beginning of the week and the Philadelphia 76ers at the end, but in the end they came up just short.
The week began with a close loss to the Western Conference-leading Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. This game came down to the wire, with Orlando seconds away from forcing OT if not for Mikal Bridges’ amazing block on Franz Wagner’s 27-foot three-point jumper with 4.2 seconds remaining in regulation. The final margin of victory was 102-99. Phoenix was without two of its key players, Chris Paul and Devin Booker, but was led by center Deandre Ayton, who had 19 rebounds and 21 points, and guard Landry Shamet, who scored 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Wendell Carter Jr. led Orlando with 20 points and 12 rebounds. This was a huge confidence booster for a young Orlando squad, as it showed that they could compete with one of the NBA’s toughest teams.
On Wednesday, the Magic traveled to the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Orlando dominated this game, eking out a 108-102 victory over the Pelicans. This was a statement victory for the Magic, who faced a desperate Pelicans club coming off consecutive losses to the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. The Magic scorched the Pelicans for 30 points in the first quarter while keeping them to 17. Cole Anthony led the way with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Gary Harris chipped in with 16 points off the bench. The Magic shot 47% from the field and 84% from the foul line (22 of 26).
Orlando resumed their winning ways on Friday night with a 118-110 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game was a fight, as neither team held a commanding lead until the Magic pulled away in the final three minutes of regulation. Orlando went on a 9-to-1 run to close out the game and secure the victory. Mo Bamba had a monster game, scoring 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting while pulling down 12 rebounds and blocking two shots.
The Magic had an opportunity to cap the weekend on a three-game winning streak with a victory over James Harden, Joel Embiid, and the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Unfortunately, they were unable to finish the weekend with a victory, falling 116-114 in overtime against the 76ers.
On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 7 p.m., the Magic will host the resurgent Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA on and off the court. They currently sit at the eighth spot of the Eastern Conference with a record of 35-33. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are the Nets’ two leaders. The Nets will be a tough challenge for the Magic but if Orlando can play like they did this past week, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
THE CONVERSATION.