Fifth consecutive victory for Orlando, which was able to provide the necessary boost at the end of the game to get rid of a Philadelphia team that was still too messy, like the George-Embiid pair (4/15 and 5/15 in the shot), barely saved by a still stunning Jared McCain. Conversely, the Magic recited their score, made of aggression and hardness on both sides of the field, to perfection.
After a balanced start, it was Orlando who made the first gap by going 9-0 with the Wagner brothers at the helm, 3-pointers for Franz and near the circle for Moritz (24-15). The Sixers responded with a 14-0 run between the end of the first quarter, concluded with a dunk from Guerschon Yabusele (21-24), and the start of the second, with Jared McCain to fuel the score (24-29). Orlando held on until the break, relying on a good Jonathan Isaac and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer (43-45).
The Magic supercharged, Philly overwhelmed
The 3-pointers from Franz Wagner and KCP briefly allowed the locals to get back in front (49-48) before a new blow from Philadelphia carried by Jared McCain, author of 8 points in the 11-0 which allowed his team to turn to +10 (49-59). The new sensation of the Sixers followed up with seven points to maintain the gap (60-69). The Magic once again relied on its DNA to get back in front before the start of the fourth quarter, with Moritz Wagner and Anthony Black in “energizer” mode and two shots from Franz Wagner to make it better (73- 72).
Imperial in defense, the Floridians ended up making the difference with Mo Wagner's 3-pointer and Jalen Suggs' two drives to complete a stunning 20-3 (80-72). Once again, it was Jared McCain who stopped the bleeding twice, before committing his sixth personal foul, at the start of the “money-time” (84-80).
Orlando took the opportunity to regain momentum and deliver a fatal blow on two 3-point arrows from Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs (92-82). Jonathan Isaac's tap dunk served as the icing on the cake and Orlando thus won its second victory in the NBA Cup (98-86), plunging the Sixers a little further to the bottom of the standings in the East.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– A 20-3 that changed everything. In the absence of its rough diamond Paolo Banchero, Orlando must redouble its efforts in intensity and rigor in defense, areas in which Jamahl Mosley's men have the gift of excelling. Trailing 60-69, they were able to rely on their repeated defensive stops to gradually reverse the balance of power, with the trio Jalen Suggs – Jonathan Isaac – Mo Wagner to perfectly embody this identity and accompany Franz Wagner's new recital .
– Joel Embiid still in training. The Sixers pivot's second outing was barely better than the first. Well taken by the Magic defense, Joel Embiid finished with 20 points at 5/15 shooting including 0/5 at 3-points, 8 rebounds but above all 6 lost balls in 33 minutes. The former MVP is far from his best level.
– Jared McCain saves the furniture. Philly still does not win but the rookie continues to shine, with another remarkable performance at 29 points and big passages in the second half. He reminds us of Tyrese Maxey in his early days, with his speed and his nerve. He nonetheless remains a rookie, and was deprived of “money time” for six fouls. This is one of the highlights of the meeting, while the Sixers were still at -4.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
