Behind the untouchable Cavs, they are the second fittest team in the league. The Magic recorded a 6th victory in a row by winning in Phoenix (99-109). A (rare) away success which obviously bears the mark of Franz Wagnerauthor of a new outing with more than 30 points (32).
A few seconds before the break, the reigning player of the week highlighted the purity of his shot with a “stepback” behind the arc. This award-winning shot allowed Orlando to return to the locker room with a comfortable lead (48-64) after a second quarter where the visitors made the biggest difference (26-38), with a very solid Goga Bitadze under the circle.
A lead all the more comfortable as the Magic increased this gap to 19 units a few seconds after the break. Remember that the Suns were playing “back-to-back” and again without three starters (Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic), largely limiting their options in attack. Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen gave a lot, to support a very targeted Devin Booker.
Manhandled for a long time, the locals even managed to get back below 10 points on a very complicated winning basket from Devin Booker less than four minutes from the end (91-98). But it won't go any further against Franz Wagner who made four free throws in a row, before converting with the floater.
Behind the other strong man on the Magic side, Anthony Black, author of one of his best games of his young career, made a key interception before attracting two new free throws. The Magic made no mistakes to win.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Magic can win away. The Floridians won their first trip of the season, during the derby in Miami. Then a series of defeats far from their bases. Including their first series of trips of the season (five matches). The Magic thus remained on six consecutive defeats away from home. While they are still undefeated at home (7 wins), the Orlando players continue with a double trip to Los Angeles (Clippers and Lakers).
– Devin Booker in search of consistency. This question stood out less as long as the Suns were winning. His team now stripped, the fullback knows that the spotlight is on him. The day after his 44-point outing in Minnesota, which came after his worst match, in OKC (12 points to 2/10), the team leader continued with another mixed performance. The Magic's defense (KCP in the lead) of course has a lot to do with it.
– Same results, opposite dynamic. The two teams now have a joint record of 9 wins and 6 losses. But while the Magic lined up victories, the Suns, with their busy infirmary, suffered a 4th defeat in a row, the 5th in six games. The Suns will stay at home with an unclear series (Knicks, Lakers, Nets, Warriors, etc.).
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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.
