Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic playoff aspirations took another hit as they had a disheartening 125-113 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, extending their losing streak to three games. Even with a fully healthy team on the floor, Orlando didn’t seem ready to face Philly.
From the opening tip-off, it was evident that the Magic were in for a long night as they started off with an early four-point lead and then never got it back. Orlando conceded a staggering 40 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for the rest of the game. On the floor, the Magic seemed like they didn’t understand the importance of this game and had no fire inside of them to win this game and the Sixers simply wanted it more. Despite their efforts to claw their way back into the game in the later quarters, which ended up being somewhat more evenly matched, Orlando found themselves trailing by double digits for the majority of the contest, unable to mount a comeback against this talented 76ers squad.
While the Magic received commendable performances from several key contributors, including the return of Franz Wagner from injury, the efficient play of Jalen Suggs, and the flawless 7-7 shooting of Moritz Wagner, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by their inability to maintain defensive discipline and contain the offensive onslaught of the 76ers.
Franz Wagner made an immediate impact in his return to the lineup, pouring in 24 points on 50% shooting from the field and providing a much-needed spark for the Magic offense. Meanwhile, Jalen Suggs continued with his fourth straight game with over 18 points, tallying 20 points on an impressive 58.3% shooting clip, while Paolo Banchero contributed to the stat sheet with a 22-point, 15-rebound, and seven-assist game, despite struggling with efficiency badly.
Despite the pretty numbers these players put up, the Magic’s defensive woes overshadowed any stat line, as the team was unable to be the cohesive defensive juggernaut they’ve proven that they can be. Orlando allowed Joel Embiid to dominate with a near triple-double performance, notching 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in just his fifth game back from injury. Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Tyrese Maxey also capitalized on Orlando’s horrible defensive composure, combining for 63 points and rubbing salt on the wound that was the Magic’s vulnerability on that end of the floor.
With just a single game left before the playoffs, the Magic found themselves the effort needed to secure these crucial victories and maintain their position at the top of the East. The Magic must address their defensive deficiencies and rediscover their trademark intensity if they hope to make a meaningful postseason push. With home-court advantage slipping further out of reach and their playoff hopes in jeopardy, Orlando faces an uphill battle to salvage their season and prove themselves serious contenders in the Eastern Conference postseason race. Their last game at home versus the Bucks will determine if the team will be in the play-in tournament or if they will secure a playoff berth.
