Orlando, FL — An all-around great performance by the Orlando Magic this evening as they get back into the win column with a 118-88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Orlando, who came into tonight’s matchup on a three-game losing skid, desperately needed a victory to maintain good positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and they did so in dominant fashion.
Memphis has been dealing with injuries all season long and they came into tonight’s matchup with no Desmond Bane (back soreness), Vince Williams Jr (knee), Yuta Watanabe (personal), and of course no Ja Morant (right shoulder ) who had a season-ending surgery back in January. Despite the Grizzlies being derailed with injuries the last time this Magic squad saw them, it resulted in a heartbreaking 107-106 loss in Memphis.
On the second night of a back-to-back, Orlando didn’t have Jonathan Issac (right hamstring maintenance) and Gary Harris (right plantar fascia injury maintenance).
From tipoff to the final whistle, the Magic played a complete game on both sides of the ball. The first quarter got off to a great start where both Jalen Suggs (10 points) and Joe Ingles (11 points) hit double figures early on. Suggs connected on two shots from deep, and Ingles was a perfect 3 of 3 from behind the arch to begin the game. Orlando took advantage of a depleted Memphis team and they led 33-13 after one.
Orlando continued to assert their dominance which was fueled by a 30-4 run, and they would go on to finish out the first half strong. Cole Anthony came in for the second unit alongside Joe Ingles and kept the Magic rolling with two triples in the second period alone. Orlando shot a great 9 of 22 (40.9%) from deep in the first half, all while playing stifling defense.
The Magic held the Grizzlies to 25.6% FG shooting during the first half, a season-low. The previous low was 26.8%, set on Nov. 15 in Chicago. Orlando finished the first half on a strong note and they led Memphis 58-34 going into the halftime locker room.
“You know, I think Mal’s [Jamahl Mosley] has done a great job getting these guys to really buy into principles and taking the paint away.” Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins on the growth of the Magic. “Getting up to the three-point line, the activity that they play with, their size and versatility. I’ve seen a lot of that growth just even in a couple of seasons, let alone just the last two months.”
The Magic didn’t let up in the second half and they led by 35 points going into the fourth period of play. Orlando with such a wide margin on the scoreboard was able to flood their bench unit as everyone who dressed tonight had a chance to get to touch the floor. Orlando had seven players score in double figures tonight and it was a three-way race for the leading scorer on the team as Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr all scored 15 points each.
Orlando shot an incredible 38 of 78 (48.7%) from the field, 22 of 44 (50%) from distance, and an efficient 20 of 23 at the free throw line. The Magic limited the Grizzlies to 31 of 86 shooting (36%) just 12 of 36 (33.3%) from behind the arch and forced them into 19 turnovers.
“They play for each other, they play for one another and the continuity in which they show.” Jamahl Mosley on having the most successful Magic team in 13 seasons. “I just continue to think it’s a joy to watch these guys play and continue to support one another— And I just have to give so much back to the fans that continue to support the good and the bad no matter what’s happening. And this group has embraced that, wholeheartedly.”
Orlando has now improved to 43-31 with their overall record on the season and they will now get prepared to play host to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday evening at the Kia Center.
