Magic Overwhelmed by Nuggets
Denver, CO — The Magic faced off against the red-hot Denver Nuggets team, but after some rough stretches in the game, Orlando ended up losing 112-90 at the Ball Arena.
The Nuggets, led by Jokic’s 28 point, 12 assist, and 10 rebound triple-double continued their winning streak, securing their fifth consecutive victory, meanwhile, the Magic suffered their 10th loss in their past 12 games.
Injury Report
Orlando was without Jalen Suggs (quad) and Gary Harris (hamstring) this game, but luckily Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring), who was on the injury report before the game, became available.
On the Nuggets side, there were a handful of key injuries. Jamal Murray (knee), Russell Westbrook (hamstring), Peyton Watson (knee), and Vlatko Cancar (knee) were all absent from the game, but Denver’s depth proved more than enough.
Denver’s Offensive Masterclass
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets were in full control for most of the game, to the point where Jokic didn’t need to play in the whole fourth quarter thanks to Denver’s comfortable lead.
His performance was complemented by Michael Porter Jr., who scored 30 points, making it now three straight games where he’s scored 30 or more points. Christian Braun also made a significant impact, scoring 16 points.
Orlando’s Continued Offensive Struggles
The Magic, despite coming off a high-scoring game against Sacramento, couldn’t find their rhythm against Denver’s defense and struggled on offense throughout the game.
Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 19 points, with Paolo Banchero adding 18, but the team was ultimately outscored 33-17 in the third quarter, which turned out to be the killshot.
The Magic’s shooting was terrible, hitting only 36.9% from the field and 16.1% from three-point range, which killed any chance that Orlando had of getting back into this game.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s Tribute
In a touching moment, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who returned to Denver for the first time since signing with the Magic last offseason, was honored with an ovation and a video tribute for helping the Nuggets win the 2023 NBA title.
KCP, now with the Magic, managed to score seven points in his return to the Mile High City.
Orlando’s Defensive Crumbling
This game marks the 12th straight where Orlando has allowed over 100 points to their opponents, raising concern for the team’s highly coveted defense.
Despite some moments of resistance, the Magic struggled to contain Denver’s offensive onslaught, particularly in the paint and from beyond the arc and they were down by as much as 33 points this game.
Magic Headed Back Home
The Magic head back to Orlando and they will try to forget about this disappointing road trip that they’ve had, having managed just one win in their six away games.
Heading back home they are going to be met with the new-look San Antonio Spurs, who recently acquired De’Aaron Fox. The game will be no easy feat, but in front of the Magic fans at the Kia Center on Saturday evening, Orlando has one of the better records in the league.