Orlando, FL – The first home game of the preseason for the Orlando Magic came in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans as they lost this game 104-92.
Although both teams’ starters played limited minutes, there were flashes of how special both of these teams can be this season. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson came out with a sense of urgency as he had 16 points, five steals, two blocks, and was making a ton of highlight reel plays in transition. Both Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum were making shots from the midrange and showing yet again why they’re two of the best three-level scorers in the NBA.
Third-year forward Franz Wagner was sensational tonight running the floor, scoring the ball, and doing a great job of moving without the ball. Franz finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds, and shot a very efficient 8-11 from the field, and 3-6 from deep. Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac brought a ton of energy especially on the defensive side of the ball as they combined for two steals and four blocks.
Enough cannot be said about the second unit for the Magic led by fourth-year guard Cole Anthony. Cole came into the game and was doing a great job of pushing the pace, creating for others, and being in total command of this offense. Mo Wagner was a great spark off the bench as well chipping in 16 points, and when asked how playing at FIBA this summer has helped him grow as a player, he had this to say,
“It’s incredible, it’s such a different style of basketball. There’s a very small margin of error and a very high level of detail. It’s very challenging in many aspects, I‘m very happy I got that privilege to play there and I embrace that.”
The Magic will wrap up their preseason on Friday evening as they will host the Flamengo a professional basketball team from Brazil. Orlando will open up their regular season next Wednesday as they will host the Houston Rockets.
