Orlando, FL – The Magic went from one Texas town to another with vengeance on their minds after blowing a double-digit lead in Dallas, and nearly blowing a massive lead once again, but they managed to hold on to beat the Spurs 108-98.
The reigning Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero, had no fear when battling against this year’s number one overall pick, Victor Wembeyama. Paolo didn’t change his gameplan despite Wenbanyama’s 7’4 frame sitting in the paint. Paolo did what he does best straight from the tip and put press on the rim, getting himself to the line a respectable seven times during the game. To Wenbanyama’s credit, he did swat away six Magic shots, but that didn’t discourage or slow down Orlando one bit in their journey to the paint which resulted in 62 points in the paint this game.
Orlando’s defense was a huge factor this game, and despite getting outmatched by San Antonio’s height, they were able to keep them on the perimeter and force them to shoot an abysmal 9-31 from deep. The Magic were also able to force the Spurs to commit 19 turnovers, 10 of them coming from steals thanks to Jalen Suggs’ incredible anticipation this game. While Suggs had four steals on his own, Jonathan Isaac went toe to toe with Wenbanyama and got four blocks off his own, one of them being on the rookie.
This Magic team needed this win, and despite this late-game slip-up where they scored just 17 points in the 4th quarter, they still showed out and locked down important possessions when it mattered most. The Magic get a much-needed win on the road and they seem to finally be building momentum for a end of season run… the team is finally healthy for the first time in what feels like forever.
The Magic continue their five-game road trip with a daunting task on Friday night as they’ll be taking on the West’s best team at home. They will try to ride this momentum going into Minnesota to try and pull off a win and hopefully leapfrog the Heat in the Eastern Conference standings.
