Orlando, FL – A rough stretch for the Magic as they have now dropped five out of their last six games and tonight they got blown off their home court 124-109 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

A game where a depleted Magic team was just overpowered and outmatched by one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Orlando was able to keep the game close in the first half as they trailed 68-60 at halftime, but the second game is where the game got away from them.

Joel Embiid who’s the leading candidate for the MVP award put together another dominant performance tonight over the Magic. Embiid in just 30 minutes had 36 points, seven rebounds, and chipped in 4 steals defensively. Embiid got anything and everything that he wanted all night regardless of the looks that the Magic’s defense presented. Joel found himself playing bully ball down low, hitting his patented elbow jumpers, stepping out to the free throw line, and of course finding a way to the free throw line as 11 of his points came from there.

Tyrese Maxey had himself a dominant second half as he led the way for the Sixers and their impressive win on the road. Maxey in the second half had 15 points and hit both of his three-point attempts as he finished the evening with 32 points, 4-10 from three, and he recorded a game-high +17 on the floor.

“It’s working his way back. This is a young man who’s working his way back into, you know, full full go.” Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley on Jonathan Issac playing only 13 minutes tonight. “And that’s what we have to be smart with how they respond back to games being played— We wanna be smart about that.”

Jonathan Issac who appeared in only ten minutes in their last matchup in Atlanta and only 13 minutes tonight made a big impact when he was on the court. One of the few bright spots tonight for the Magic as he had seven points, a huge poster slam over Embiid, and he was playing incredible defense on Embiid in that third quarter when he got his matchups.

This was a four-point game with four minutes remaining in the third quarter and Philadelphia ultimately pulled away. Lackadaisical turnovers, allowing too many fast break opportunities, and sending Sixers players to the foul line ultimately cost this team the game. Late in the third Tyrese Maxey did a great job of pushing the pace in transition, knocking down jumpers in the half-court, and even Kelly Obure was getting involved as he knocked down a pair of threes.

Magic Center Wendell Carter Jr put together another strong performance tonight as he recorded 25 points and 11 rebounds. I asked Wendell after the game about his confidence level growing these last few games and how his teammates are getting him involved and he stated,

“I’m not really surprised, I know what I’m capable of— my teammates are finding me in my sweet spots and I’m making my shots, shooting with confidence, make or miss. My work has just been showing these last three games, so hopefully, I will continue that.”

Magic rookie Point Guard Anthony Black who was a DNP (Did Not Play) the last two games at New York and Atlanta, found himself back in the game late in the third quarter. Black came in and immediately made an impact, hitting a left corner three from Markelle Fultz, getting to the foul line, and playing solid defense. Anthony Black has continued to make an impact on this team when he gets his minutes and he is taking advantage of his opportunity.

The Magic have been without both Gary Harris and Franz Wagner now for eight consecutive games and this team doesn’t look the same without them. Orlando will be playing host to the Miami Heat for their third matchup of the season at 6 P.M. at the Kia Center.