Basketball

Magic’s Masterclass: Orlando Outscores Washington in Second-Half Showdown

Orlando Magic
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Orlando Magic Triumphs with 121-94 Victory over Washington Wizards

Franz Wagner showcased his skills with a 23-point, seven-assist performance, while Goga Bitadze dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and chipped in 10 points, driving the Orlando Magic to a 121-94 triumph over the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening. The dynamic duo of Mo Wagner and Cole Anthony contributed 16 points each off the bench, with Anthony Black adding a further 12. Jett Howard also made his mark, sinking all his attempts from beyond the arc.

Jordan Poole Shines Despite Wizards’ Slump

Despite the Wizards’ loss, Jordan Poole put on a show with a team-high 24 points. Bilal Coulibaly provided ample support with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. However, the Wizards’ defensive struggles were evident, having conceded a league-high average of 123.5 points per game in their first eight outings.

Rookie Standout and Key Moments

Rookie Alexandre Sarr made a noteworthy contribution for the Wizards, registering 11 points, three rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes of play. However, the tide of the game shifted when Orlando, leading 65-60, capitalized on a transition foul committed by Poole. This resulted in a four-point play, igniting a 12-2 run for the Magic over the next 2:16.

Surprising Stat: Magic’s 3-Point Turnaround

Despite entering the game as the league’s poorest 3-point shooting team (29.8%), Orlando proved their critics wrong. Ten players from the Magic hit from beyond the arc, making 17 of 48 attempts (35.4%) against the Wizards.

Looking Forward

The Wizards will look to recover from their fourth straight loss as they face Houston on Monday night, their third away game in four nights. The Magic, on the other hand, will hope to continue their winning streak when they host Charlotte on Tuesday night.

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.

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