Sports

Magic take down Raptors 126-107 for second NBA Tourney win

ORLANDO – The Orlando Magic returned home after over a week to face the Toronto Raptors in their first home game in the NBA Cup Tournament.

Orlando, Florida, USA, December 11, 2022, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero #5 shoots a three in the second half at the Amway Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

On a light gray and navy blue painted court with gold NBA Tourney trophies and the Magic “City on the Rise logo at center court, it was a little strange walking on the floor on Tuesday.

The Magic, coming off of a 3 and 1 road trip with impressive wins over the Chicago Bulls (twice) and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, it was time to bring that energy home.

Orlando brought the energy for sure, and opened up with a 10-4 run on the Raptors, with Paolo Banchero continuing to dominate and run the offense.

The Raptors settled down after a time out, and Pascal Siakam settled dow on defending Paolo, forcing the Magic to adjust. The Raptors went on a 8-0 run in the middle of the first quarter.

After a key block of Gary Trent Jr by Gogol Bitaze, Anthony Black pushed the ball up to a streaking Joe Ingles who dropped a three point shot to end the first quarter for Orlando with a 30-23 lead.

Orlando, Florida, USA, November 21, 2023, Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black #0 attempt to make a basket at the Amway Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Toronto put up a bigger fight than Chicago, fighting back and keeping pace with three pointers by Annoy and Schroeder, but Orlando managed to keep a string lead going tint he half, 67-56.

The Raptors opened up the half with a full court press, causing the magic to get a rare 8-second penalty with the delay in bring ing the ball across the mid court line.

Toronto continued to try their best to get back into the game, and wound up outscoring Orlando 33-26 in the third quarter, however the quarter still ended with a 100-82 score.

Orlando dominated in fast break points, 2nd chance points, and points in the paint. The teams were relatively close in rebounds, but the glaring difference was turnovers.

The Raptors had a whopping 24 turnovers that lead t0 31 of the Magic’s points. Orlando kept their turnovers to 13.

Orlando, Florida, USA, November 21, 2023, Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony #50 runs pass Toronto Raptors players at the Amway Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Magic Head Coach Jamal Mosley and his staff had coached the team up to be ready for a scrappy, battling game, which in contrast to the high flying Indiana Pacers was a total turnaround in playing style.

The Magic did not flinch in the change in style, and did not let up on their intensity against a lesser opponent.

Banchero would up leading all scorers with 25 points, while Franz Wagner added 17 and Jalen Suggs dropped 15.

Marc killer Dennis Schroder scored 24 for Toronto, Scottie Barnes added 14, and Siam scored 16.

The Magic bench outscored the Raptors 56- 32, which was a big factor in the win.

Orlando now faces the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and the Boston Celtics in a battle for Croup C of the NBA Cup Tournament on Friday.

The Celtics are so far undefeated in the group, while the Magic could tie them with a win.

 

 

 

 

 

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