Orlando Magic suffer tough loss to the Wizards after detrimental suspensions

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The Orlando Magic (13-23) began their three-game home stand Friday night against the Washington Wizards (15-21). The Magic entered the game with an extreme disadvantage, having 9 of their players out on suspension after an altercation earlier in the week with players on the Detroit Pistons (9-28). The suspended players include Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, Mo Wagner, R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Admiral Schofield, Wendell Carter Jr., and Franz Wagner. Due to the high number of players involved, suspensions have been staggered between the next two games in order to ensure the Magic have enough players available for their games. 

In addition to the numerous suspensions, the Magic’s injury report showed no change as Jalen Suggs (ankle), Chuma Okeke (knee), and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are still recovering. As for the Wizards, star player Bradley Beal was out with a hamstring injury, alongside forward Taj Gibson (groin). 

The Wizards came out swinging from the tip, taking a 12-4 lead within the first four minutes of the game. The Magic did their best to contain the lead, led by Bol Bol and Markelle Faultz whose combined effort of 6 points and 2 rebounds found them down 27-20 by the end of the first. The beginning of the second quarter was a mirror image of the first, as Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 6 of the points that made up their 12-0 run over the course of roughly 3 and a half minutes. The Wizards answered back with a 13-0 run of their own over the course of roughly 3 minutes, giving them a 9 point lead 43-34. The Wizards maintained this lead, heading into halftime up 56-47, led by Kristaps Porzingis who had 20 points and 8 rebounds. What was most impressive about the first half was the combined effort by the Magic, as Wagner (11 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds), Fultz (10 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds), and Bol (10 points and 4 rebounds) all scored in the double digits to lead their short-handed team. 

Coming into the second half the Magic were only down 9 points, a lead they had easily overcome earlier on in the game. This time around however, the Wizards seemed to click as a unit, putting up 42 points in the quarter to take a 98-73 point lead over the Magic. Throughout the fourth quarter the Magic did their best to cut down on the Wizards lead, but in the end they fell to the visiting team 119-100. The Magic ended the game shooting a total 42% from the field and 18.52% from three, while the Wizards shot a total 56% from the field and 42.86% from three. While this was a very tough loss for the Magic, their perseverance and determination is a remarkably admirable quality, as they came prepared to play and battle it out regardless of who was missing from the lineup. 

Franz Wagner led the Magic with 28 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds, supported by Paolo Banchero (21 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds), Bol Bol (10 points & 9 rebounds), and Fultz (12 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds).

Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, supported by Kyle Kuzma (23 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds), Rui Hachimura (16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists), Deni Avidja (13 points, 6 assists, 7 rebounds), Monte Morris (12 points & 10 assists), and Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford with 11 points each.

What’s Next?

The Orlando Magic (13-24) will play their second home game of the three-game home stand this upcoming Wednesday, January 4th, against the Oklahoma City Thunder (15-20). The Thunder will have to face the Philadelphia 76ers (20-14) and Boston Celtics (26-10) before their matchup with the Magic. The Thunder are currently averaging 115.7 points per game (seventh in the league) while allowing 116.9 points per game (twenty-fifth in the league). This matchup against the Thunder will put the Magic to the test yet again due to suspensions, but with multiple key pieces returning the odds should be much more in their favor than against the Wizards. 

For more news about the Orlando Magic visit: www.nba.com/magic
For more sports coverage on the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NCAA, contact Cameron Williams by phone at 305-632-4441 or via email at cameronwilliams@wepa.fm

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