ORLANDO, FL – This one might be one that the Orlando Magic would like to leave in the rear view mirror. After winning two of their last three games, the Magic were trounced by the surging Memphis Grizzlies 135-115 at the Amway Center on Saturday night.
Ja Morant put on a passing clinic with the Grizzlies with his game high 33 points and assists. The renowned dunker did not disappoint with a flurry of whirring passes and a Sports Center worthy slam dunk on Robin Lopez, tapping his head as he walked back up court.
“They were super comfortable against us. They could do whatever they want.” Said Orlando point guard Cole Anthony “They were having fun. It’s embarrassing. We’ve gotta do a better job of not letting their offense dictate what happens and let our defense dictate.”
Anthony led the Magic with a 22 point night, with rebounds and 5 assists. Wendell Carter Jr, who had a hell of a fight on his hands against Memphis’ Steven Adams. Carter Managed a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, against Adams similar 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson also did work on the inside, where the Grizzlies dominated with 68 points in the paint against 34 for the Magic. Jackson scored 21 points with 6 rebounds.
It was interesting watching Jalen Suggs face off against Morant, and keep him out of the paint in the first half. But once the Magic started switching up, Anthony and Franz Wagner also had their hands full with the superstar.
Wagner tried his usual fundamental, euro step style against them, but Steven Adams ruled the paint, Franz did manage to score 15 points and went 3 of 5 from 3.
During the game, the Magic would battle to get points off, and Morant would bring the ball up, attract the attention, and dishing it one of his many shooters,most of were hot in the first half, Including Zaire Williams (4 of 8 from 3 for 11 points ), De’Anthony Melton (4 of from 3 for 16 points)
Terrance Ross played only about 11 minutes for 4 points on the night, but Magic Head Coach said that he was holding him off for action on the next night of the back to back against the Celtics.
As for tonight’s game, Anthony said it best: “I guess it is a bit of a reality check of how much work we still need to do. But I’ll be here until about 9’oclock tonight. After that, I’ll forget about this game and move on to the next one.”
The Magic face the Boston Celtics at the Amway Center on Sunday February 6 at 6pm.
