WASHINGTON, DC – the Orlando Magic (17-19) lost to thee Washington Wizards (20-26) 138-118.
Orlando is coming off of an impressive 123-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans in which Franz Wagner, who was a game time decision, lead all scorers with 30 Points.
In Washington, the Magic simply could not get the needed stops to hag with the Wizards. Rui Hachimura went off on the Magic for a career high 30 points, followed by Kyle Kuzma, with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Kuzma is a notorious problem for Orlando.
The game was a homecoming affair for Markelle Fultz, who lead the magic with 23 points and 8 assists. Franz Wagner scored 20 points on the night, and Paolo Banchero dropped in 15.
The Wizards came out of thee gates blazing, outscoring the Magic 37-26 in the first quarter. Orlando never really caught up as Washington had for the whole game.
Washington managed over 50% shooting in field goals as well as 3-point shots, while Orlando tried to hang with them, managed numbers in the 40% range.
Orlando committed 11 turnovers that lead to 14 Wizards points in the game, but a lot of the numbers tell the tale of pretty even game. It was the scoring efficiency and turnovers that made thee difference.
Bol Bol continues to work himself into form, with 11 points and 4 blocked shots, which is encouraging. Bol made a spectacular drive and dunk against the Pelicans on Friday night, slicing through the Pelicans defense so slam it home.
He is a height match against Kristaps Porzingus, but in no way matches his body weight. But Bol continues to impress on the offensive end with his creativity.
This was a back to back, and while Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosely tried to rest key team member by sitting them in the fourth quarter in the game against New Orleans, They just do not match up well against the Wizards.
On Monday, the Magic welcome the Boston Celtics, and the return of Jonathan Isaac to the roster after finishing his rehab with a positive stint with the Magi’s G-League team in Lakeland, Fl.
Orlando faces a Celtics team that is on a 9-game winning streak, though missed Jayson Tatum in their last game against the Raptors due to wrist soreness, an Marcus Smart and Rover Williams III left that game due to injury.
