Sports

Magic starters defeat Bulls 100-91

CHICAGO, IL – The Orlando Magic (24-34) defeated the Chicago Bulls (26-31) at the United Center on Monday night in front of 20,767 fans.

For the Magic, this was a revenge win after the Bulls defeated them 128-19 on January, 28th in Orlando.

rlando, Florida, USA, February 7, 2023, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero #5 pushes forward in the second half at the Amway Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Orlando’s starters lead the way with four out of the five scoring in double digits. Paolo Banchero scored 22 points and was the lead scorer for the Magic, while Chicago’s Zach LaVine lead all scorers with 26 points.

Orlando had strong games from Markelle Fultz who scored 18 points, had 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Franz Wagner also scored it in the effort.

Orlando’s second unit was without its leaders Cole Anthony was nursing  a sore right wrist. The second unit managed to keep the Chicago bench just a s diet with strong defense. Outside of Coby White, the Chicago bench had minimal effect on the game.

Outside of a brief 2 point lead, Orlando lead the whole game,  at one point by as much as 13 points. Orlando’s 47% filed goal percentage kept things rolling as the Bulls and Magic were fairly even on rebounds, but the Bulls had more success in the paint (52-46, fast breaks (17-8) and 2nd chance points (21-0)

The difference? 3-point shooting.

Orlando managed to shoot 30% from deep, including key shots by Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. The Bulls were cold from deep, only hitting 14% of their 3-point tries.

The Magic turn right around and head up to Toronto to face the Raptors tomorrow night before the All-star break.

 

 

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