TORONTO, ON – The Orlando Magic (39-28) defeated the Toronto Raptors (23-44) in a crucial NBA Eastern Conference game at Scotiabank Arena in front of a sellout crowd of 19,800 basketball fans.
The game is the first of a weekend series between the two teams, with the Raptors heading down to Orlando to face the Magic on Sunday, March 17th, at the Kia Center.
Four of Orlando’s five starters scored in double digits, as well as two off the bench.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points, followed by Paolo Banchero with 17 points. Jonathan Isaac (10) and Cole Anthony (12) contributed off the bench.
Orlando committed 15 turnovers, resulting in 20 points for Toronto, who also had Orlando on their heels with a dominant fast-break game, scoring 37 fast-break points.
Orlando’s strategy to attack and dominate in the paint has been countered in the past few games, causing them to work on increased ball movement and make in-game adjustments. One thing that has worked in Orlando’s favor is a fully healthy roster. The lack of injuries has helped head coach Jamahl Mosley navigate through these new challenges, preparing the team for the playoffs.
“I really do believe that it sets you up for that scenario, understanding the adjustments you need to make from one game to the next… The things that you did well, the things that you need to obviously grow and improve on,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said at shootaround Friday.
“Being able to have that at this point in the season, understanding what they’re capable of, and knowing what to do, is very important for this group.”
Gary Trent Jr. dominated the Raptors’ scoresheet with 31 points, leading the team in points by far, with little scoring help. Kelly Olynyk and Immanuel Quickley each scored 10 points, with Javon Freeman-Liberty (14) and Bruce Brown (12) contributing off the bench.
The Raptors returned the favor to the Magic by committing 16 turnovers, resulting in 23 Magic points.
Orlando went back and forth with Toronto in the first half, resulting in a 50-48 halftime score. However, the Magic built up a lead in the third quarter, outscoring Toronto 34-25, and eventually building a 19-point lead in the second half.
The win keeps Orlando in fifth place in the NBA East, just one loss behind the New York Knicks, and two losses better than the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers.
What comes next for Orlando after returning from Toronto is the start of an eight-game homestand at the Kia Center, beginning Sunday against the Raptors.
Of their last 15 games, the Magic play 10 at home, where they’re 22-9 this year.
