ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic are crafting a new identity in the NBA: defensive juggernaut. On Friday night, their smothering defense overwhelmed the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to a 98-86 victory in an NBA Cup Group A matchup. The win extended Orlando’s perfect home record to 7-0 this season and marked their 14th consecutive win at the Kia Center dating back to last March.
Franz Wagner was the star of the night, posting 31 points and 11 rebounds in a commanding performance. Jalen Suggs added 19 points and seven rebounds, overcoming shooting struggles to nail a critical three-pointer late in the game that sealed the win.
“I just focus on what I can control,” Suggs said postgame. “It’s not always about being perfect but being ready for the moment when it counts.”
The Magic’s defensive prowess was on full display during a game-changing second-half stretch. Over nine and a half minutes, the Sixers managed just four points—two from a Caleb Martin three and two on a technical free throw by injured Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Meanwhile, Orlando poured in 20 points, flipping a tight game into a comfortable lead.
Philadelphia’s All-Stars struggled under the relentless pressure. Joel Embiid, playing in only his second game of the season, finished with 20 points and eight rebounds but shot just 6-of-16. Paul George added 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting, while rookie Jared McCain carried the scoring load with 29 points before fouling out late.
The Sixers fell to 0-2 in NBA Cup play and 2-10 overall, continuing a brutal start to the season as injuries and chemistry issues weigh them down.
Orlando, meanwhile, sits atop Group A with a 2-0 record and a plus-37 point differential. Head coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s commitment to defense and execution.
“This group takes so much pride in how we guard,” Mosley said. “It’s about staying disciplined and making sure our energy stays consistent.”
The Magic now face a test with a three-game road trip starting Monday in Phoenix, while the Sixers look to regroup as they head to Miami.
For the Magic, though, the formula remains simple: defend, grind, and protect their home court—a recipe that’s fueling one of the most promising starts in recent franchise history.
