Orlando, FL – In another frustrating night at the Kia Center on Tuesday night, the Orlando Magic (29-34) lost to the Toronto Raptors (20-42) in a game with significant playoff implications.
The Magic faced immediate setbacks, with the announcement that Jalen Suggs, considered the heart of the team, would be out for the remainder of the season and the playoffs after knee surgery. Adding to their woes, Cole Anthony, who had stepped up in Suggs’ absence, was sidelined with a big toe injury he could no longer play through.
In their place, Corey Joseph, a veteran point guard known for his ability to organize an offense but lacking in scoring, entered the lineup. This lack of scoring has been a persistent issue for the Magic all season.
Following a lackluster performance on Sunday night where the energy in the Kia Center plummeted mid-third quarter, the Magic started with renewed vigor.
Despite continued shooting struggles in the first quarter, the Magic managed to maintain a slight lead over Toronto, largely due to the Raptors’ 10 turnovers.
The Raptors disrupted Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley’s game plan by employing a full-court press, effectively hindering Orlando’s ability to push the ball up the court.
The second quarter began with nearly three minutes of scoreless play for both teams, as Magic shots failed to fall and Orlando made it difficult for the Raptors to score. With a younger Magic lineup on the floor, a lack of confidence was evident.
Paolo Banchero’s return to the floor helped Orlando build a 30-26 lead. When the rest of the starting lineup returned midway through the second quarter, the team regained its footing and played with renewed energy.
However, the third quarter mirrored Sunday’s disastrous performance, with Orlando taking over three minutes to score. This resulted in another comeback effort, following a 31-19 Raptors run.
A 22-point fourth-quarter surge by Paolo Banchero brought Orlando back into the game.
Tristan DaSilva provided a crucial 12 points off the bench, including timely three-pointers, keeping Orlando in contention.
Ultimately, Toronto prevailed. With Raptors starters on the bench, A.J. Lawson scored eight points in the fourth quarter, maintaining Toronto’s narrow lead.
With the game tied and 4.5 seconds remaining, Ja’Kobe Walker hit an improbable three-point shot over solid defense by DaSilva, giving the Raptors the lead with half a second left.
Orlando attempted a baseline inbounds pass from Paolo Banchero to Wendell Carter Jr. under the basket. The play was called off due to the game clock starting late. Carter would have been open, but was found by Orlando Robinson, which was not called.
The referees’ remedy for the clock malfunction was a jump ball, rendering the play moot with the limited time remaining. Banchero tapped the jump ball towards the net, but it didn’t fall, ending the game.
Banchero delivered a 41-point performance, leading the Magic’s scoring effort alongside Franz Wagner, who contributed 22 points.
All five Toronto starters scored in double figures, with RJ Barrett leading the way with 21 points.
The Raptors committed 20 turnovers, resulting in 17 points for Orlando. However, Orlando’s third-quarter struggles and overall poor shooting continued to contribute to their losing streak.
Orlando hosts the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
