In a déjà vu showdown, the Orlando Magic seized another heart-stopping victory as Magic outshines Bulls, this time within the intense realm of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Facing the Bulls for the second time in a week, the Magic mirrored their earlier defensive dominance, holding Chicago to a paltry 33 first-half points.
Magic Outshines Bulls
Zach LaVine, reminiscent of their previous clash, ignited a late-game surge for the Bulls, narrowing a 20-point deficit. However, the Orlando Magic, resilient in the face of adversity, refused to yield. Gary Harris, stepping into the starting lineup for the injured Jalen Suggs, delivered a crucial 3-pointer. Franz Wagner showcased his clutch prowess with an AND-1 driving layup, answering Alex Caruso’s three that briefly put the Bulls ahead. Jonathan Isaac, cool under pressure, sealed the deal with two decisive free throws, securing a 103-97 triumph in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament.
Orlando Magic’s head coach, Jamahl Mosley, commended his team’s poise and communication, highlighting the evident growth in their approach. Wagner led the charge with 21 points, while Isaac notched season-highs of 18 points and nine rebounds. Harris contributed 15 points, and Paolo Banchero added 13, showcasing the Magic’s depth.
The statistics echoed the Magic’s dominance – outrebounding the Bulls 46-34, outscoring them in the paint 52-34, and a staggering 50-8 bench points advantage. The resilience displayed in identical situations against the Bulls showcased the team’s unwavering determination and growth.
LaVine’s 34-point effort and DeMar DeRozan’s return with 23 points weren’t enough to thwart the Magic’s relentless pursuit of victory. Orlando, with a 7-5 season record, maintains its best start after 12 games since the 2017-18 season when they began 8-4.
In the In-Season Tournament, the Magic now stand at 1-1, setting the stage for upcoming clashes against the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics in group play. The defending champion Denver Nuggets will also test Orlando’s mettle in between. As the Magic continue to defy expectations, their tenacity and strategic growth make them a captivating force to watch in the unfolding NBA season.
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