We already said this was a game between two teams in poor form, and that was precisely why we thought there would be no great difference between the Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic. We were wrong.
The side coached by Jordan Ott were clearly superior from the first moment. The seven-point lead they had at the end of the first quarter grew to as many as 23 before the start of the last. Indeed, the Floridians never even had a chance of competing for the win before falling 117-104.
Along the way we saw several interesting things. One of them is that the Orlando attack does not fire even when facing what was the worst defence in the NBA, conceding 124.5 points per 100 possessions. Surprisingly (or not), the Magic committed 25 turnovers and shot just 54 per cent from the free-throw line. Yes, the numbers are painful.
While almost every play was an ordeal for the Magic, Phoenix had fun as they ended a run of four straight defeats to the rhythm of Devin Booker, who finished with 30 points, including 4 of 8 from three-point range
Beyond their big star, the Suns had 24 points from Dillon Brooks and a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds from Miles Bridges. As a team, they also shot 50 per cent from three. Practically everything went right for them.
Orlando, same old story
Injuries, offensive problems and a season spent playing catch-up. The Orlando Magic’s script is so recognisable that it even seems predictable. They are without Paolo Banchero through injury and are also missing other very important pieces such as Jalen Suggs.
In that scenario, three consecutive defeats have followed, along with a 2-6 record and the feeling that the project could blow up at any moment. Franz Wagner, with 15 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds, could not prevent another blow for a team that lacks a lot to be where it wants to be.
(Photograph by IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
