a career night for @jalensuggs ???? pic.twitter.com/2nn5X7mOaL
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 4, 2022
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
Yes, that just happened.
On their first night in the Amway Center since late October, the Orlando Magic have shocked the world. Upsetting finals MVP Steph Curry, and the reigning NBA Champions, in the final seconds of a game that saw the Magic down by double-digits.
Frankly, the best part about this win for Orlando is how much of a team effort it required. The Magic took 46 free throws, and made 33 of them (23 more than the other guys). They also grabbed 11 more rebounds, than Draymond’s squad. Magic’s bench helped as well. Chuma Okeke celebrated eclipsing 1,000 career points while leading the second team with a season-high 16 points, R.J. Hampton kept the bank open with 15 points, and Kevon Harris scored 12. This night was special, the Magic earned a hard-fought win against the league’s best, and showcases the immense maturity of young team last than a week removed from tough back-to-back road loses.
“Starting to get used to winning and having that be our motto and have that be something we’re used to. Instead of getting in these games like it was in OKC when they come out on top in the end.”
A career-night for second-year star Jalen Suggs helped drag Orlando out of a 10-point hole, and sealing the game in the final seconds of regulation. Post game, Suggs addressed a significant shift in team mentality, following a disappoint loss earlier in the week:
CLUTCH @jalensuggs https://t.co/1V8h6HSWFc pic.twitter.com/apiYSJlS1g
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 4, 2022
WELCOME TO SUGGS SZN
Jalen Suggs’ triumphant return to the starting five, comes as key injuries continue to haunt the Magic.
Two game back from a five-game absence, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft finished with 26 points and 9 assists in 36 minutes as a starter.
"This is such an amazing team."@DanteMagic checks in with the ???????????????????????? @jalensuggs after his 26 point night and the @OrlandoMagic win over Golden State!@OrlandoMagic | #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/dMS6V8z9rf
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) November 4, 2022
NEXT: Orlando has enjoyed playing at home, currently boasting a five-game home win streak. Fortunately, the next six games for the Magic are at the Amway Center, with the next home defense on Nov. 5, against the Sacramento Kings.