The Orlando Magic remain one of the form-strongest teams in the league and celebrate a deserved victory against the Phoenix Suns. Franz Wagner shone as top scorer and decided the game in the final phase, while the Suns without Kevin Durant once again disappointed.
The Orlando Magic continue their winning streak with their sixth consecutive victory. Despite the continued absence of Paolo Banchero, the Magic dominated the game from the start and led 64:48 at halftime. Franz Wagner was the outstanding player, scoring 32 points and deciding the game in the final minutes with a personal 8-0 run that took all chances away from the Suns. Phoenix, still without Kevin Durant, found few answers in offense and is now without a win in six games with their superstar out.
Orlando started the game energetically, controlling the paint in particular, where they scored 50 points compared to 40 for the Suns. By halftime, Franz Wagner had already scored 15 points, including a spectacular stepback three at the end of the second quarter. He was supported by a strong team that was efficient both below the basket and from the three-point line (38 percent). The Suns, on the other hand, had a hard time making their shots, managing just under 40 percent from the field and a meager 29 percent from downtown.
NBA: Franz takes responsibility in the final phase
In the second half, the Magic kept their double-digit lead constant, but a late 8-0 run by the Suns in the last quarter brought them back to seven points (98:91). However, Orlando did not let itself be unsettled: Franz Wagner took over in the decisive phase and scored the next eight points for his team, thus securing the win for good. Phoenix was unable to recover from this, also because they once again failed against the strong defense of the Magic, who have the second-best defensive rating in the league.
Moritz Wagner contributed nine points and six rebounds from the bench, while Tristan da Silva had five rebounds and six assists. The Suns relied on Devin Booker (17) and Tyus Jones (18) in offense, but without Durant they lacked firepower.
The Magic remain one of the hottest teams in the league and face the Clippers on Wednesday night (Thursday, 4:30 a.m. German time). The Suns also play again on Wednesday night (Thursday, 4:00 a.m. German time) against the New York Knicks.