ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic demonstrated their offensive prowess and resilience, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 127-111 on Thursday night, despite a remarkable 30-point second-half performance by Spurs’ Devin Vassell. Franz Wagner led the Magic with an impressive 34 points, steering his team to victory in a game that showcased talent and determination from both squads.
Vassell, who had a quiet first half without scoring, erupted for 23 points in the third quarter alone, converting all nine of his attempts. This scoring spree brought the Spurs within striking distance after they had fallen behind by as much as 23 points. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich humorously reflected on a halftime conversation with Vassell, nudging him towards a more aggressive stance that paid dividends in the second half.
However, the Magic, undeterred by the Spurs’ resurgence, orchestrated an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter, spearheaded by Jonathan Isaac, to firmly take control of the game. Additional contributions came from Jalen Suggs with 17 points and Paolo Banchero, who added 16 points alongside five rebounds and six assists, playing pivotal roles in the Magic’s win.
Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rookie sensation, posted 15 points, three blocks, and one rebound over 23 minutes, showing flashes of his potential despite the team’s overall struggles. The 7-foot-4 newcomer is navigating the challenges of a rigorous NBA schedule, with Popovich noting the learning curve and physical demands faced by the young star. Vassell echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the collective effort needed to ease Wembanyama’s transition and maximize his impact on the court.
The Magic’s sharpshooting was a key factor in their victory, hitting 16 out of 27 attempts from beyond the arc (59.3%), a significant improvement over their season averages. Wagner’s efficiency, going 13 for 17 from the field including 3 of 4 from three-point range, underscored his evolving game and commitment to making smart plays.
Orlando’s overall shooting performance was stellar, with a 59.8% success rate from the field, complemented by a dominating rebounding effort and a high level of teamwork, as evidenced by their 34 assists on 49 field goals.
As the Spurs look ahead to their next game against Brooklyn on Saturday, they will aim to snap their six-game losing streak and build on the positives from this encounter. Meanwhile, the Magic, buoyed by this win, will prepare to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, hoping to maintain their momentum and continue refining their cohesive team play.
