NBA: Magic More Aggressive with Lakers, Still Fall 114-103
Orlando Magic power forward Chuma Okeke (#3) attempts to block a shot by L.A. Lakers power forward/center Anthony Davis (#3) at Amway Center Monday, April 26, 2021.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic put up an earnest fight against the L.A. Lakers’ tough and fast defense at Amway Center Monday night.
First Half
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis started after missing 30 games due to injuries and scored the first six points for LA with three jump shots. On Orlando’s end, Chuma Okeke brought the energy right in the first quarter with a dunk, a steal and two rebounds.
With five minutes left in the second quarter, the lead finally switched in Orlando’s favor, 44-41, closing a 13-point gap.
At halftime, the Magic boasted a 56-50 lead, a 40-point gain in one quarter. Orlando’s stats practically flanked the Lakers at the half, including five steals (both teams), 11 blocks (both teams), 26 points in the paint, and 49 percent on field goals (both teams). The Magic were 39 percent beyond the arc to LA’s 36 percent and had 22 rebounds to LA’s 27. Orlando was 79 percent from the free throw line to LA’s 50 percent. Chuma Okeke led the Magic in scoring at the half with 10 points.
Second Half
The Magic lost Wendell Carter, Jr. early in the third quarter due to a rolled left ankle, and lost their shaky lead late in the third…until the last minute. Literally. After a duel of fouls sending players from each side to the line, Gary Harris nailed a three-pointer for the Magic, regaining a one-point lead at the end of the third, 80-79. Carter returned in the fourth quarter.
Though Chuma Okeke got a three-pointer at the start of the fourth, LA answered with one of their own. The fouls abound, and the lead switched between the two teams within one to three points…until late in the fourth when LA maintained a steady six-point lead. Schroeder took over in the fourth quarter for LA, and with ease the lead ballooned to a steady 11 and 12 points. The game ended with LA’s win 114-103.
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com