Orlando Magic Fall 123-115 to Memphis Grizzlies
Photo via Sportsbookwire / USA TODAY.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Memphis Grizzlies came to Orlando playing for their fifth consecutive win while the Orlando Magic wanted to double down after their Wednesday night win against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.
First Half
Though the lead changed a couple of times and the Magic’s biggest lead in the first quarter was six points, they ended the quarter trailing the Grizzlies by two, 22-20.
The Grizzlies pulled far away in the second quarter, however, partly thanks to forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who contributed 13 points in the second quarter alone. The second highest scorer for Memphis in the second was Ziaire Williams with eight points off the bench.
With 2.5 minutes left in the first half, the Grizzlies proved why they’re #2 in the Western Conference. They boasted a 55-37 lead with 30 points in the paint to Orlando’s 10, were 50 percent on field goals to Orlando 35 percent, and attacked the rim more–they had 31 total rebounds to Orlando’s 21.
No Magic player broke the 10-point mark before halftime. The closest was Wendell Carter Jr. with nine points. Paolo Banchero followed with eight points. Though fans were excited for Jalen Suggs’ return after having missed 19 (yes, 19) games, he was only able to contribute two points in the first half.
The Magic lagged by 22 points at halftime, 65-43.
Second Half
The Grizzlies widened their lead even farther in the third quarter.
Orlando’s Banchero netted 25 points and 9 rebounds, 20 of the points he scored in the third quarter. Memphis’s Jackson led his team in the quarter with 21 points and nine rebounds.
The Grizzlies led 92-78 at the end of the third.
With three minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Magic were able to shrink Memphis’s lead to just six points.
In the end, the Grizzlies still conquered the Magic, despite their late rally, 123-115. For the Magic, Banchero scored a total of 30 points; Franz Wagner rallied in the fourth, contributing 22 points and three assists. For the Grizzlies, Ja Morant had a team high 32 points on the night with six assists and five rebounds. Jackson followed with a double double on the night: 31 points and 10 rebounds.
The Grizzlies were 48 of 92 on field goals and 15 of 23 on free throws with 49 total rebounds and 24 assists. The Magic were 39 of 84 on field goals, 26 of 30 on free throws, with 39 rebounds and 23 assists.
Orlando Magic Postgame Press Conference
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner talk with the media postgame.
The Magic go on the road for five games, starting with the Golden State Warriors Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 8:30pm EST. The return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans Friday, January 20 at 7pm EST.
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com