The Orlando Magic once again showed their weakest side in the play-in tournament against the struggling Philadelphia 76ers, leaving them with only one game to salvage their season.
An uninspired offense, excessive turnovers, and a lack of three-point shooting plagued Orlando as they deservedly lost to the Sixers in a manner that has become all too familiar. The defeat became particularly bitter in the closing moments.
Philadelphia 76ers (E7) — Orlando Magic (E8) 109:97
Andre Drummond sealed the victory for the 76ers with a corner three-pointer with just 41 seconds remaining, igniting the arena. Even Sixers legend Allen Iverson was visibly thrilled.
Orlando briefly held the lead at the start of the third quarter but spent the entire second half playing catch-up. However, Philadelphia never managed to build a significant lead, and Anthony Black narrowed the deficit to 86-87 midway through the final quarter. Unnecessary turnovers and missed threes followed, crushing any hopes of a comeback.
In contrast, the 76ers appeared far more determined. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe repeatedly attacked the basket, their speed making them nearly unstoppable at times. Maxey led the backcourt duo with 31 points (11/25 FG, 3/9 3FG) and 6 assists, while Edgecombe also showed readiness for the big stage, recording a double-double with 19 points (7/16 FG, 1/5 3FG) and 11 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. matched the rookie’s scoring output with 19 points (6/12 FG, 5/10 3FG).
Paul George, who had been performing well recently, struggled with his three-point shot (1/6 3FG) but still contributed 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Drummond not only provided the game-sealing shot but also came off the bench for a double-double (14 PTS, 10 REB). Along with Adem Bona, he contributed 3 blocks each, with the two big men doing their best to compensate for the absence of superstar Joel Embiid.
Knee Concerns for Franz Wagner
«Everyone on the court today contributed,» Maxey rightly praised his teammates afterward. This sentiment was less applicable to the Magic. Desmond Bane delivered an outstanding performance with 34 points and four three-pointers.
However, Bane alone hit more triples than the rest of his team combined. Orlando only managed to convert just under one in every four three-point attempts (7/27 3FG). Alongside Jalen Suggs (4 PTS, 1/9 FG, 1/6 3FG), Paolo Banchero in particular let Bane down, shooting erratically (18 PTS, 7/22 FG, 0/5 3FG) and failing to find his teammates with passes. The presumed face of the franchise committed 6 costly turnovers, even hitting a spectator with a pass at one point.
Co-star Franz Wagner, who had been playing with limitations recently, was on the court for 29 minutes in this crucial game. The World and European champion remained below his potential with 12 points (5/11 FG, 0/2 3FG). He briefly picked up his game in the final quarter, scoring eight points in that period. However, a shock occurred near the end when teammate Wendell Carter Jr. (5 PTS, 1/7 FG) collided with Wagner’s knee while moving backward.
Head Coach Jamahl Mosley, facing increasing rumors of a potential separation, had no update after the game. Franz was initially substituted out in pain but returned to the court with 40 seconds left. «Of course, he’s not the person you want to collide with,» Wagner stated after the game. However, the Berlin native tried to downplay the severity, saying, «I’m still doing okay.»
‘We Want Boston’: Philly Celebrates, Last Chance for the Magic
The other two Germans on the so-called ‘German Team’ also had an unremarkable evening. Tristan da Silva played 13:32 minutes off the bench, making all his shots but remaining inconspicuous with only 4 points and 2 rebounds. Moritz Wagner, on the other hand, did not play at all, receiving a ‘DNP — Coach’s Decision’.
Orlando has one final chance to make the playoffs on Saturday night. They must defeat the Charlotte Hornets, who dramatically won their first play-in duel against the Miami Heat, to secure the eighth seed. If successful, they would face the Detroit Pistons in the first round.
Philly, meanwhile, euphorically celebrated their playoff berth and were already looking forward to their opponent. «We want Boston,» the fans chanted before the game’s conclusion. Game One against the Celtics is scheduled for Sunday.