On Tuesday night, the Orlando Magic snapped the Los Angeles Clippers’ six-game winning streak, by a final score of 103-96.
Game Recap
On the second night of a back-to-back, and in their fifth game in seven days, the Clippers were down a good starting five: Paul George (right foot soreness), Patrick Beverley (right knee), Marcus Morris Sr., Serge Ibaka (lower back) and Rajon Rondo (adductor). But is this a good enough excuse when facing an Orlando team that recently traded their top three players, and has lost 13 of their previous 15 games?
While Paul George was out for the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard stepped up as expected. Leonard had 28 points in 35 minutes.
“Magic played a great game. They fought all night. Got to give them credit,” said Kawhi Leonard.
Ivica Zubac also played well for Los Angeles, scoring a double-double (14 points and 13 rebounds). Zubac, last season’s starting center, doesn’t offer Ibaka’s floor spacing but has remained a strong defensive force. Since he moved into the starting lineup nine games ago, opponents are shooting 42% against shots he defends, a slight improvement over his season average.
Meanwhile, Chuma Okeke scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting to lead the Magic. Okeke is averaging almost 18 points over his past four games.
In other good news, Terrence Ross returned after missing seven straight games because of a sore right knee and finished with 15 points while Otto Porter Jr. had 13, Mo Bamba had 12 and Wendell Carter Jr. had 11 for Orlando (16-31).
Porter also had seven rebounds and four assists while Carter contributed six rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 18 minutes.
What’s Next For Orlando?
The Magic will travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM EST.