The Indiana Pacers came up big in the third quarter and took down the Orlando Magic 131-112. Malcolm Brogdon scored 24 points to lift the Pacers past the short-handed Magic on Sunday night.
With a season full of injuries and absence for the Magic, the injury bug struck once again. Going into the game, they were already missing four rotation players, not even including Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac. They were also without Steve Clifford who had tested positive for COVID-19, but things took a turn even more south.
Devin Cannady, a recent two-way contract signee for Orlando, suffered an open fracture on his right ankle in the first quarter. Cannady landed awkwardly while trying to contest Edmond Sumner’s layup. Mo Bamba came over after the gruesome injury happened and took off his jersey so that he could cover Cannady’s badly broken ankle. Everybody was in shock at what just happened and prayers have been sent out to him from numerous fans and players. Cannady was coming off of a career-high 17-point performance last Thursday. Once the medical staff came over to assist Cannady, they put his leg in an air cast. The delay took about 15 minutes or so and he was then taken off the court on a stretcher. While leaving he gave a wave and thumbs up to the crowd.
The Pacers came out hot in the third quarter to blow the game wide open. They put up 41 points on 66.7 percent shooting in the quarter. The Magic have some defensive issues and need to put together something for the end of the season. On the bright side, the young players are definitely developing for the better. Wendall Carter Jr. returned from his one-game absence and put up 10 points and 13 rebounds in just 21 minutes. Cole Anthony continues to become more comfortable running the offense as he finished with 14 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds. Anthony had just one turnover as well.
What’s Next?
Orlando will face the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Monday for the second night of a back-to-back.