The Orlando Magic returned home for a one-game home-stand against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, December 23. In Orlando’s final game before Christmas, starters Cole Anthony (ankle) and Wendell Carter Jr. (leg) returned to the lineup for the Magic.
Recap
Getting off to a red-hot start, the Pelicans came to play in the first quarter. Trailing 32-17 at the end of the first, Orlando kept a better pace in the second period, but the Magic found themselves on the wrong side of a 55-43 lead at halftime. Orlando won the third quarter, 35-28, but could not muster a fourth-quarter comeback against a Pelicans team that was riding a three-game winning streak coming into Thursday’s play. New Orleans secured the win in the end, 110-104.
The aforementioned Anthony and Carter Jr. looked phenomenal in their return to action. A 22-point-11-assist double-double highlighted Anthony’s night. For Carter Jr., 17 points and 12 rebounds notched a double-double for him as well. Franz Wagner and Gary Harris continued their impressive offensive streaks. Both starters scored over 20 points and played over 30 minutes apiece. Despite plugging in numerous pieces off the bench, the second unit struggled for the Magic most of the night. The second teamers finished with a -34 for their total plus/minus and only contributed 17 points in a disappointing showing for the Orlando second string.
In a game that featured Jonas Valančiūnas sidelined, Willy Hernangomez started and feasted on the boards all night. Despite his 1/11 shooting performance, Hernangomez finished with 16 rebounds across 32 minutes in the spot-start. Devonte’ Graham, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram paced the starters offensively. They scored 20, 22, and 31 points, respectively. Leading their team to a fourth straight victory, the trio also shot an exquisite 24/50 (48%) from the field.
Up Next
Orlando hits the road for a one-game tilt against their in-state rival Miami Heat, who got the better of them in their most recent contest on December 17. The Magic, who lost that game in their home arena, will hope to avenge their loss in Miami on Sunday, December 26.
New Orleans will conclude their two-game road adventure against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Winners of four in a row, the Pelicans will look to continue their season-long winning streak against a Thunder team that has shown recent promise after a disappointing start to the season.
(Featured image by Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports)