The Orlando Magic were at home to take on Buddy Hield and the new-look Indiana Pacers. The Magic were 1.5 point favorites and proved exactly why they deserved to be favored. Orlando looked like a completely different squad than the one we saw before the all-star break. Everything was clicking for the Magic Monday night, mainly due to the return of a star player.
The Magic finished with eight players in double figures and the intensity from Orlando was unlike anything we’ve seen all season. The Magic brought it against Indiana, and their determination and energy were rewarded with a win.
Highlight of the Night
Markelle Fultz made his return in this one. After being sidelined for 14 months with a torn ACL, Fultz came to play and showed fans that he can still be a great contributing factor to this Magic team. Fultz had 10 points in just 15 minutes of play, shooting 5/7 from the field.
Magic In The Air
Wendell Carter gave a dominant performance, scoring 21 points and securing 12 rebounds to go along with it while shooting 80% from the field. Carter proved why he is one of the most underrated big men in the entire NBA. Mo Bamba was firing on all cylinders, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as well as protecting the paint and being a menace all game. Everyone was playing at their best and it showed fans just how good Orlando can be with a spark.
Pacers Fall Short
Indiana kept up for most of the game and made it very interesting in the first half. Newly acquired Tyrese Haliburton scored a game-high 23 points while facilitating the Pacers’ offense all night. Buddy Hield shot 3/6 from deep and kept Indiana within striking range until the third quarter, where Orlando proved to be too much for the Pacers.
Run It Back
The Magic and the Pacers face off again Wednesday night in a rematch that will surely be exciting.