How short-handed Magic got here again vs. Warmth

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Magic coach Jamahl Mosley has typically talked about his group’s means to play to their customary no matter who’s on the ground.

That perception was put to the check Saturday night time towards the Warmth at Kia Heart when Orlando entered already down Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs (proper ankle sprain) and Gary Harris (left hamstring pressure).

The Magic then noticed Moe Wagner (left knee) and Wendell Carter Jr. (ejected) go away the sport early, too.

However even because the Warmth led by as many as 25 factors over Orlando, Mosley’s squad merely didn’t give up.

Powered by a game-high 35 factors from Cole Anthony and plethora of reserve gamers stepping up, the Magic escaped the jaws of defeat to win 121-114 towards the Warmth (13-13), who have been with out Jimmy Butler (sickness).

The victory not solely snapped a 3-game shedding streak for the Magic but in addition tied the most important comeback in franchise historical past (25 factors; Nov. 8, 1989 at Cavs).

The hard-fought contest was the primary of two between the in-state foes within the span of the following 5 days. Earlier than then, the defending champions come to city when the Magic (18-12) host Boston on Monday.

Moe Wagner harm

Magic reserve heart Moe Wagner fell awkwardly and wanted to be helped off the court docket by Jonathan Isaac and Suggs whereas placing no weight on his left knee within the first quarter.

After a stoppage in motion, Wagner, the older brother of Magic star Franz (who’s recovering from a torn proper belly muscle), went straight to the locker room and didn’t return to the sport.

The Magic later confirmed that Moe Wagner suffered a left knee harm within the first quarter. The workforce mentioned Wagner wouldn’t return and can endure additional analysis.

He performed lower than two minutes earlier than the harm.

Carter ejected

Already with out Moe Wagner, the Magic noticed their core of huge males take one other hit when Wendell Carter Jr. was ejected from the competition with 4:27 left within the first half.

Carter was assessed a technical foul for complaining to the officers following a non-call on his layup blocked by Miami’s Kel’el Ware. The dialog continued and Carter was handed his second technical foul, which resulted in an ejection.

His night time ended with simply 5 factors, an help and a rebound in 13 minutes of motion.

What went proper

There have been a ton of vivid spots for Orlando regardless of lacking key gamers.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 24 factors, which included going 12 of 12 on the free throw line.

Anthony, who fell out of the rotation earlier this season, got here out firing off the bench with 35 factors in 28 minutes to go along with 9 assists and eight rebounds.

Goga Bitadze recorded his tenth double-double of the season by the use of 18 factors and 13 rebounds.

Even two-way guard Trevelin Queen received in on the motion when he added 7 factors in 18 enormous minutes.

Three early turnovers didn’t deter Anthony Black from attacking on offense when the second-year guard made his second begin of the season for Suggs. However 5 fouls saved him sidelined for many of the second half.

Halftime shock

Through the break in motion, the Magic stunned a neighborhood household with a wide range of presents, together with a 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line car, a 65-inch TV, $15,000, tickets to Disney and far more.

It marked the 16h consecutive season the Magic have hosted one household across the holidays for “The Large Give.”

Jason Beede could be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com

Up subsequent …

Magic vs. Celtics

When: 7, Monday, Kia Heart

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