The #Magic's second unit is the reason the team is back in the game. They have not gotten discouraged with Luka's shotmaking. They are locked in on defense. Need to clean up the glass and stop fouling. Going to run out of bodies.
The #Magic have not turned to Moe Wagner this game. They go to Noah Penda to close the half with Goga Bitadze and Wendell Carter with three fouls. #Lakers have made a push and Luka has cooled off (some). But Magic are clinging to the lead.
Now, Wendell Carter picks up his 3d foul as he tries to defend a Hayes lob. #Magic have been mostly fine when they can get their defense set. In transition, Luka is having his way with his passing. Just about surviving surges against him and the #Lakers.
Luka Doncic returns to the game. The #Lakers were +7 with him in the game in the first quarter. They were -11 with him out. #Magic are in the lead. But now they have to deal with Luka.
20-2 run for the #Magic to take the lead on the Jevon Carter shot. #Magic playing with a lot more activity on defense, challenging shots at the rim, and the #Lakers aren't hitting tough shots like they were earlier.
The #Magic and the #Lakers have two of the lowest-scoring benches in the league. Orlando's bench is punishing Los Angeles' bench group with Luka out. Deficit is gone having tied the game on the Jevon Carter three. Bane to the line for the lead.
Well, color me wrong. The no Bane/no Paolo lineup cut into the lead. Good work by Goga Bitadze around the rim to get offensive rebounds and Jamal Cain was very active. The #Magic cut the deficit in half to seven. #Lakers lead 37-30 behind Luka 16 points.
Unsuccessful challenge. Officials deemed that Reaves initiated the contact before Carter rammed into him. #Lakers have lost their challenge less than four minutes into the game, and Carter stays with two fouls. Bitadze coming in now for the #Magic.
Orlando Magic Daily 🤖