A giant query getting into the Orlando Magic’s Saturday street sport on the Toronto Raptors was whether or not guards Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz can be out there with the matchup being the second night time of a back-to-back.
They have been, however the Magic suffered one among their worst losses of the season anyway, falling to Raptors 121-108 at Scotiabank Arena for his or her eighth consecutive loss.
The Magic planted the seeds of a poor efficiency early.
Bol Bol had a live-ball turnover on the primary possession, resulting in a Christian Koloko dunk. The Magic had 3 turnovers within the first 4½ minutes and allowed the Raptors to get into the paint at will within the opening quarter, resulting in a 36-22 Raptors benefit.
The Magic’s bench (60 factors), which was led by Terrence Ross’ 18 factors, helped the ultimate deficit make the sport look nearer than it was.
The Raptors led by not less than 15 for many of the second half, together with by a game-high 33 within the third. The Magic’s reserves performed with considerably extra power defensively and had higher ball motion, particularly within the fourth when the sport wasn’t aggressive. They received the quarter 35-27, slicing the lead right down to 13 — the ultimate margin of defeat — late within the fourth.
All of the Magic’s starters completed with a person plus/minus of not less than minus-17 whereas all the Raptors’ starters completed with a plus/minus of not less than plus-21.
OG Anunoby led Toronto with 32 factors, 4 assists and three steals whereas Pascal Siakim added 26 factors, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and three steals. The Raptors scored 70 (35-of-50 capturing) factors within the paint.
Bol Bol was the lone Magic starter to attain in double figures, ending with 18 factors to go along with 7 rebounds but additionally having 5 turnovers.
Admiral Schofield added 13 factors off the bench.
The standing of Anthony and Fultz have been beneath query getting into Saturday with each coming back from accidents in Wednesday’s 125-108 residence loss to the Atlanta Hawks and taking part in greater than anticipated in Friday’s 107-96 street loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“A lot of it, toward the backend, we decided to make one quick push for the game,” coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “They ended up staying out there a little longer than I would’ve liked to. But I really loved their fight, resiliency and their wanting to go after it the way they did. That’s who we have to continue to be.”
Saturday was Fultz’s first time taking part in back-to-back nights since December 2020. He missed many of the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2021, returning this previous February.
It’s widespread for groups to restrict gamers’ minutes and participation in video games on back-to-back nights after coming back from extended absences due to accidents.
Anthony and Fultz entered Saturday’s matchup with an undisclosed minutes restriction.
Fultz had 7 factors and 4 assists in 19 minutes whereas Anthony completed with 12 factors, 5 assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes.
“We’re going to monitor that,” Mosley mentioned pregame. “They’re still coming back after being away for so long, making sure we’re careful in how we hold their minutes.”
Mo Bamba (again spasms), Wendell Carter Jr. (strained proper plantar fascia), Gary Harris (strained proper hamstring), Jonathan Isaac (left knee damage restoration), Chuma Okeke (left knee soreness) and Jalen Suggs (proper ankle soreness) have been sidelined.
They’ll get a relaxation day Sunday earlier than kicking off a five-game homestand vs. the Milwaukee Bucks Monday at Amway Center.
“Despite what’s happening in these moments of losses, this group has an unbelievable chance for so much potential and growth,” Mosley mentioned. “When the chemistry clicks, it’s going to be very special. It’s going to take some time to get those puzzle pieces in place, but these guys recognize it and understand it. That’s what we’re growing toward as these guys continue to get better.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com