The Orlando Magic cleaned up a few of their defensive lapses Thursday in opposition to the Phoenix Suns after permitting 22 3-pointers in Tuesday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
But the improved protection from the Magic (28-42) and their struggle to maintain the sport with the Suns (38-32) shut weren’t sufficient, with Phoenix pulling out a 116-113 win at Footprint Center.
The defeat was the Magic’s fifth loss in six video games. The Suns ended their three-game dropping streak.
Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 25 factors (tying a season-high), 9 assists, 7 rebounds and a pair of steals in 34 minutes. Four different Magic gamers scored in double figures.
Five Suns gamers scored in double figures, led by Devin Booker’s 19 factors, together with 16 within the second half.
The Magic saved the sport shut however didn’t make the mandatory performs down the stretch to take a late lead.
They turned the ball over six instances within the fourth and weren’t exact with their late-game offense. Four of these turnovers got here within the final 5 minutes of the sport.
Josh Okogie blocked Paolo Banchero’s 3-point try with 3.1 seconds remaining to seal the win for Phoenix.
The Magic will play back-to-back video games in Los Angeles in opposition to the Clippers on Saturday afternoon and the Lakers on Sunday night.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com