Jalen Suggs delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 31 points as the Orlando Magic surged past the Chicago Bulls 133-119 on Wednesday night.
Suggs was electric on both ends of the floor, showcasing his full arsenal of skills to secure Orlando’s fourth consecutive victory and extend their impressive stretch to 10 wins in their last 11 games.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was another standout for Orlando, pouring in a season-high 24 points while hitting six of his ten attempts from beyond the arc. Franz Wagner added 21 points and six assists, providing consistent support as the Magic’s offense overwhelmed the Bulls.
The Magic started strong, building a 13-point lead after the first quarter and extending it to as many as 27 during the game. Their defensive tenacity, despite some lapses, proved decisive. Orlando forced 18 turnovers, recorded eight blocks, and grabbed 10 steals, disrupting Chicago’s rhythm throughout the contest.
On the other side, Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls with 21 points, while Nikola Vucevic contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Bulls couldn’t match Orlando’s energy and efficiency, especially from long range.
Key Moments Propel the Magic
Chicago trimmed Orlando’s lead to 10 points midway through the second quarter, but a pivotal sequence shifted the game’s momentum. Caldwell-Pope delivered a pinpoint pass to Moritz Wagner, who converted a tough layup while drawing a foul. Caldwell-Pope followed that up with back-to-back triples, sandwiching a steal, to give the Magic a commanding 19-point lead heading into halftime.
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Shooting Prowess Sparks Orlando
Orlando, entering the game with the league’s lowest 3-point shooting percentage (30.6%), flipped the script from the opening tip. The Magic knocked down six of their first 11 attempts from distance in the first quarter, setting the tone for an efficient night. They finished the game 15-for-39 (38.5%) from deep, a significant improvement that fueled their offensive explosion.
Takeaways from the Game
Bulls: Lonzo Ball returned to action after missing 15 games due to a sprained wrist. While still working his way back into form, Ball logged six points in 15 minutes. Chicago struggled to keep pace with Orlando’s firepower, particularly in transition, and couldn’t capitalize on the Magic’s occasional defensive lapses.
Magic: The Magic improved to a perfect 9-0 at the Kia Center, marking their longest home win streak to start a season since the 1998-99 campaign. Seven of those nine victories have been by double digits, underlining their dominance on their home court.
What’s Next
The Bulls head back to Chicago to host the Boston Celtics on Friday, resuming NBA Cup group play in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup. Meanwhile, the Magic will look to keep their undefeated NBA Cup record intact when they visit the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
This win not only solidifies Orlando’s place among the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams but also highlights their ability to rise to the occasion. With Suggs shining and the team firing on all cylinders, the Magic are positioning themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season.
