Jalen Suggs delivered when it mattered most, scoring 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Orlando Magic to a thrilling 115-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.
The Magic, now the NBA’s only unbeaten team at home this season, extended their streak to 17 straight home wins dating back to March 30, including playoff games.
Orlando overcame adversity, playing without key forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, both sidelined with torn obliques. Yet, they found contributions across the roster, highlighted by Goga Bitadze’s standout performance. The center recorded 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, punctuating his night with a game-clinching tip-in with just 13.1 seconds remaining.
The Suns looked poised early, jumping out to a 12-point first-quarter lead behind sharp shooting. Devin Booker led the way with 25 points and seven assists, while Tyus Jones added 21 points. Bradley Beal chipped in 18 before fouling out in the final minutes. However, Phoenix couldn’t sustain their momentum, unraveling in the fourth quarter with seven costly turnovers.
Orlando’s resilience was key, as Cole Anthony and Mo Wagner sparked a rally after the early deficit. Anthony, who finished with 14 points, provided a steadying presence off the bench, while Wagner chipped in 10 points to give the Magic a much-needed boost.
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The turning point came late in the game, with Suggs taking over during a decisive stretch. In just 1:47 of game time, he hit two three-pointers and scored eight points, transforming a deficit into a 103-100 lead that Orlando never relinquished. Suggs’ ability to rise to the occasion underlined his growing importance to the team.
Despite an early barrage from beyond the arc, where the Suns connected on 11 of their first 18 three-point attempts, they faded down the stretch. Their offensive rhythm faltered, and their inability to protect the ball allowed Orlando to seize control in crunch time.
The Magic’s depth was on full display as head coach Jamahl Mosley utilized a 10-man rotation, with each player logging at least 15 minutes. The bench contributed 46 points, underscoring the team’s balance and collective effort in the absence of two starters.
Phoenix, meanwhile, continues to struggle without Kevin Durant, losing for the ninth time in 10 games without their injured star. While Booker and Jones carried the scoring load, the team’s late-game execution issues have become a recurring theme during Durant’s absence.
10th consecutive home victory
For the Magic, their 10th consecutive home victory cements them as one of the league’s toughest teams to beat on their court. Even shorthanded, Orlando demonstrated their ability to adapt and lean on various contributors, with Bitadze’s dominance in the paint and Suggs’ clutch shooting leading the way.
The Suns, now desperate for a spark, will look to regroup as they travel to Utah on Friday night. Orlando, meanwhile, shifts its focus to the NBA Cup, heading to Milwaukee for a highly anticipated first-round knockout game on Tuesday.
As the Magic ride this wave of home-court success, the question becomes whether their resilience and depth can translate to road games and keep their momentum alive in the competitive Eastern Conference. Suggs and Bitadze have proven they can rise to the occasion, making Orlando a team to watch as the season progresses.
This victory, marked by key performances and pivotal moments, reinforces the Magic’s status as a legitimate threat, even amid adversity. The Suns, on the other hand, face mounting pressure to find answers as their playoff hopes hang in the balance.
