The Orlando Magic continued their strong start to the NBA season with a convincing 98-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA Cup game Friday night.
The Magic, now 2-0 in Group A of the NBA Cup, were led by a stellar performance from Franz Wagner, who finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds. His all-around game was key in helping Orlando seize control of the game late in the third quarter and cruise to their second victory in as many NBA Cup games.
Joining Wagner in the spotlight was Jalen Suggs, who added 19 points and seven rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Magic’s fourth-quarter surge. The young Orlando duo proved too much for the 76ers, who have struggled to find consistency early in the season. Despite a valiant effort from rookie Jared McCain, who scored 29 points in a remarkable performance, the 76ers could not hold off the Magic down the stretch.
Philadelphia’s star, Joel Embiid, who was playing in just his second game of the season after missing time, was a steady presence for the 76ers. Embiid contributed 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 33 minutes of action. However, his individual efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Magic’s collective team play. Paul George, who had been expected to provide more scoring for Philadelphia, struggled throughout the game, finishing with just 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the field.
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The turning point in the game came during a 9-0 run to end the third quarter, sparked by Mo Wagner, Jonathan Isaac, and Anthony Black. This run gave Orlando a lead that they would not relinquish, and the Magic extended their advantage in the final frame. Orlando’s defense, combined with their efficient scoring, allowed them to pull away in the final moments.
While the Magic have yet to lose a home game this season, the 76ers continue to face challenges. With a 2-10 record on the year, Philadelphia’s struggles to put together a full, healthy roster have been apparent. The 76ers are still without their other star, Tyrese Maxey, and without his presence, the team has lacked the offensive firepower needed to compete with top teams in the Eastern Conference. Their performance against the Magic only highlighted these issues.
One of the most telling sequences of the game came during a prolonged dry spell in the second half, where the 76ers scored just four points over a 9 ½-minute stretch. Caleb Martin’s lone 3-pointer and a technical foul on injured Magic forward Paolo Banchero were the only offensive highlights for Philadelphia during that stretch. Meanwhile, Orlando poured in 20 points, taking control and building a nine-point lead that they would carry into the final period.
In terms of shooting, the 76ers struggled mightily, finishing the game with a 40.3% shooting percentage overall. Their shooting from beyond the arc was equally concerning, as they shot just 10-of-31 from three-point range (32.3%). The Magic, conversely, found more efficient ways to score, including solid contributions from key role players who helped support Wagner and Suggs.
For Orlando, the win is a part of a larger trend that has seen them dominate at home. With the victory over the 76ers, the Magic improved to a perfect 7-0 at home this season. Going back to March 30, Orlando has now won 14 consecutive games at the Amway Center, a streak that speaks to the team’s growing confidence and chemistry on their home court. The challenge for the Magic, however, will be maintaining that level of play on the road, where they have struggled, posting a 2-14 record in their last 16 away games.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenging matchups. The 76ers will travel to Miami for a Monday night clash, hoping to rebound from their latest defeat. For the Magic, their upcoming road trip will test their resolve as they open a three-game stretch starting at Phoenix on Monday. Orlando’s road woes will be under close scrutiny as they attempt to carry over their home success to the more hostile environments of their upcoming opponents.
The 76ers will need to find a way to get their star players firing on all cylinders if they hope to avoid falling further behind in the Eastern Conference standings. Embiid’s individual brilliance hasn’t been enough to lift the team, and with Maxey’s absence still looming, the 76ers’ playoff aspirations may be in serious jeopardy. The addition of Paul George has not yet yielded the expected results, and more is needed from the veteran wing if Philadelphia hopes to right the ship.
For the Magic, the challenge is to continue their upward trajectory. With the dynamic duo of Wagner and Suggs leading the charge, Orlando is beginning to show flashes of a team that could be poised to make a jump in the standings. Their performance against the 76ers reinforced the importance of depth and team play, as contributions came from multiple sources across the roster. As the Magic head on the road, they will look to prove that their early-season success is no fluke and that they can compete at a high level, regardless of venue.
The Magic’s win over the 76ers was an impressive showing on both ends of the floor. They stifled Philadelphia’s offense when it mattered most and showed poise in executing their game plan down the stretch. The victory solidifies Orlando’s place at the top of NBA Cup Group A, with their sights now set on securing a strong position as the group play continues. If they can carry this momentum forward, the Magic could become a real force in the Eastern Conference this season.