"The 905 played catch-up throughout the entire game. They would inch as close as two points in the third, three points in the fourth, but they never once, even for a fleeting moment, held a lead. The Magic, on the other hand, built a lead as big as 16 points in the first half, and took the wind out of the 905's sails anytime there was a glimmer of hope."
"When the Magic had multiple chances to score, the 905's defensive rating seemed to lie. Phillip Wheeler's ghost screen seemed to confuse the 905 into a late switch, freeing up Smart for an open 3-point look. He missed. Wheeler, however, grabbed the board, then another one after his own miss. The 905 defence got caught napping under the warm Florida sun, away from the freezing elements."
The Magic established control early, building a lead as large as 16 points and repeatedly extinguishing 905 rallies. The 905 trailed most of the game despite having two-way players Alijah Martin and A.J. Lawson available and entering with the league's best defensive rating. The Magic attacked the 905's 2-3 zone with pinpoint passing, producing an Alex Morales game-high 30 points and a clutch Javonte Smart pull-up three. Phillip Wheeler's ghost screen and offensive rebounds created extra possessions and a tipped-in bucket by Justin Minaya. The 905 mounted late runs and had individual defensive plays but never held a lead.
Read at Raptors Republic
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