Chris Paul and Devin Booker still absent, the Suns had the worst difficulties to get rid of the Magic since they won 102-99, and they can thank Mikal Bridges, author of a decisive counter on the last attempt at 3- dots by Franz Wagner.
Before this final shot, we had witnessed a playoff game with the Suns striking first to lead 14-2 thanks to Deandre Ayton. Then the Magic, thanks to Wendell Carter Jr, responds with a 15-0. The match is balanced and Orlando takes control, except that Phoenix can count on Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet to make the difference. The lining of Chris Paul signs 10 points in a row, straddling the two halves, and Phoenix takes off (60-45).
Despite a big pass from Markelle Fultz, Phoenix mastered his subject and kept a ten-point lead (78-68). Orlando’s substitutes dominate the debates but with each close signed Terrence Ross or Cole Anthony, Landry Shamet or Jae Crowder are there to respond (93-84). At the start of “money time”, the Magic signed a 9-0, and in a finally noisy room, Cole Anthony equalized (93-93). There are three minutes left to play.
Shamet puts his throws, but RJ Hampton answers him, and Carter even gives the advantage to the Magic on two throws (98-97). Moment chosen by Ayton to make the difference. After a 3-point attempt from Crowder, it is he who puts the tap. Behind, we find him for a small floater after a drive from Payne (100-97). There are 12 seconds left to play.
After an exchange of pitches between Anthony and Payne, the Magic have the equalizing ball. Seven seconds to find a shot. In the axis, Franz Wagner thinks he is alone at 3-points, but Bridges covers him, and Phoenix snatches the victory (102-99).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Orlando’s 3-point clumsiness. It’s hard to win a game when you’re shooting 18% from 3-pointers. Like this last shot from Wagner, the Magic does not necessarily have the best choices in its outside shots, and on arrival, it gives a 7 out of 39 by far!
– Phoenix is better. Third win in four games for the NBA leaders. Many absent (Paul, Booker, Johnson) but experience makes the difference.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Deandre Ayton. A full and serious match from the pivot of the Suns, and there was a respondent in front. We will remember his two important baskets in the “money time” to validate the victory and a beautiful double-double: 21 points, 19 rebounds.
✅ The Payne-Shamet pair. It’s the poor man’s Paul-Booker pair. The two are used to playing together off the bench, and they find their automatisms as starters. Payne brings speed and madness, and we will remember his 10 straight points to widen the gap at the end of the first half. The second was the most reliable shooter in the game with a beautiful 6 of 10 from 3-pointers.
✅ Wendell Carter Jr. After two matches spent treating a flu, the interior of the Magic stood up to Ayton, and his complicity with Mo Bamba is interesting. They provide a foundation for the team.
⛔ Franz Wagner. Like this last blocked shot, Wagner suffered against Mikal Bridges. The Suns winger smothered him with his stature and movement.
THE FOLLOWING
Orlando (16-50) : back-to-back on the side of New Orleans.
Phoenix (52-13) : the shock of the week, Wednesday, in Miami
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