The NBA regular season continues to heat up this season, with competition between Eastern Conference teams being particularly fierce. The Magic, one of the worst teams in the past few seasons, have emerged this season as the biggest dark horse in the East. They have won eight straight games in their previous games and are currently sitting in second place in the East, which is a stunning performance both inside and outside the league.
The Wizards, on the other hand, decided to let go of Porters and Beal this season and officially went into swing mode. Before the game, the team was in second to last in the East. In this game between the Magic and the Wizards, the Wizards played well on the road and took the lead for a while. At the end of the first quarter, they led the Magic by five points, 36-31.
Although the Magic tried to catch up in the second quarter, the Wizards always found a solution and still led 61-58 at halftime. However, the Magic gradually regained their form after the rematch, and in the end, they defeated the Wizards 130-125, winning nine in a row, not only sitting in second place in the East, but also tying the longest winning streak in team history. In the full game, the Magic's duo performed well.
Among them, Wagner Jr. continued his fiery offensive state, playing 34 minutes and handing over perfect statistics of 31 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. As a result, Wagner Jr. has scored 30+ points in three consecutive games: 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals against the Hornets;Against the Wizards, 31 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block;Against the Wizards, he had 31 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
Banchero also performed well, playing 38 minutes and handing over 28 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. The improvement of their experience and technology is the fundamental reason why the Magic team can quickly transform into a dark horse. At the same time, Big Wagner, who came off the bench, also performed eye-catchingly, playing 23 minutes in the game, cutting 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block, including 12 points and 4 frontcourt rebounds in the final quarter.
In contrast, the Wizards, although they played back and forth with the Magic almost all of the game, ultimately failed to complete the feat of big upset. Seven players on the team scored in double figures, including Kuzma, who played 37 minutes and handed over 27 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal.
In addition, Gafford had 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks, Jones scored 13 points, 6 assists and 2 steals, Poole contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, Kispert scored 15 points, Shamet scored 13 points, and Koulibaly scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. However, to the Wizards' regret, Poole, another core of the team, was weak, shooting only 3 of 12 from the field, and 5 of 3 from three-point range.
It's also a microcosm of Poole's overall performance since joining the Wizards this season. His shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage have dropped significantly, which is a big gap from his performance with the Warriors. Looking back at the game, the Magic's victory showed their balance of team strength and individual ability. The outstanding performances of Wagner Jr., Banchero and Big Wagner laid a solid foundation for the team's steady winning streak.
Undoubtedly, the Magic team has become a dark horse in the East, and their performances continue to refresh the perception of fans. Next, they will face the Nets, Cavaliers and Pistons, all of whom are not to be underestimated. But given the current state, "Streak" isn't a far-fetched luxury for the Magic. It is worth looking forward to when they usher in a strong dialogue with the top of the table, there may be a more exciting performance.