Magic vs. Rockets: A Tale of Two Halves
The Orlando Magic returned home with high hopes after a successful West Coast road trip, but the Houston Rockets had other plans. In a thrilling matchup at Kia Center, the Magic stumbled, losing 113-108, despite a strong start and a standout performance from Desmond Bane.
Bane’s Brilliance
Desmond Bane was electric, pouring in 30 points and showcasing his sharpshooting skills. After a quiet start, Bane caught fire, hitting three 3-pointers late in the first quarter and maintaining that momentum to finish with 17 points in the first half alone. He added six rebounds and four assists, marking his fourth 30-plus point game in the last six outings.
Rockets’ Resilience
The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant's 40-point explosion, mounted a fierce comeback. Trailing by as many as 19 points, Houston turned the tide with a stunning 21-0 run in the third quarter. The game was a back-and-forth battle, featuring 12 lead changes, but the Rockets’ endurance on the second night of a back-to-back proved decisive.
Supporting Cast
Orlando’s starters had mixed results. Paolo Banchero struggled early but rallied to flirt with a triple-double, posting 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.
Wendell Carter Jr. was efficient around the rim, contributing 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Meanwhile, Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva both added eight points, each overcoming slow starts.
Suggs’ Subdued Return
Jalen Suggs, coming off the bench for the first time since the 2022-23 season, had a quiet night. In limited action, he scored three points and faced foul trouble, impacting his ability to make a significant contribution.
Second-Chance Success
The Magic dominated in second-chance opportunities, outscoring Houston 30-7 in that category. Jevon Carter played a pivotal role, knocking down multiple threes off offensive rebounds, helping Orlando control the glass with a 15-10 advantage in offensive boards.
Free Throw Woes
Orlando’s struggles at the free-throw line were costly. The Magic hit just 13 of their 21 attempts, missing crucial points in a tight game. In contrast, Durant was nearly automatic, contributing to Houston’s 16-for-20 performance from the stripe.
Looking Ahead
The Magic will aim to bounce back as they continue their homestand against the Pistons. With playoff aspirations still in play, they’ll need to tighten up and capitalize on their strengths to avoid further slip-ups.