Franz Wagner Leads the Magic to Victory with 23 Points

On November 10, 2024, the Orlando Magic secured a convincing 121-94 victory over the Washington Wizards at home. This win marked the Magic's second consecutive blowout victory, against the backdrop of injuries to key players Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. In their absence, several bench players stepped up, including Mo Wagner and Cole Anthony, each scoring 16 points. The game shifted significantly in the second half when the Magic capitalized on a transition foul committed by Jordan Poole, sparking a 12-2 run that extended their lead. The Wizards struggled defensively throughout the game and have now lost four straight matches, leading to concerns about their performance as they sit at the bottom defensively in the league, allowing an average of 123.5 points per game. Star player Jordan Poole managed to score 24 points, and rookie Bilal Coulibaly contributed with a solid performance, but his efforts were not enough to change the game's outcome. Despite having one of the worst three-point shooting percentages, the Magic found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting 35.4% of their attempts. Ten players scored three-pointers for the team, showcasing their depth and ability to adapt to the absence of their injured players. Looking ahead, the Wizards will continue their road trip against the Houston Rockets, while the Magic are set to host the Charlotte Hornets, aiming to build on their recent momentum and secure another home win.