Not Enough Magic, Three-Game Win Streak Snapped

The Orlando Magic (32-44) fell to the Memphis Grizzlies (48-27) 113-108 Tuesday night. This game came down to the wire, as Orlando made a strong comeback effort that ultimately fell short.

For the Grizzlies, this win set a new franchise record in home wins in a single season.

The Grizzlies have now set a franchise record for the most home wins in a single season.

Grizzlies defeat the Magic 113-108.

hear a rewind from @jessbensontv pic.twitter.com/H5vP7WaVQA

— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) March 29, 2023

Game Trends

The Magic got off to a sluggish start and found themselves down double digits early. The team specifically struggled on the offensive end in first quarter, mustering just 15 points.

Memphis was able to take advantage and build an early 17 point lead by the end of the quarter.

Orlando found more success in the next two quarters, but struggled to gain ground due to their early deficit. They narrowly won the second and third quarter thanks to strong play from their young contributors.

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The Magic exploded on the offensive end in the fourth. They put up 35 points in the quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies by nine, and got within three points.

Magic forward Franz Wagner kept the team in the game late with multiple clutch 3-point shots.

The Grizzlies were able to take care of business at the free throw line, however, and pull away late for the 113-108 victory.

Inside the Numbers

Orlando’s struggles from the field early played a large role in the loss. However, with the team heating up late, the Magic were able to finish the game shooting 41% from the field on exactly 100 shot attempts.

The team struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 28.6% from behind the arc.

Orlando’s young and talented forward tandem of Wagner and Paolo Banchero carried much of the burden offensively. The two combined for 49 points and hit multiple clutch 3-pointers down the stretch.

Wagner led the way with 25 points, and Banchero poured in 24 points to go with 11 rebounds and five assists.

ROY pic.twitter.com/KdUxpiBVxF

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 29, 2023

The Grizzlies were without star point-guard Ja Morant in this matchup. However, others on the team stepped up to secure the win for Memphis.

The team shot 47.7% from the field and 35.3% from 3-point range.

Guard Desmond Bane led the team in scoring with 31 points and had an impact on the defensive end with three steals.

Memphis forward Xavier Tillman Sr. scored a career high in points with 20 and contributed nine rebounds, coming one shy of a double-double.

RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT BIG UPS TO THE X MANE pic.twitter.com/KZ5M8qDGry

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 29, 2023

Looking Ahead

With the season coming to a close, the Magic have yet to be eliminated from making the play-in tournament. However, their chances of making it are very slim. Orlando currently sits in the 13 seed, 4.5 games out of the play-in, with just six games remaining on its schedule.

Although the Magic are unlikely to make the play-in, the team has shown major improvement this season. Their young talent has given the franchise something to look forward to, and Banchero is the favorite for rookie of the year.

The Magic will next play Friday against the Washington Wizards at 7 p.m.