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Magic Beat Grizzlies in Preseason Thriller

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

The Lead

Playing in his first game at Amway Center, 2022 first overall NBA Draft pick Paolo Banchero scored 17 points and both Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each made clutch baskets late in the Orlando Magic’s 109-105 preseason victory on Tuesday night.

Clutch Plays

Carter, who finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, hit two big shots – the first an AND-1 layup that broke a 95-95 tie and the other a short baseline jumper that extended Orlando’s lead to three with 1:23 left. The biggest shot of the night, though, came a few possessions later when Wagner, who flirted with a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, sank a step-back 3-pointer with 32.7 seconds left. He then stripped the ball from Ja Morant on Memphis’ next possession. 

Highlight Plays

Carter’s first three baskets – two alley-oop dunks and a 3-pointer – were all assisted by Wagner. Wagner’s first bucket – a 3-pointer – was assisted by Carter. Both have a wide range of skills – including, but certainly not limited to, playmaking, which is unique considering both are 6-foot-10. 

Interesting Note

The Magic made things quite difficult for Morant, a first-time NBA All-Star last season and the league’s Most Improved Player. In 32 minutes, the electric guard made just eight of his 24 shot attempts from the field. 

Key Stats

The Magic held the Grizzlies to just 25 percent 3-point shooting. Morant missed all six of his attempts from beyond the arc. Orlando also outworked Memphis on the glass with a 50-42 rebounding advantage. 

Quote of the Day

“It was cool for me. One, obviously the experience. Being home for a little bit as well. It was just a shorter season – almost like a small season…It was cool for me to see that my game translated, that I got better in some things. I think I learned a lot about myself, just how I can approach the game on a consistent bases to be successful.” – Franz Wagner on playing for his German national team and winning the bronze at EuroBasket 2022

Inactivity Report

Jalen Suggs (knee), Markelle Fultz (toe), Gary Harris (left knee rehabilitation), and Jonathan Isaac (left knee rehabilitation) were unavailable for the Magic, while Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot), Danny Green (knee), and Killian Tillie (back) were out for the Grizzlies.

Rivals Report

The Grizzlies were the big surprise of the league last season. They won 56 games (second most in the league), featured one of the NBA’s most exciting young players in Morant, and were one of just a few teams that ranked in the top 10 in both offense and defense. Most amazing about their success was that they played well regardless of who was in and who was out. They went 20-5, for instance, when Morant didn’t play. A few things could throw them off track if they aren’t careful, though. One is the absence of Jackson for a while as he recovers from foot surgery, and the other is simply the improved competition around them. The Clippers, by getting Kawhi Leonard back, the Pelicans, by getting Zion Williamson back, and T-Wolves, now with Rudy Gobert on board, should all be substantially better. Plus, there’s no reason to believe that the Warriors, Suns, or Mavs will take a step back. And who knows with the Lakers, as they look to rebound from a disappointing season.  

Up Next

The Magic will play their last tune-up game on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. at Amway Center. The Cavs made the league’s biggest splash this past summer when they acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz. How well the three-time NBA All-Star meshes with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will likely determine how far Cleveland goes this season. On paper, it’s hard to find another “Big Four” as talented and balanced as them. But they still are very young, and the East is strong once again.  Should they be placed in the league’s top-tier, or are they a level or two below?