Franz Wagner Leads Magic Past Spurs
For the second time in nine days, the Orlando Magic defeated the San Antonio Spurs, pulling away late in the first half.
ORLANDO: On Thursday at the Kia Center, the Orlando Magic defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-111 thanks in large part to a fantastic performance by Franz Wagner.
It was Orlando’s (28-24) second victory over the Spurs (10-42) in nine days.
The Magic had a well-rounded assault led by Wagner, as six players scored in double figures. Wagner finished with 34 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. Paolo Banchero scored 16 points with six assists and five rebounds, and Jalen Suggs scored 17 points with two assists and two rebounds.
In addition to scoring nine points and grabbing six rebounds in a highly energetic performance off the bench, Jonathan Isaac also blocked Victor Wembanyama early in the second quarter.
Wembanyama, who was selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, finished with a point total of 15 and two assists. With thirty points, five rebounds, and four assists, Devin Vassell led the Spurs. Blake Wesley and Tre Jones each had ten.
The Spurs rallied to tie the game once in the first and second quarters after the Magic went out to an early 9-0 lead. The Magic led 61-44 at the half after finishing the first half on a 19-4 surge with a 42-40 edge.
In the third quarter, San Antonio mounted a comeback, reducing the Magic’s lead to 10 points twice. The Spurs would only go as near as that before the Magic pulled away to complete the season sweep, extending their lead to as many as possible in the fourth quarter.
