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Garland scores 25 points, Cavaliers improve to 6-0 with 120-109 win over Banchero-less Magic
Read full article: Garland scores 25 points, Cavaliers improve to 6-0 with 120-109 win over Banchero-less MagicDarius Garland scored 25 points, Donovan Mitchell added 22 and the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 6-0 with a 120-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, who played their first game without injured star Paolo Banchero.
Franz Wagner, Magic agree to 5-year extension, largest contract in club history, AP source says
Read full article: Franz Wagner, Magic agree to 5-year extension, largest contract in club history, AP source saysA person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that forward Franz Wagner has agreed to the largest contract in Orlando Magic history, a five-year extension that will be worth at least $224 million.
Canadian Olympic basketball GM: Warriors blocking Wiggins from playing in Paris
Read full article: Canadian Olympic basketball GM: Warriors blocking Wiggins from playing in ParisCanadian Olympic basketball team general manager Rowan Barrett said Friday that Golden State is blocking Andrew Wiggins from competing in Paris, while the Warriors countered it was a mutual decision between the team and Wiggins.
Cavaliers pull together to overcome Orlando, but challenge stiffens with top-seeded Celtics up next
Read full article: Cavaliers pull together to overcome Orlando, but challenge stiffens with top-seeded Celtics up nextIt took Donovan Mitchell’s magnificence, a historic comeback and plenty of grit for the Cavaliers to escape the first round.
Donovan Mitchell scores 39 points as Cavaliers push past Magic 106-94 in Game 7 to get Boston next
Read full article: Donovan Mitchell scores 39 points as Cavaliers push past Magic 106-94 in Game 7 to get Boston nextDonovan Mitchell scored 39 points, Caris LeVert added 15 and the Cleveland Cavaliers avoided a potentially franchise-shifting loss by rallying for a 106-94 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 7.
Paolo Banchero scores 27 points, Magic overcome Mitchell's 50 to beat Cavs 103-96 and force Game 7
Read full article: Paolo Banchero scores 27 points, Magic overcome Mitchell's 50 to beat Cavs 103-96 and force Game 7Paolo Banchero scored 10 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Orlando Magic hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-96 and force a decisive Game 7 in the their first-round NBA playoff series.
Mitchell scores 28, Mobley has huge block as Cavaliers hold off Banchero, Magic 104-103 in Game 5
Read full article: Mitchell scores 28, Mobley has huge block as Cavaliers hold off Banchero, Magic 104-103 in Game 5Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, Evan Mobley blocked Franz Wagner’s layup in the final seconds and the Cleveland Cavaliers survived a scare from Orlando, holding off Paolo Banchero and the Magic 104-103 in Game 5.
Franz Wagner scores 34, leads Magic to second straight rout of Cavaliers to tie series at 2-2
Read full article: Franz Wagner scores 34, leads Magic to second straight rout of Cavaliers to tie series at 2-2Franz Wagner had 34 points and 13 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic held the Cleveland Cavaliers scoreless for a second-half stretch of almost seven minutes Saturday in a 112-89 victory that tied the Eastern Conference first-round series at 2-2.
Donovan Mitchell scores 30, Cavaliers open playoffs with tough-minded 97-83 win in Game 1 over Magic
Read full article: Donovan Mitchell scores 30, Cavaliers open playoffs with tough-minded 97-83 win in Game 1 over MagicDonovan Mitchell scored 30 points, Jarrett Allen had 18 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 97-83 in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Joel Embiid limps off the court just before halftime of 76ers' game versus Magic
Read full article: Joel Embiid limps off the court just before halftime of 76ers' game versus MagicPhiladelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid appeared to hurt his left knee in the final minutes of the first half of Friday night’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Warriors' Draymond Green is ejected less than 4 minutes into game against Magic
Read full article: Warriors' Draymond Green is ejected less than 4 minutes into game against MagicGolden State forward Draymond Green was ejected less than four minutes into the Warriors’ game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Coach Jamahl Mosley and Orlando Magic agree on contract extension through 2027-28
Read full article: Coach Jamahl Mosley and Orlando Magic agree on contract extension through 2027-28Coach Jamahl Mosley and the playoff-contending Orlando Magic have agreed on an extension that keeps him under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Magic rally from 21 down to win 119-109 as Wizards tie franchise record with 16th straight loss
Read full article: Magic rally from 21 down to win 119-109 as Wizards tie franchise record with 16th straight lossFranz Wagner scored 28 points, Paolo Banchero added 25 and the Orlando Magic rallied from a 21-point second-quarter deficit to beat Washington 119-109 and hand the Wizards their 16th consecutive loss.
Banchero records 1st triple-double, hits go-ahead free throws as Magic hold off Nuggets 122-120
Read full article: Banchero records 1st triple-double, hits go-ahead free throws as Magic hold off Nuggets 122-120Paolo Banchero hit a pair of go-ahead of free throws with 9.7 seconds remaining on a night he recorded his first career triple-double and the Orlando Magic rallied for a 122-120 win over the Denver Nuggets.
Young scores 41, Murray hits go-ahead 3 as the Hawks beat the Magic 120-119 in Mexico City
Read full article: Young scores 41, Murray hits go-ahead 3 as the Hawks beat the Magic 120-119 in Mexico CityTrae Young scored 41 points, then fed Dejounte Murray for a go-ahead 3-pointer with 31 seconds left to give the Atlanta Hawks a 120-119 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night in a regular-season game in Mexico City.
Bamba, Rivers, Suggs all suspended after Magic-Wolves dustup
Read full article: Bamba, Rivers, Suggs all suspended after Magic-Wolves dustupThe NBA has suspended Orlando’s Mo Bamba for four games and Minnesota’s Austin Rivers for three games for their roles in an on-court altercation on Friday night.
Murray hits winning free throws, Hawks end Magic's streak
Read full article: Murray hits winning free throws, Hawks end Magic's streakDejounte Murray hit a pair of decisive free throws with 1.3 seconds left, Trae Young had 37 points and 13 assists, and the Atlanta Hawks held off the Orlando Magic 126-125 to snap their six-game winning streak.
Banchero scores 31 as Magic win second straight in Boston
Read full article: Banchero scores 31 as Magic win second straight in BostonPaolo Banchero scored 31 points and Admiral Schofield had 11 of his 13 in the fourth quarter to help the Orlando Magic complete a sweep of consecutive games in Boston with a 95-92 victory on Sunday.
Analysis: Banchero's summer debut was a smashing success
Read full article: Analysis: Banchero's summer debut was a smashing successPaolo Banchero's debut was a smashing success and that had nothing to do with the Orlando Magic winning their Summer League opener against the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas on Thursday night.
Warriors fall to Magic 94-90; Suns clinch 1st in Pacific
Read full article: Warriors fall to Magic 94-90; Suns clinch 1st in PacificFranz Wagner made three free throws with 12.2 seconds remaining and dunked on an inbounds play for the final points, leading the Orlando Magic to a 94-90 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Brown scores 50, rallies Celts to 116-111 OT win over Magic
Read full article: Brown scores 50, rallies Celts to 116-111 OT win over MagicJaylen Brown scored a career-high 50 points, rallying the Boston Celtics from 14 points down late in the fourth quarter to a 116-111 overtime victory over the Orlando Magic.
Curry, Embiid help 76ers top Magic, clinch top seed in East
Read full article: Curry, Embiid help 76ers top Magic, clinch top seed in EastSeth Curry scored 20 points, Joel Embiid had 13 points and 11 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers clinched the top seed for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference with a 122-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
AP source: Vucevic being traded by Magic to Bulls
Read full article: AP source: Vucevic being traded by Magic to BullsOrlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, right, grabs a pass that was over the head of Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)All-Star forward Nikola Vucevic is being traded from the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls, a person with knowledge of the deal said Thursday. Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu are going to the Bulls in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr. and two future first-round selections, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal was still pending NBA approval. The deal would appear to be the start of a rebuild for the Magic, with Vucevic unquestionably the team's best player for the past several seasons. He also has two full seasons left after this one on his contract, a four-year, $100 million deal signed in 2019. Vucevic is in his 10th NBA season, the last nine of which have been with the Magic.
Mavs star Doncic sits out against Thunder with back issue
Read full article: Mavs star Doncic sits out against Thunder with back issueDallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic walks off the court following the team's NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Dallas, Wednesday, March 3, 2021. It was the sixth game of the season of at least 30 points for Doncic, who turned 22 on Sunday. The second missed game of the season for Doncic was Dallas' last before the All-Star Game on Sunday in Atlanta. Carlisle said Doncic has been battling a back issue recently and has worn a heat massage belt in two recent practices. Ad“It's something he needs to take a game,” Carlisle said.
Booker, Suns roll to 6th straight win, beating Magic 109-90
Read full article: Booker, Suns roll to 6th straight win, beating Magic 109-90Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives between Orlando Magic forward Dwayne Bacon (8) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, in Phoenix. That made a drama-free blowout over the Orlando Magic a welcome change Sunday night. Devin Booker scored 27 points, Mikal Bridges added 21 and the Suns cruised to their sixth straight victory, beating the short-handed Magic 109-90 in a game that was never particularly close. “We did what we had to do to win the game,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. He shot 10 of 16 from the field against the Magic ... Deandre Ayton added 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Curry goes off again with 10 3s as Warriors hold off Magic
Read full article: Curry goes off again with 10 3s as Warriors hold off MagicGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, dribbles against Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Curry knocked down 10 3-pointers on the way to 40 points and also contributed eight rebounds and five assists, leading the Golden State Warriors past the undermanned Magic 111-105 on Thursday night. “I just told him he looks great, he looks quick, he looks healthy, he looks like he’s loving it,” Clifford said. Nikola Vucevic had 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists as the Magic lost a third straight game, seventh in eight and ninth of 11. ... Golden State hasn't lost two in a row at home this season.
VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at Orlando
Read full article: VanVleet sets Raptors mark with 54 in 123-108 win at OrlandoToronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, left, drives around Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. – Fred VanVleet set a franchise record with 54 points and hit a career-best 11 3-pointers as the Toronto Raptors beat the short-handed Orlando Magic 123-108 on Tuesday night. AdNorman Powell had 23 points for Toronto, and Kyle Lowry posted a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Orlando, which has lost 12 of 14, tried almost every guard on its roster against the 6-foot-1 VanVleet with little to no success. AdMagic: Orlando was without Gordon, who severely sprained his left ankle later in Sunday’s game against Toronto. Magic: Orlando hosts Chicago on Friday and Saturday in a two-game set.
Harden debuts with triple-double, Durant scores 42, Nets win
Read full article: Harden debuts with triple-double, Durant scores 42, Nets win(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK – James Harden and Kevin Durant needed a little while to remember how to play together again. Once they did, the Brooklyn Nets really got rolling — and they might still get to another gear when Kyrie Irving rejoins them. Harden also had nine turnovers and Durant had six, with some sloppiness while Harden got used to his new teammates. They were much more competitive than the others, including a 124-97 loss in Boston on Friday, but didn't have enough answers for Durant or Harden. Nets: Durant has scored 25 or points in nine straight games, setting a new franchise record.
Fultz tears ACL, out for season; Magic beat Cavs 105-94
Read full article: Fultz tears ACL, out for season; Magic beat Cavs 105-94The team confirmed after the game that Fultz tore his ACL. “It’s a huge blow for us,” said Magic center Nikola Vucevic, whose team also will be without standout forward Jonathan Isaac this season because of an ACL tear. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft as he led the Magic to a quick start this season. Terrence Ross scored 20 points and hit five 3-pointers to lead the Magic, who beat the Cavaliers for a second time in three nights. Collin Sexton scored 21 points for Cleveland, his eighth straight game with at least 20 points to start the season.
Magic beat Wizards130-120 despite Westbrook's historic night
Read full article: Magic beat Wizards130-120 despite Westbrook's historic nightOrlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots as Washington Wizards forward Isaac Bonga (17) and forward Deni Avdija (9) defend in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Washington. (Geoff Burke/Pool Photo via AP)WASHINGTON – The Orlando Magic beat Washington 130-120 on Saturday night, overcoming another triple-double by Russell Westbrook in his home debut for the Wizards. Nikola Vucevic had 22 points and 17 rebounds, and Markelle Fultz added 21 points to help the Magic win its second straight to start the season. ... Two-way rookie guard Cassius Winston (hamstring strain) was inactive but has returned to practice…UP NEXTThe Magic and Wizards will complete their back-to-back in Washington on Sunday. It is the only meeting between the two Southeast division foes in the first half of the NBA schedule release.
The NBA preseason begins, with empty arenas as the stages
Read full article: The NBA preseason begins, with empty arenas as the stagesOrlando Magic coach Steve Clifford talks to players during a timeout in the first half of the team's NBA preseason basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, in Atlanta. The NBA preseason — a truncated 49-game, nine-day sprint — opened Friday with a five-game slate, action returning to NBA arenas for the first time in exactly nine months. Friday’s games:KNICKS 90, PISTONS 84At Detroit, R.J. Barrett scored 15 points and Toppin finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in his debut as the Knicks won their preseason opener. Julius Randle scored 11, while Elfrid Payton and Nerlens Noel each scored 10 for New York. Svi Mykhailiuk and Saddiq Bey led the Pistons with 14 points apiece.
Bucks, Heat set to open Eastern Conference semifinal series
Read full article: Bucks, Heat set to open Eastern Conference semifinal seriesGame 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal matchup between the top-seeded Bucks and fifth-seeded Heat is Monday night in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Milwaukee needed five games to dispatch Orlando in a series that ended Saturday; the Heat swept Indiana in the first round. Were not reinventing the whole wheel on how we prepare for a game, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Its going to be a great series, Bucks center Brook Lopez said. REGULAR-SEASON SERIESMiami won the season series 2-1.
Bucks resume NBA playoffs after sparking historic stoppage
Read full article: Bucks resume NBA playoffs after sparking historic stoppageThe rescheduled Game 5 of the Bucks' series against Orlando began Saturday as the NBA postseason resumed after a historic stoppage that players hope will bring change in their communities. It was a moment in which the world needed and obviously we know this is going to be a long, ongoing process, Bucks guard Wesley Matthews said. Matthews said he was putting on his uniform shorts about 20 minutes before the game was set to begin Wednesday when the Bucks decided they wouldn't play. The Magic refused to accept the forfeit and NBA players stood behind the Bucks, even though some were frustrated the Bucks acted alone without consulting them. Matthews apologized for that but said the aftermath has confirmed for the Bucks that they made the right decision.
Bucks beat Magic 118-104, take series in 5 games
Read full article: Bucks beat Magic 118-104, take series in 5 gamesWilliams scored all 12 of his points on 3-pointers, and Brook Lopez added 16 points for Milwaukee, which won four straight after dropping the opener. Nicola Vucevic had 22 points and 15 rebounds for Orlando, while Evan Fournier added 18 points. Middleton followed with a fade from the top of the key, Williams added another 3 and Middleton's free throw pushed the Bucks' lead back to 105-93 with 5:24 left. Orlando stayed close into the second quarter and was within six points when Marvin Williams 3 began a 23-12 Bucks run to end the half. Bucks: Outscored Orlando in the paint, 42-32 and finished with 16 3s on 45 attempts.
Trump: NBA has become like 'a political organization'
Read full article: Trump: NBA has become like 'a political organization'WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Thursday that the NBA has become like a political organization," criticizing the league the day after player protests over police brutality led to the postponement of playoff games. The president said in a radio interview this month that NBA players were very nasty and very dumb for kneeling during the national anthem to protest social injustice. The NBA announced Thursdays scheduled playoffs were postponed, but the league hoped to resume play Friday or Saturday. Theyve become like a political organization, and thats not a good thing, Trump told reporters Thursday, noting that the league's ratings are down from previous seasons. Not everyone in Trump's circle was critical of the NBA players move.
Bucks to boycott playoff game against Magic in protest of police shooting
Read full article: Bucks to boycott playoff game against Magic in protest of police shootingLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. NBA players made their strongest statement yet against racial injustice Wednesday when the Milwaukee Bucks didn't take the floor for their playoff game against the Orlando Magic. The teams were set to begin Game 5 of their series shortly after 4 p.m., with the Bucks needing a win to advance to the second round. Players had been discussing boycotting games in the bubble after the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Magic player and referees were on the floor for the game but Milwaukee never took the floor. Eventually everyone else left and the arena staff soon took the balls, towels and tags that go on player chairs back inside.
Boycott: NBA playoff games called off amid player protest
Read full article: Boycott: NBA playoff games called off amid player protestCalled off: Games between Milwaukee and Orlando, Houston and Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland. Players had been discussing boycotting games in the bubble after the shooting of Blake by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Some things are bigger than basketball," Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry tweeted. There are three other playoff games scheduled Thursday. Several NBA players, including the Lakers' LeBron James, tweeted out messages demanding change and the Boston Celtics' official Twitter account did the same.
Lakers, Bucks look to clinch second-round berths Wednesday
Read full article: Lakers, Bucks look to clinch second-round berths Wednesday(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)It was only a week ago when the sky was falling on the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. The Bucks lead the Orlando Magic 3-1; the Lakers lead the Portland Trail Blazers 3-1. The bottom line is weve come out and competed so much harder.The wake-up call helped the Lakers as well. James teams went 5-5 in his first 10 series-clinching opportunities; theyre 30-5 in those situations since. NEED TO KNOW: If the Bucks win, the Eastern Conference first round would be completed in just 17 games.
Middleton comes alive in 4th quarter; Bucks take 3-1 lead
Read full article: Middleton comes alive in 4th quarter; Bucks take 3-1 leadMiddleton scored 18 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 10 rebounds after being held to one field goal in the first three quarters on 1-of-9 shooting. Wesley Matthews added 12 points for the Bucks, who can close out the Magic on Wednesday. ... We had to pick up our intensity.Nikola Vucevic continued his strong play for the Magic, finishing with 31 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Terrence Ross had 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The top-seeded Bucks led by three entering the fourth quarter before Middleton came alive.
Vucevic, Magic upset top-seeded Bucks in Game 1, 122-110
Read full article: Vucevic, Magic upset top-seeded Bucks in Game 1, 122-110Terrence Ross scored 18 points, Gary Clark added 15 and D.J. Augustin had 11 points and 11 assists for the eighth-seeded Magic, who took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee, but was held without a field goal over the final 11 minutes. The Bucks came into the postseason as the favorites to win their first NBA title since 1971 despite finishing 3-5 in seeding games. But their sluggish play in the NBA bubble at Disney World carried over into the postseason.
Analysis: Early returns say so far, so good for NBA bubble
Read full article: Analysis: Early returns say so far, so good for NBA bubbleIf that wasnt enough, the quality of play is so good that its almost like the NBA hadnt stopped playing for 4-1/2 months. In all honestly, its better than I was expecting ... talking about all the teams in general, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. So, you see some of the talents these guys have are coming out.The numbers inside the bubble are ridiculous. Try 36 points again, 18 rebounds and eight assists in the Bucks loss to Houston on Sunday night. The Rockets beat the Mavs 153-149 in overtime Friday and then tried 61 3-pointers to tie an NBA regulation-game record Sunday.
Magic top Kings, but lose Jonathan Isaac to torn ACL
Read full article: Magic top Kings, but lose Jonathan Isaac to torn ACLLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. The Orlando Magic got a big win and a big loss Sunday. But the Magic lost Jonathan Isaac again when he tore the ACL in his left knee, the same one he hurt Jan. 1 that kept him out until the restart. Terrence Ross scored 25 points as the Magic won a season-best fifth straight game going back to before the pandemic-forced shutdown in March. Orlando shot 52% for the game and matched a season high with 18 3 pointers while shooting 47% from long range. Magic: Play Indiana on Tuesday.
Magic beat Nets 128-118 in restart opener, move up to 7th
Read full article: Magic beat Nets 128-118 in restart opener, move up to 7thThey extended their winning streak to four and moved back ahead of the Nets into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Magic outscored the Nets 75-43 in the middle two quarters, allowing them to overcome some shaky defense at the start and finish. So Brooklyn started two players who hadn't started an NBA game this season one who never had. Veteran Jamal Crawford, signed as a substitute player after not playing in the NBA this season, did not play. Nets: Play Washington on Sunday.
Magic's Jonathan Isaac is lone player to stand for anthem
Read full article: Magic's Jonathan Isaac is lone player to stand for anthemHe wore his Magic jersey and not the Black Lives Matter T-shirt that other players have had on for the anthems so far in the NBAs season restart at Walt Disney World. Teammates supported the decision, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Isaac had yet to discuss his decision publicly. Isaac, an ordained minister, has a history of being active with various charities and churches. Isaac was the first player to stand for the anthem in the restarted season. The NBA has had a rule since the early 1980s saying players must stand for the anthem.
NBA says races for the season's individual trophies are over
Read full article: NBA says races for the season's individual trophies are overFILE - In this Jan. 15, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, shoots as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Los Angeles. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers already have just about guaranteed themselves the top two playoff seeds and face a delicate balancing act when the NBA returns to action. So the postseason races are still going in many cases, but the individual award chases are now complete. Statistical championships, such as the scoring, rebounding, assist and steal titles, are technically up for grabs through the end of the seeding games in mid-August. The league announced that portion of the plan when the schedules for the eight seeding games were released last month.