Facing a shorthanded version of the NBA’s best team, the Magic had a chance to send the game to overtime in the closing seconds.
What had been a valiant Orlando comeback, despite a dismal shooting night from beyond the arc, came up short when Franz Wagner’s game-tying attempt was blocked by Mikal Bridges to give the Suns a 102-99 win.
Cam Payne and Landry Shamet did their best Chris Paul and Devin Booker impersonations to make up for the loss of the Suns starting backcourt. Payne produced a double-double and Shamet nearly single-handedly outshot the Magic from three in the win.