NBA: Magic sweep two-game series vs Raptors
Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a play during a game against the LA Clippers at Amway Center on December 07, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP
Franz Wagner scored 23 points and the Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors 111-99 on Sunday.
Paolo Banchero added 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic, who swept the two-game series at home against the Raptors.
The Magic have won three in a row for the first time this season.
Mo Bamba had 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench for the Magic and Cole Anthony had 14 points.
"Our defense won the game today."
Franz Wagner on the @OrlandoMagic's physicality, not giving up on plays and more after the win over the Raptors. #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/m0xSwDyRnm
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) December 12, 2022
Gary Trent Jr. led the Raptors with 24 points. Fred VanVleet added 20, Pascal Siakam scored 19, Chis Boucher chipped in with 12 and Scottie Barnes scored 11.
Toronto’s O.G. Anunoby (sore left hip) missed a game for the first time this season.
Orlando led by seven points entering the fourth quarter.
Bamba’s block followed by Wagner’s 3-pointer increased the lead to 13 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth. The lead reached 16 on Anthony’s 15-footer with 7:41 left. Trent’s layup cut the lead to 10 with 2:14 to play.
Toronto led 19-18 after one quarter.
Consecutive 3-pointers by Terrence Ross and Bamba gave Orlando an eight-point lead with 5:52 remaining in the second quarter. Bamba’s 3-pointer stretched the lead to 12 with 4:52 left. Toronto scored the next five points. Orlando led 47-39 at halftime.
Bamba led the first-half scoring with 14 points. Siakam was held to four points in the first half, and he picked up four fouls.
Wagner’s jumper increased the lead to 14 points with 6:41 left in the third quarter. Toronto scored the next six points. Trent’s 3-pointer with 2:34 left in the third cut the lead to six. Bamba left the game after colliding with Boucher on the play but returned in the fourth quarter.
Trent made two free throws to trim the lead to four. Orlando led 82-75 after the third quarter.
Also out for Toronto were Precious Achiuwa (ankle), Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) and Otto Porter Jr. (toe).
Orlando was without Wendell Carter Jr. (right plantar fascia strain), Gary Harris (hamstring), Jonathan Isaac (knee injury recovery), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Jalen Suggs (ankle).
