Franz Wagner has 29 points, Magic hold off Blazers 109-106 – KTVZ

By ANNE M. PETERSON
AP Sports activities Author

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 29 factors, Wendell Carter Jr. added 20 factors and 10 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the Portland Path Blazers 109-106 on Tuesday night time.

Wagner had 15 factors within the fourth quarter alone.

“I believe that’s why you play basketball, these necessary performs, these necessary moments,” Wagner mentioned.

The Magic led 19 factors within the first half, however the Blazers closed the hole within the second quarter to tie it at 50 at halftime.

After trailing 82-73 to begin the ultimate quarter, Portland pulled to 89-84 on Anfernee Simons’ layup. Orlando stayed in entrance, going up 104-94 on Wagner’s 3-pointer with 3:35 left.

Damian Lillard’s layup with 1:32 left received Portland as shut as 105-101. Gary Harris fouled Lillard on a 3-point try — and Lillard made all three free throws to drag the Blazers nearer at 107-106 with 25.1 seconds to go.

Markelle Fultz made free throws for Orlando and Portland missed a flurry of 3-point makes an attempt within the remaining moments.

Lillard completed with 30 factors for the Blazers, who misplaced their fourth straight. Portland has misplaced 9 of their final 12 video games.

“We’re simply in just a little funk, man. I don’t know what it’s. I can’t actually pinpoint it,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups mentioned.

Paulo Banchero added 19 factors for the Magic. They had been coming off a 115-101 loss at Sacramento the night time earlier than.

“I felt like we did a very good job, even when it received just a little chaotic, we made all their pictures powerful,” Carter mentioned.

Jerami Grant made a pair of layups to cap a 16-1 run that erased Orlando’s first-half lead and received the Blazers inside 40-36. Jusuf Nurkic’s layup and free throw tied the sport at 47 and the groups went into halftime knotted at 50.

After the Blazers scored a season-low 20 factors within the opening quarter, they outscored the Magic 30-17 within the second. Nukic began regardless of battling a non-COVID sickness and led all scorers within the first half with 18 factors, together with eight rebounds and a pair of blocks.

The Magic opened the second half with an 15-0 run. Simons ended the scoring drought with a 3-pointer 4:40 into the half. Lillard’s emphatic dunk pulled Portland to 79-70 late within the third quarter.

TIP INS

Magic: Heart Bol Bol was obtainable after lacking 4 video games due to well being and security protocols however he didn’t play. … The Magic had been 0-7 on the second night time of back-to-backs heading into the sport. … It was the third of a five-game journey for Orlando.

Path Blazers: Gary Payton II made his season debut every week in the past in opposition to Detroit, after rehabbing from an offseason core damage. He missed the following three video games due to an ankle sprain however performed Tuesday.

PORTER’S RETURN

Former Path Blazers nice Terry Porter, whose quantity hangs from the rafters on the Moda Heart, has returned to the workforce as an alumni ambassador. He’ll foster relationships with different former gamers because the Blazers improve their alumni program, the workforce introduced on Tuesday.

Porter most lately served as basketball coach on the College of Portland for 5 seasons till 2021. He joins fellow ambassadors Brian Grant and Bob Gross.

ISAAC’S RETURN

Magic ahead Jonathan Isaac, who hasn’t performed for 2 seasons, is ready to play for the G-League Lakeland Magic as he continues his return from a torn ACL. He has been training with Orlando since December.

“I imply, that’s such nice information,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “You speak in regards to the journey he’s been on since being hurtt. To place it in perspective, it’s 892 days, tomorrow since he’s performed in a full sport.”

UP NEXT

Magic: At Utah on Friday night time.

Path Blazers: Host Cleveland on Thursday night time.

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