MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In an impressive performance, Santi Aldama led the Memphis Grizzlies with 22 points while backup center Jay Huff contributed a career-best 18 points in a 124-111 triumph over the Orlando Magic during the team’s home opener on Saturday evening.
Ja Morant also made a significant impact, recording 16 points and 10 assists. This marked his first regular-season home game appearance since January 3. Aldama achieved an efficient shooting performance, going 9 for 12 from the field, while Huff was also effective, hitting seven of his nine attempts.
For the Magic, Franz Wagner was the standout scorer with 23 points, and Jalen Suggs added another 21 points, with each player also pulling down seven rebounds. Paolo Banchero managed to score 16 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing 4 for 12 as Orlando shot 43% overall in the contest.
The Grizzlies maintained a solid advantage for most of the match, even as they faced a challenge in the form of a 21-point scoring streak by Orlando in the third quarter.
**Insights**
**Magic:** The Orlando squad had limited their opponents to an average of just 99 points in their first two games, but this game proved to be an exception, as their turnovers and Memphis’s strong shooting performance altered the outcome.
**Grizzlies:** Memphis continues to wrestle with their third-quarter performance. A lead that appeared secure began to shrink as they allowed Orlando to dominate with a 35-21 scoring advantage in that quarter, including the impressive 21-point run. Fortunately for the Grizzlies, their early lead was substantial enough to withstand the Magic’s resurgence.
**Defining Moment:**
A pivotal moment occurred when Memphis went on a 12-point scoring run, stretching their lead to 69-43 by halftime. This surge was supported by 14 turnovers committed by Orlando in the first half, which translated into 21 points for the Grizzlies.
**Key Stat:**
The Magic had an overall total of 19 turnovers during the game, which handed the Grizzlies an impressive 30 points off those mistakes.
**Next Games:**
Orlando will face the Indiana Pacers on Monday before embarking on a lengthy five-game road trip, while Memphis will host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.