ORLANDO, Fla. — In a decisive performance, Franz Wagner scored 23 points and contributed seven assists, while Goga Bitadze recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Orlando Magic secured a solid 121-94 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening.
The team also saw contributions off the bench, with Mo Wagner and Cole Anthony each netting 16 points, while Anthony Black added 12. Jett Howard had a perfect shooting night from beyond the arc, making all three of his attempts from three-point range.
For the Wizards, Jordan Poole was the standout player, leading his team with 24 points. Bilal Coulibaly also performed well, notching 20 points along with six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. The loss marks the Wizards’ fourth consecutive defeat. Rookie Alexandre Sarr chipped in with 11 points, three rebounds, and two blocks during his 25 minutes on the court.
**Key Insights**:
For the Wizards, there have been notable struggles defensively early in the season, particularly in their first eight games. They currently allow the most points in the league, averaging 123.5 points against them per game.
On the other hand, the Magic are adapting well to injuries sustained by key players Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. With their depth and team cohesion, they have been able to achieve consecutive home victories, each by a margin of 27 points.
**Turning Point**:
The game shifted significantly when the Magic led 65-60. A transition take foul committed by Poole with 8:41 remaining in the third quarter resulted in a four-point play, fueling a 12-2 run for Orlando over the next 2:16, effectively breaking open the contest.
**Stat of the Game**:
The Magic showcased their shooting skills, with ten players contributing to their three-point tally. Despite entering the match as the league’s least effective three-point shooting team, hitting just 29.8%, they converted on 17 of 48 attempts (or 35.4%) against the Wizards.
**Looking Ahead**:
The Wizards are slated to face the Houston Rockets on Monday night, marking their third road game in four nights. Meanwhile, the Magic will play at home on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets.