ORLANDO, Fla. — Anfernee Simons delivered an impressive performance with 21 points as the Portland Trail Blazers secured their third consecutive win, triumphing over the Orlando Magic with a score of 100-79 on Thursday evening. This game was significant as it marked the return of Magic forward Franz Wagner, who had been absent from 20 games due to an oblique injury sustained earlier in December.
Toumani Canara contributed solidly for the Blazers with 16 points and six rebounds, while Deni Avdija added 13 points along with five rebounds and five assists. Jabari Walker showcased his defensive skills by making six steals in just 19 minutes of play.
Despite the loss, Wagner led the Magic with 20 points as he returned to the lineup, while Tristan Da Silva came off the bench to net 16 points. Paolo Banchero struggled significantly, scoring only eight points, grabbing nine rebounds, and shooting a poor 1-for-14 from the field, combined with five turnovers.
The Blazers faced a challenge when guard Scoot Henderson fouled out with just over six minutes remaining in the game after playing only 14 minutes.
Key takeaways from the game include the adjustment made by the Blazers, who played Robert Williams at center due to injuries to DeAndre Ayton (knee) and rookie Donovan Clingan (ankle). Williams excelled, leading the game with 12 rebounds and contributing to four of Portland’s total blocks.
For the Magic, this loss marked their fifth straight defeat and their seventh in the last eight games. After a good start to the season with a record of 16-9, ranking third in the Eastern Conference, they have now fallen to 23-23 and are sitting eighth in the standings. The recent injuries, including Jalen Suggs’ back issues, have contributed to their slump, leaving them with a record of 2-8 since his injury.
One pivotal moment in the game came when Shaedon Sharpe capped off the third quarter with an emphatic dunk following a quick baseline drive, helping the Blazers to a commanding 74-59 lead thanks to a 10-1 scoring run.
Statistically speaking, the Magic struggled significantly from beyond the arc, shooting just 3-for-18 from three-point range in the third quarter. They also had a concerning 22 turnovers, allowing the Blazers to pull ahead by 18 points during that segment of the game.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are set to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, while the Magic will host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
