At the end of another suspenseful money time, the Kings won an important victory on the Magic field. Despite a Jonathan Isaac of great evenings, Orlando wasted too much at the end of the match and may harbor regrets.
For the detailed stats of this new Florida-California thriller, it’s here.
We will end up believing that the Magic and the Kings like to get together to increase the tension. Already a few weeks ago, the two teams had fought a duel at the end of the night, concluded by Sacramento after two overtimes. This night, no need for overtime for us, but a match which delivered all its promises.
Impossible to leave this meeting without mentioning Jonathan Isaac’s impressive match in great detail. Suffering from injuries for several years, the power forward is reviving this season in Orlando and he delivered a top-notch performance last night. 25 points (tied career record), 7 rebounds, a big defensive job on Domantas Sabonis, without forgetting his insane hot shot at the start of the match to get his team going (17 points in 8 minutes!). Despite his team’s defeat, Isaac finished with a differential of +27! The Magic are a totally different team when Isaac plays at his best.
Jonathan Isaac vs. SAC:
25 PTS
7 REB
10-13 FG
3 3PM
+27 +/- pic.twitter.com/X3xKJYOgzz
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 24, 2024
Opposite, Sacramento was still able to count on its leaders. Domantas Sabonis compiled a big double-double, De’Aaron Fox increased the intensity in the second half while the pair Keegan Murray – Keon Ellis played their role of X factor perfectly, notably with a 10/16 at two from distance.
If Orlando can have regrets, it is also because of this end of money time. Trailing for a long time, the Magic knew how to force themselves to make the necessary stops at the right time before returning to the lead thanks to a heroic breakthrough (and undoubtedly with a little success) from Cole Anthony. Less than 30 seconds to play and +1 Orlando.
Payoff for the growth of Paolo Banchero. Defense sending help as soon as it looks like he’s going to attack. Kick to Cole Anthony who can now attack a closeout and finish. pic.twitter.com/ntF5lmvFhq
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 24, 2024
So Disney fairy tale or not? No, answers the big bad wolf or rather the big bad King De’Aaron Fox. On the next throw-in, the leader is (slightly) pushed by Jalen Suggs. Fox sets foot in his half but the referee calls a very late foul. Worst scenario for the Magic because Sacramento can already take advantage of the bonus to go on the line. Fox puts his two throws in and puts his own back in the lead.
Orlando will have another chance to finish the game but neither Cole Anthony (X2) nor Franz Wagner will be able to score despite two offensive rebounds on the next possession! The Magic will even have a new opportunity with two seconds to play but Paolo Banchero will send a brick which will not even make the Kings tremble.
Victory for Sacramento, which forgets its defeat on Friday in Washington and remains in the right car for the Top 6 in the West. Orlando, for its part, returns to 5th in the East because New York won the Big Apple derby late in the afternoon.
2024-03-24 02:24:00
#Kings #spoil #Jonathan #Isaacs #XXL #game
