In another disappointing outing for the Toronto Raptors, the team faced their seventh consecutive loss at the hands of the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Despite a valiant effort from Jordan Nwora, who delivered 18 points, the Raptors couldn’t overcome the relentless offense of the Magic, ultimately succumbing to a 111-96 defeat.
Paolo Banchero showcased his scoring prowess for Orlando, leading the charge with an impressive 29-point performance. Alongside him, Franz Wagner contributed 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while his brother, Moritz Wagner, added 14 points, making it a challenging night for the struggling Raptors.
The Raptors, plagued by injuries and a lack of cohesion, found themselves unable to contain the Magic’s offensive onslaught. They struggled from beyond the arc, managing to convert only 8 of their 31 attempts from three-point range. Additionally, the Raptors’ turnovers, totaling 18 for the game, proved costly as they failed to capitalize on opportunities to claw back into contention.
Despite a strong defensive effort in their previous matchup, where they scored 37 fast-break points against the Magic, the Raptors were stifled on the fast break this time, mustering only 16 points in transition. This inability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities hindered their chances of mounting a comeback against a determined Magic squad.
Reflecting on the defeat, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the team’s struggles, citing missed layups and turnovers as contributing factors to their downfall. He emphasized the need for improvement as they look to break their losing streak.
Jordan Nwora, who showcased his scoring ability with a 7-for-9 shooting performance, expressed his frustration at the loss but remained optimistic about seizing opportunities in the future.
With the Sacramento Kings up next on Wednesday, the Raptors face a pivotal moment in their season. However, at this juncture, it seems the team is prioritizing securing a favorable position in the upcoming NBA draft lottery, considering their current struggles. As for the Orlando Magic, their victory marks another step forward in their recent resurgence, with their sights set on continuing their winning ways during their ongoing homestand.
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