Overview
- Backup guard Jamal Shead logged the entire fourth quarter and scored a career-high 19, with Rajakovic explaining Immanuel Quickley (2-for-12) stayed out because Shead was on the floor.
- Gradey Dick, Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter joined Shead to flip the game, as Dick had 15 points, Murray-Boyles pulled 12 rebounds with seven offensive, and Walter added defense and 10 points.
- Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram steadied the closing stretch, and Barnes forced Paolo Banchero into a missed step-back three at the buzzer.
- Orlando’s trouble spots resurfaced as it was outrebounded 58-52, allowed 21 offensive rebounds, 58 points in the paint and 30 fast-break points, then scored only 12 in the fourth quarter.
- The Magic dealt with absences and in-game setbacks with Jonathan Isaac exiting early (sore left knee) and Desmond Bane limited by back spasms, while Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs remained out; Toronto rested RJ Barrett and said Jakob Poeltl would miss at least a week.