Orlando Magic Narrowly Defeat Dallas Mavericks 115-114

The Orlando Magic hosted the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Magic escaped with a narrow win over the Mavericks, 115-114, at the Kia Center. Orlando improved to 33-28 and has a two-game winning streak, while Dallas fell to 21-41 and has a five-game losing skid.

In Case You Missed It

The Orlando Magic beat the Washington Wizards 126-109 at the Kia Center on Tuesday. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Will Riley led the Wizards with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Dallas Mavericks got blown out by the Charlotte Hornets 117-90 at the Spectrum Center on Tuesday. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Williams concluded Tuesday riding a career-best eight-game double-figure scoring streak, while averaging 16 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 5 assists per game.

Orlando Magic vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters

Orlando’s starting lineup featured Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Desmond Bane, Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. Orlando ruled out Franz Wagner (high left ankle sprain) and Jonathan Issac (left knee strain).

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Khris Middleton, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), Marvin Bagley III (neck sprain), and Brandon Williams (left quadriceps contusion).

Magic vs. Mavericks Recap

Orlando and Dallas aren’t traditional rivals, but the regular-season history between the two teams goes way back. Dallas won 44 of 73 regular-season games against Orlando entering Thursday’s game.

Dallas entered Thursday as an underdog, but Flagg made his much-anticipated return. Flagg had 999 career points and needed just 1 point to become the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 1,000-point milestone behind LeBron James.

Naji Marshall came in hot. Marshall has been averaging career-highs in points per game (15.4), assists per game (3.1), steals per game (1.05), and minutes per game (29.8) in 58 games (with a career-high 34 starts). The 28-year-old has scored 30+ points five times this season after having two 30-point efforts in his first five seasons combined.

The first quarter highlighted the competitive nature of the two teams. Flagg found Middleton, who got past Black, for a corner three-pointer. Flagg then got on the board, thanks to an offensive rebound, to record his 1,000th career point. Noah Penda made headlines with a two-handed slam. Dallas took a 33-26 lead to end the first.

The second quarter showcased the competitive spirit of the two teams. Ryan Nembhard threw down a fastbreak dunk. Orlando’s offense picked up the pace in the final five minutes. Tristan da Silva shone with a pull-up three-pointer. Orlando went on a late 14-6 run. Dallas took a 62-60 lead into halftime.

The third quarter showed the two teams’ strong efforts. Flagg nailed a wide-open three-pointer. Orlando never held a lead but tied the game at 75-75 before taking its first advantage of the night. Suggs managed to score off an errant pass. Dallas’ 8 straight points kept the score close. Orlando took a 91-88 lead through three quarters.

The fourth quarter showed the two teams’ resilience. Orlando went on a 6-0 run to open the scoring. Suggs followed up with his success after a four-point play. Dallas got on the board, keeping the game close. Flagg finished for the and-1, but Orlando won 115-114 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Orlando Magic opens a two-game homestand starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Central. Minnesota’s strong run could overwhelm Orlando, but Orlando’s defensive strength might keep the Minnesota defense at bay.

The Dallas Mavericks continue a six-game road trip by paying a visit to the Boston Celtics on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Boston’s strong play could confuse Dallas, but Dallas’s offensive capabilities can create scoring opportunities and shooting from deep.