Franz Wagner delivered a standout performance, scoring 32 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 109-99 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night.
The victory improved Orlando’s record to 9-6 and snapped Phoenix’s four-game losing streak.
Anthony Black added 20 points for the Magic, stepping up in the absence of leading scorer Paolo Banchero, who was sidelined with an oblique injury.
Orlando’s balanced attack and strong defensive showing marked their sixth consecutive game holding opponents under 100 points.
The Suns, missing key players Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic due to injuries, struggled to keep pace.
Devin Booker, coming off a 44-point performance in his previous game, scored 17, while Tyus Jones contributed 18 points. Rookie Oso Ighodaro added 12 points and seven rebounds in his starting role.
Orlando took control late in the second quarter, closing the half with a 10-2 run to lead 64-48. The Magic extended their lead to 19 early in the third quarter and maintained the advantage despite a late push by Phoenix.
The Magic shot an efficient 51.3% from the field, with Wagner hitting 4 of 8 three-pointers and contributing eight assists.
Goga Bitadze provided interior presence with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jonathan Isaac and Moritz Wagner added valuable bench contributions.
Phoenix struggled with offensive consistency, shooting just 42.2% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range. Grayson Allen led the Suns’ bench with 17 points, but the team was unable to overcome the absence of their stars.
The win highlighted Orlando’s growth, particularly on the defensive end, as they aim to solidify their playoff aspirations. Phoenix, now 1-5 in Durant’s absence, faces mounting pressure to regain their rhythm with a depleted roster.
