On Saturday against the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic played without their top three scorers – Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs (who returned Monday after a one-game ankle injury).
Regular rotation player Gary Harris also missed the game due to a hamstring strain.
Moritz Wagner, their fourth-leading scorer, tore his left ACL in the first quarter, and Wendell Carter was ejected in the second for two technical fouls.
Trailing by 22 points entering the fourth, Orlando outscored Miami 37-8 in the final period, pulling off one of the biggest comebacks in NBA history. It was the first time in five years a team had lost with a 22-point lead entering the final quarter.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley was amazed by the comeback, noting, “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Backup guard Cole Anthony, averaging a career-low 11.7 minutes per game, exploded for season highs of 35 points (27 in the second half), 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, helping Orlando outscore Miami by 17 in his 28 minutes.
He was emotional after the game, frustrated by his struggles but appreciative of the strong support from his teammates.
“Just to feel that same love back and know I’m always going to get that same love, it’s something that I don’t think is appreciated as much, especially around the league,” Anthony said, reflecting on the team’s positive, tight-knit culture.
“You don’t get this many good people in one organization. You don’t get this many high-character people in one organization. So, I’m just blessed to be a part of this.”
Magic Notes: Comebacks, Anthony, Queen, M. Wagner, Banchero https://t.co/itRSVGQBfV pic.twitter.com/MsqHSgD7QV
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 24, 2024
