Magic Stuns Sixers As Paul George Fouls Out, Leaving Shorthanded Team To Relinquish Victory

In a thrilling NBA matchup, the Orlando Magic upset the Philadelphia 76ers 119-112, handing the Sixers their second loss of the season. The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter when LA Clippers star Paul George was ejected after committing his sixth personal foul.

Fourth-Quarter Collapse

With the 76ers leading 95-94 at the start of the final period, George’s ejection seemed to energize the Magic. The team went on a 12-0 run, fueled by a three-pointer by Jalen Suggs and a fast-break layup by Franz Wagner. The Sixers, who were already missing James Harden due to injury, struggled to respond without their defensive anchor.

The Magic continued to capitalize on their momentum, extending their lead to 109-97 with less than five minutes remaining. Despite a late surge by the Sixers, the Magic held on to secure the victory.

Lack of Depth Costs Sixers

The Sixers’ lack of depth was exposed in George’s absence. The team relied heavily on Joel Embiid, who finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. However, the supporting cast failed to provide enough offensive firepower, with Tyrese Maxey and Georges Niang combining for only 29 points on 8-of-26 shooting.

Magic Surprise With Balanced Effort

In contrast to the Sixers, the Magic showcased impressive balance in their scoring. Wagner led the team with 25 points, followed by Markelle Fultz with 24, Suggs with 20, and Paolo Banchero with 16. The team shot 50% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.

Post-Game Reactions

“Obviously, we are disappointed with this loss,” said Sixers coach Doc Rivers. “We missed some key players tonight, but that’s no excuse. We need to be better at adjusting to adversity.”

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s resilience. “I’m proud of how our guys responded in the fourth quarter. We stayed focused and executed our game plan, even when things were not going our way.”

Outlook for Both Teams

The loss drops the Sixers to 8-2 on the season, while the Magic improve to 6-3. The Sixers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Magic will face the Memphis Grizzlies on their home court.

Conclusion

The Orlando Magic’s upset victory over the Philadelphia 76ers highlights the importance of team depth and resilience in the NBA. While the Sixers were depleted by injuries and ejections, the Magic capitalized on their opportunities and demonstrated that they can compete with the league’s top teams.