The Los Angeles Lakers played against the Orlando Magic on July 25 at the HP Field House in Orlando, FL. The Orlando Magic are the current eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with the Washington Wizards behind them vying for the same spot. On the other hand, the Lakers are the top seed in the Western Conference and are set to play the current eighth seed Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Playoffs.
The Lakers defeated the Magic with a score of 119-112. Here’s a recap from the Lakers-Magic game.
The Lakers played a 2-3 zone defense throughout the quarter trying to prevent the Magic from getting into the lane. For the most part, it was very efficient as the Lakers went on a 22-9 run in the last 5:50 of the quarter. Most of the Magic’s points from that point came from the free throw line. Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma also went 4-4 from the three point line which helped the Lakers go on that 22-9 run.
Los Angeles takes the lead with a score of 35-19.
The Magic also played a 2-3 zone defense throughout the quarter. They also went on a 9-0 run in the first two minutes of the quarter just by shooting free throws. However, the Lakers would bounce back and go on a 7-0 run led by Kuzma and Lakers forward LeBron James. Both teams would find ways to draw fouls and drive to the basket to get easy buckets. Lakers guard Alex Caurso played the last 1:46 with five fouls picking up three in the first quarter and two in the first.
Los Angeles keeps the lead with a score of 60-47 heading into halftime.
Both teams went back to play man-to-man defense after they were able to find ways to penetrate the lane. The Magic were down by 13 at the half but came back to go on a 9-3 in the first minute of the quarter prompting the Lakers to call a timeout. It was a seesaw battle which saw the Magic fighting back. They scored 42 points from being down 63-49 at the 11:42 mark. The Lakers held their own but the Magic started to find their groove offensively and were able to cut the lead by two at the end of the quarter.
Los Angeles keeps the lead with a score of 89-87. Caruso also fouled out the game with 1:13 left in the third quarter.
The Magic were able to take the lead for the first time at the 10:10 mark only to see it disappear eight seconds later. However, it was still a seesaw battle with the Lakers stretching the lead and Orlando fighting back. Orlando also went on two different runs which made the game closer. But, Lakers guard Dion Waiters sealed it with a three point shot with 32 seconds remaining.
In conclusion, Los Angeles won the game with a score of 119-112.
Davis also didn’t play after the first quarter due to a poke in the eye during the first quarter. He’s listed as day-to-day.
Kyle Kuzma: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist
LeBron James: 20 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Dion Waiters: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
D.J. Augustin: 21 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assist
Michael Carter-Williams: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal
Aaron Gordon: 14 points, 1 assist, 1 steal
Terrence Ross: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
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