Magic’s Opening Night Struggles at the Las Vegas Summer League
LAS VEGAS — The Orlando Magic kicked off their journey in the highly anticipated Las Vegas Summer League on a challenging note, suffering a narrow 84-81 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. Although the Magic managed to trim their initial double-digit deficit to single digits in the second half, the game ultimately highlighted areas for improvement.
A Tough Start
The match started on a rocky note for the Magic, characterized by ball-handling issues and missed shots. Orlando’s players recorded 14 turnovers and struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 31% from beyond the arc. Coach Ameer Bahhur expressed his pride in the team’s effort, stating, “The slow start made it hard for us to get back into the game, but I’m really proud of our guys and the effort they showed.” His optimism was clear; with a more focused start and better ball security, the Magic could be poised for success in future matchups.
Standout Performances
Leading the scoring for the Magic was second-year player Tristan da Silva, who showcased his skills with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 28 minutes. Bahhur emphasized the importance of aggression in da Silva’s gameplay, praising his ability to sink crucial baskets during critical moments in the game. His performance not only reflected individual talent but also provided a sense of stability during stretches when the team struggled to score.
Rookie guard Jase Richardson, selected as the No. 25 pick in last month’s draft, made an impression on the court as well. He finished with 14 points, including two pivotal 3-pointers that came at critical junctures. Despite facing challenges due to a sore right ankle, Richardson’s resilience was evident, earning him commendations from his coach for his toughness and ability to adapt to the physicality of summer league play.
Mixed Results from Other Players
Ethan Thompson, a two-way guard, led the Magic in scoring in the first half with 11 points. However, his mixed results on offense were displayed through a lone assist and three turnovers. Throughout the game, Thompson accumulated 16 points but racked up seven fouls—an indication of his aggressive play style but also his need for better control moving forward.
Another notable performance came from Noah Penda, the second-round pick who showed hustle on defense and gradually improved his offensive game, contributing 8 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals. His defense could prove crucial as he develops further in the summer league environment.
Moments of Concern
The early struggle was further compounded by Sacramento’s Maxime Raynaud, a towering 7-foot-1 Frenchman, who was particularly effective in the paint. Raynaud scored 11 points in the first quarter alone, creating immense challenges for the Magic’s defense. His presence in the lane highlighted the defensive adjustments Orlando will need to make in subsequent games.
Despite the early setbacks and significant fouling, the Magic maintained their competitive spirit. Even when Richardson briefly exited the game due to his ankle, he later returned to play a significant role in the latter portions of the contest. The resilience displayed by all players, especially in a physical matchup, bodes well for the team’s chemistry moving forward.
Building Toward Future Matchups
Adding depth to the bench was fifth-year pro Skal Labissiere, who contributed 14 points in just 17 minutes off the bench. His experience and scoring ability will be essential assets for the Magic as they navigate the summer league.
Orlando’s next challenge comes just two days later, as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The matchup will provide them a chance to correct their early-game deficiencies and build on the positives from this debut. With continued focus and growth, the Magic are looking to capitalize on their summer league experience while laying groundwork for the season ahead.
In the crowd, support from the coaching staff and front office executives, including president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and general manager Anthony Parker, underscored the significance of the summer league for the organization’s future. It’s an opportunity not only for players to showcase their skills but also for the franchise to evaluate talent and team dynamics ahead of a pivotal season.