Sports
Magic’s Summer League Comeback Falls Short Against Kings, 84-81
LAS VEGAS, NV (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic’s first game of the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas was a roller coaster of runs, rallies, and resilience, ultimately falling to the Sacramento Kings, 84-81, Thursday night.
Slow Start Dooms Magic Early
The Magic’s offense struggled to find a rhythm in the opening half, scoring just 12 points in the first quarter and enduring a brutal eight-minute scoreless stretch. That drought allowed the Kings to surge ahead by as many as 17 points. Sacramento capitalized on Orlando’s early turnovers and cold shooting to seize momentum.
Richardson, Da Silva Spark Second-Half Rally
Despite the sluggish start, the Magic mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, led by rookie first-round pick Jase Richardson and 2024 first-rounder Tristan Da Silva. Richardson, son of two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson, left the game briefly in the third quarter after an awkward fall but returned to deliver in crunch time.
Richardson hit two tough finishes at the rim in the final minutes, including a game-tying layup with 1:27 remaining. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-for-3 from three-point range.
Da Silva, who started 38 games for Orlando last season, showed veteran poise, leading the team with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block. The 6’8” forward from Germany also knocked down a critical three-pointer late in the game.
Additional contributors included Ethan Thompson, an undrafted guard from Oregon State, who added 16 points with three triples, and Skal Labissière, a former Kings first-round pick, who contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks off the bench.
Kings Hold On Behind Clifford and Raynaud
Sacramento countered every Orlando surge with balanced scoring and clutch performances from their prospects. First-round pick Nique Clifford paced the Kings with 17 points, including two go-ahead buckets in the final minute. Clifford’s ability to draw fouls and his savvy pump-fake drives kept the Magic defense on its heels.
Second-round pick Maxine Raynaud, a 7’1” center from France, made an early impact by scoring 11 of the Kings’ first 14 points and finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
Mason Jones, a recent NBA G League champion, matched Clifford’s team-high 17 points, adding 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Isaac Jones filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
UP NEXT:
The Kings will face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. EST, while the Magic take on the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Marcus Richardson, a sports reporter for Florida National News, contributed to this report. He can be reached at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.
Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Third-quarter struggles prove costly
Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com
Carter leads Orlando
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters
Perimeter shooting remains a concern
Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com
Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
Florida4 days agoDonalds, Jolly Court Black Voters In Governor’s Race. How Much Are They Spending With Black-Owned Media?
Central Florida News3 days agoFestival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties
Central Florida News3 days agoBroadcaster Ray Cruz Santiago Criticizes Samuel Vilchez Santiago With Communist Graphics, Puerto Rican Identity Claims
Entertainment3 days ago“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25
Business3 days agoGOAA Highlights Airport Improvements, Approves New Small Business Policies
