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Orlando Magic Cruise Past Washington Wizards 121-94 at Home

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Orlando, Florida, USA, November 10, 2024, Washington Wizards face the Orlando Magic, and Franz Wagner at the Kia Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic rolled to a commanding 121-94 win over the Washington Wizards at the KIA Center on Sunday night, extending their undefeated home streak with a relentless second-half push. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 23 points and seven assists, while Goga Bitadze contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

In a game that showcased Orlando’s defensive intensity and team chemistry, the Magic found ways to consistently frustrate the Wizards, especially in the third quarter, where Orlando’s defense translated directly to offense.

Game Highlights

  • Franz Wagner: 23 points, 7 assists
  • Goga Bitadze: 10 points, 12 rebounds
  • Team Defense: Forced multiple turnovers, resulting in fast-break points
  • Second-Half Surge: Outscored Wizards by 27 points in the second half
  • Home Court Dominance: Remains undefeated at home this season

Takeaways

File – Orlando Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley speaks to the media during postgame press conference. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Head Coach Jamahl Mosley praised the team’s poise and resilience, especially after halftime, when the Wizards briefly surged. “Their poise level was impressive,” Mosley remarked. “The Wizards went on an 8-0 run, but we didn’t get rattled. Our guys stayed disciplined and focused on playing the right way.”

Mosley also emphasized the team’s defensive mentality as the driving force for their offense. “Our defense is going to carry our offense,” he noted. “Generating easy baskets by getting stops and running in the open court will be key for us as we continue down this road.”

Orlando, Florida, USA, November 10, 2024, Washington Wizards face the Orlando Magic and Cole Anthony at the Kia Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Cole Anthony spoke about the team’s energy after halftime, sharing how the Magic played with “so much joy” in the second half. “Everyone was smiling, everyone was having a good time. It was unselfish, and if we play like that, we’re going to beat a lot of teams. That game was fun,” Anthony said.

Orlando, Florida, USA, November 10, 2024, Washington Wizards face the Orlando Magic and Goga Bitadze at the Kia Center. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

Goga Bitadze, who stepped up to start, credited his readiness to the team’s positive environment and solid game preparation. “Playing time is secondary. I stay ready and put in the work,” Bitadze explained. He added that his work on the offensive glass was intentional, based on the scouting report. “The coaching staff kept telling us to crash the glass because they’re not a strong rebounding team, and it paid off.”

What’s Next for the Magic?

Orlando will look to build on its home success as it prepares to face tougher competition in the coming weeks. With a core lineup emphasizing defensive discipline and unselfish play, the team aims to turn its strong start into sustained momentum throughout the season.

____________________________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins

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DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.

In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.

Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance

The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.

The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.

“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.

The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.

Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.

Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama

While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.

Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.

Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.

“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”

The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.

The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.

Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen

Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.

The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.

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Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.

The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.

DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE

Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.

Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.

Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.

DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION

Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.

The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).

With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.

COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT

The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.

The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.

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Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces

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NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.

The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.

“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”

LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST

The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”

RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.

“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”

FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS

In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.

Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.

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