Sports
Orlando Magic Cruise Past Washington Wizards 121-94 at Home
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.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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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.”
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