Hawks Spoil Markelle Fultz Debut, Beat Magic Convincingly
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is getting healthier, but it wasn't enough to beat the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night at the Amway Center. The Magic lost its sixth straight game by a score of 125-108.
There was a lot of optimism coming into the game for the Magic with the season debut of Markelle Fultz, who missed the first 21 games of the year with a fractured toe. The team also welcomed back Cole Anthony, who missed the last 17 games with a strained oblique.
Fultz and Anthony were both on minutes restrictions, but tonight was a solid first step for both of them. Fultz scored eight points in 17 minutes, while Anthony added 11 in 24 minutes off the bench.
While the energy surrounding the team was strong, Trae Young and the Hawks zapped it right out of the Magic early. Atlanta blitzed out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and forced Orlando to play catch-up all night long.
While Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero once again led the Magic, their efforts weren't enough to withstand the Hawks. Atlanta led by as much as 25 in the third quarter and cruised to victory.
While the signs are there for the Magic to improve, the team is a long way from being fully healthy. Mo Bamba (back spasms), Jalen Suggs (knee), Jonathan Isaac (knee), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Wendell Carter Jr. (plantar fascia) were still sidelined. Gary Harris also left tonight's game with a right hamstring injury in the first half and did not return.
It will take time for the Magic to heal and build chemistry and workable lineups, but tonight was a baby step in the right direction.
The Magic head back out on the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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