One of the surprise packets of the NBA this season has been the Orlando Magic, who moved to a 9-5 record with a 126-107 win over the Toronto Raptors.
Australian Joe Ingles linked up with the Magic this off-season on a two-year, $USD22 million deal and the veteran presence he’s had on this young Orlando roster can’t be understated.
Ingles didn’t light up the scoreboard against the Raptors, but did provide a highlight reel three-pointer when fooling two opponents with pump fakes before draining a three, much to the delight of the Magic bench.
Second-year stud Paolo Banchero led the way for Orlando with 25 points while Cole Anthony continued his stellar season and did his Sixth Man of the Year chances no harm with 15 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
Ingles chipped in six points and two rebounds.
Regarding the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, the Magic sit third in their group with a 2-1 record while the Raptors won’t progress, having lost their first two games.
Orlando will likely need to win their final group match against the Celtics on Saturday (AEDT) to be a chance of progressing.
For an explainer of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, click here!
HAWKS-PACERS COMBINE FOR VERY RARE FEAT
Defence was optional in Atlanta as the Hawks and the visiting Pacers combined for a whopping 309 points in the highest scoring game of the season, with the away team running out 157-152 winners.
It is the first time since 2019 (Rockets 159-158 Wizards) that two teams have combined for over 300 points without needing overtime and only the 12th such occurrence in NBA history.
For the record, the highest scoring game ever without overtime was 320 in a match between Golden State and Denver in 1990.
Including games where extra basketball was played, 370 is the all-time record. That was set in a three-overtime thriller between the Detroit Pistons (186) and the Denver Nuggets (184) on December 13, 1983.
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton has been lights out this season, and he again was on fire from deep against the Hawks, scoring 37 points with nine triples and 16 assists.
Not only has Haliburton proven he’s one of the best three point shooters in the league, but his 11.6 assists a game is the top mark in the NBA.
With an 8-5 record, Indiana are sixth in the East. Importantly, the win against the Hawks ensured the Pacers would progress to the quarter-finals of the In-Season Tournament.
NBA SCORES FOR NOVEMBER 22
Pacers 157 @ Hawks 152
Raptors 107 @ Magic 126
Cavaliers 122 @ 76ers 119
Jazz @ Lakers (in progress)
Trail Blazers @ Suns (in progress)