Magic Fall Short vs. Jazz in Game of Runs

The Utah Jazz came to central Florida and grabbed a much-needed win against the Orlando Magic.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 9, 2023

Magic Fall Short vs. Jazz in Game of Runs /

In this story:

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is once again on the wrong end of another close game, losing 131-124 to the Utah Jazz at home Thursday night.

The Jazz took control of the game early, but the Magic always seemed to have an answer ... right up until the very end.

Despite trailing by double digits early, the Magic fought back in the first half, only to trail by six points at halftime.

In the third quarter, after the Jazz led by 13, the Magic pieced together a 27-10 run to take another lead. However, Utah climbed right back in it.

Even with less than a minute to go, No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero hit a three to cut the deficit to a single point. However, fellow rookie Walker Kessler responded with a three-point play to make it a two-possession game.

Banchero was fouled on the other end, but missed a free throw to keep it a three-point contest. Then, Lauri Markkanen came away with the dagger to go up five and ice the game for the Jazz.

Banchero led all Magic scorers with 26, while Markelle Fultz and Franz Wagner also had 20-point performances.

The Magic has now lost 16 games this season by seven points or less, which shows the sign of a talented, but young team. As the Magic gains experience and builds chemistry, games like these will go from losses to wins.

The Magic homestand comes to a close Saturday night when the in-state rival Miami Heat comes to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Mar 9, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.