Osceola Magic Loses vs. Birmingham Squadron

The Orlando Magic's G League affiliate in Osceola lost versus the New Orleans Pelicans' Birmingham Squadron.

The Osceola Magic played at home versus the Birmingham Squadron in an early morning G League contest, but the team's offense took too long to wake up as it lost 118-116. 

It was a back-and-forth contest in the first half as the two teams traded the lead seven times. Both the Magic and Squadron would lead by double digits in the first half, but ultimately, Birmingham would hold the lead, 58-50, after two quarters, despite the efforts of Trevelin Queen and Brandon Williams, who each had 15 points at the break. 

This game featured center D.J. Wilson's return from a hand injury that sidelined him last year. The former No. 17 overall pick had a quiet game, though. Wilson went scoreless in his first action with Osceola since the team acquired him from the Oklahoma City Blue late last season.

In the second half of the game, the team would do what they've done every home game in their inaugural season at Silver Spurs Arena, they kept it interesting until the very last second. 

The Osceola Magic fought hard in a close loss versus the Birmingham Squadron / Isaiah De Anda Delgado

Early in the third quarter, it seemed to be going the Squadron's way, but later on, the Magic came back to life and made it a competitive six-point game. 

The fourth quarter was scrappy from the start. Osceola seemed locked in, as did its fans, which featured over 100 elementary school students who weren't afraid to scream in support of their hometown team. 

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In the final seconds, fans were left holding their breath as Queen was fouled on a layup with the team down four, he made the shot and went to the line where he intentionally missed the free throw in an attempt for the team to tie it up.

The play was nearly executed to perfection with the Magic getting the ball under the rim for a layup with less than two seconds remaining, but the layup would miss ending the valiant comeback effort.

Osceola will get a chance to avenge its loss in a rematch at 7 p.m. on Friday.