Magic Overcome Big Deficit, Upset Timberwolves in Huge Road Win

The Orlando Magic grabbed a big win on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 2, 2024

Magic Overcome Big Deficit, Upset Timberwolves in Huge Road Win /

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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are enjoying one of their biggest wins of the season after beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-106 at the Target Center on Friday night.

In the first meeting between the two teams, the Magic lost by 21 on their home floor against the Wolves last month, so it's safe to say the team has exacted its revenge.

Like many Magic games as of late, the game came down to the final seconds. After several chances to take the lead with a 3-pointer, the Magic ultimately grabbed a key rebound from Jonathan Isaac with just under 30 seconds to go. On the other end, All-Star Paolo Banchero sunk two free throws to make it a two-possession game with 9.3 seconds to go.

Paolo Banchero Anthony Edwards Timberwolves — Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic struggled defensively to begin the game, surrendering 38 points to the Wolves in the first quarter. Minnesota led by as much as 17, but Orlando was able to dig themselves out of a hole. The Magic didn't reclaim the lead until midway through the fourth quarter, but once they had it, they never gave it up.

Banchero led all Magic players with 23 points. All five starters finished in double figures, while the bench unit saw each member pitch in.

The win tonight gets the Magic closer to the safe zone in the Eastern Conference, and a victory against the top team in the Western Conference should give Orlando a lot of confidence.

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The Magic returns to the floor on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.

Published Feb 2, 2024

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.