The Orlando Magic were able to earn a good road win in Atlanta on Wednesday night, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 104-98 at State Farm Arena.
Rookie Franz Wagner scored 25 points on 10-for-24 shooting. Wagner grabbed four rebounds as well. Wagner was pleased with his team’s performance and postgame, he gave credit to some of the replacement guys who stepped up in the absence of the team’s regulars who were out due to Covid and various injuries.
“It’s really impressive to come in with a lot of energy on the court, so much shooting, so much confidence,” Wagner said. “I think it’s really difficult for them to do that, not really knowing the system yet and not having time to adjust to anything, so really impressed. Even better, I think that they’re all great guys and we’ve built a really good chemistry already.”
B.J. Johnson was called up from the Lakeland Magic G-League team. He stepped up immediately for the Magic and delivered a solid performance in Atlanta. He scored 14 points off of the bench on 6-for-7 shooting from the field. He knocked down 2-for-2 from the three-point line. He also grabbed four rebounds. Johnson spoke on his situation since being called up to the Magic and his team’s performance overall.
“It’s been crazy,” Magic swingman B.J. Johnson said after scoring 14 points in a reserve role and signing a 10-day contract last Friday. “This is year three for me but just how quickly everything has happened these past five or six days with COVID and people getting caught up left and right.”
More Magic Contributions
- Gary Harris scored 17 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out four assists.
- Chuma Okeke 12 points and grabbed five rebounds.
- Robin Lopez scored 10 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out 11 assists.
The Magic travel back home to Orlando to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, 12/23. Tip-off is at 7 pm Eastern.
