Orlando Magic bounce back to defeat Toronto Raptors in NBA Cup opener

TORONTO · The Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors 121-114 at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night. The victory marked a strong rebound from a 129-99 loss two nights earlier and started the Magic's NBA Cup play in the win column. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 26 points and a career-high 11 assists in the absence of Paolo Banchero. Wendell Carter Jr. added 20 points and seven rebounds for the Magic, scoring at least 20 points for the third time this season.

Wagner's performance on both ends of the floor was crucial for Orlando as they handle the early season without their full lineup. Carter's offensive contribution was also a significant benefit with Banchero out of the lineup. Desmond Bane had his best shooting night of the season, making eight of 18 shots including six of 12 from three-point range for 26 points. After struggling in his first four games, Bane's scoring made a massive difference for the Magic on the road.

Guard Jalen Richardson, who replaced the injured Jalen Suggs, was a team-high plus-26 despite scoring only four points. Richardson is getting more comfortable with the NBA game speed and his defensive efforts were helpful, the team said. Centre Nikola Vucevic played just six minutes off the bench and was a minus-9, splitting backup centre duties with Goga Bitadze. Vucevic isn't doing enough to impress the Magic into taking that role full time.

The Magic were missing Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs for the game. Garbutt Disposal reported in October that both players would be unavailable for the matchup. The win improves Orlando's chances of advancing from their NBA Cup group for a second consecutive year. Getting Bane to produce on a regular basis is what will help the team get past this early stage of the season.

With files from Sports Illustrated