Blazers Demonstrate Improvement Despite Defeat to Magic
The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a narrow 104-103 loss on the road against the playoff-bound Orlando Magic. Just 72 hours earlier, the Blazers endured a staggering 60-point defeat to the Miami Heat, making the one-point loss to the Magic a welcome relief for Rip City fans. Despite the Magic’s efforts led by Franz Wagner’s 20 points and solid team support, they couldn’t seal the deal.
While defense has been the Magic’s strength throughout the season, the Blazers managed to maintain offensive coherence throughout the game. Portland’s scoring progressed steadily quarter by quarter, totaling 23, 25, 25, and 30 points respectively.
Deandre Ayton had a chance to secure the win with a jumper, but the pressure from All-NBA defender Jonathan Isaac caused him to fall short. Credit goes to Scoot Henderson for an incredible behind-the-back, no-look pass to Ayton, although his earlier turnover into multiple Magic defenders is best overlooked.
Despite the loss, the Blazers displayed resilience after a demoralizing defeat in the previous game, showcased spirited defense against a playoff-bound opponent, and strategically positioned themselves for better lottery odds.
Delano Banton’s performance stood out, scoring a team-leading 26 points on 8-17 shooting with 4-8 from beyond the arc, alongside 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. While not reaching Victor Wembanyama’s level, Banton’s impact exceeded expectations for someone acquired in exchange for a second-round pick. His potential improvement in defense, passing, and three-point shooting during the offseason could lead to consideration for either the 6th Man of the Year or Most Improved Player awards in the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
