Magic 97, Wolves 96: Another Collapse

Let’s keep it short and sweet, tonight, yeah?

Minnesota jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter using a massive run, at one point reaching 32-6. Orlando scored 8 total points in the second quarter, and had just 35 points at halftime.

Minnesota built their lead on the backs of D’Angelo Russell’s marvelous shot-making and strong play from Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaden McDaniels at the power forward spot. I’ll come out with a longer takeaways post tomorrow, but the main positive to take from tonight was the Wolves do seem to have two players capable of playing the 4.

Unfortunately, the Wolves were once again unable to hold a lead. Once again, they let their foot off the gas and failed to put the opposition away. They scored 5 points over the final 6:32 of the game.

Minnesota was outscored by 17 points in the second half, the last three of which were Cole Anthony’s game winner, which came after Minnesota inexplicably failed to call timeout before Jarred Vanderbilt could get fouled. Yes, Vando could’ve just mad the free-throws, but Minnesota is leaving the arena with two timeouts in their pocket. Maybe they’ll use them next game.

Anyways, whatever. These losses are starting to become incredibly demoralizing. This team needs Karl-Anthony Towns back, yes, but this was yet another game they could have won and didn’t. It’s early, but the season is (not-so) slowly slipping away already.

Hope everyone’s enjoying a nice glass of red, and we’ll see you tomorrow morning for a more detailed reaction after this sting wears off.