Barnes and Barrett power Raptors past Magic

Toronto comfortably won the first of two meetings with Orlando this week. The Raptors beat the Magic 129–99 on Wednesday 28 October at the Scotiabank Arena, led by 28 points from Scottie Barnes and 25 from RJ Barrett. They host the Magic in the same arena on Friday, this time in the NBA Cup.

Without Kawhi Leonard, Toronto were able to lean on several contributors. Barnes made eleven of his seventeen shots and all six of his free throws, adding six rebounds and four assists. Barrett chipped in with nine rebounds and six assists.

Toronto stretch the lead before the break

Orlando had led by nine points early on. The Raptors then took control, closing the first quarter ahead 32–25 and winning the second 37–28. By the break their lead had reached sixteen points, at 69–53.

The Magic could not turn the game around after the interval. Toronto won the third quarter again, 34–23, to go into the final period twenty-seven points clear. The Raptors' defensive pressure forced turnovers and fuelled their scoring run.

Support for the Barnes–Barrett duo

Immanuel Quickley scored 16 points and dished out seven assists, hitting four of eight three-pointers. Ja’Kobe Walter added 14 points and five rebounds in the starting five. Off the bench, Jamal Shead contributed 13 points and seven assists, while Collin Murray-Boyles finished with 10 points.

For Orlando, Tristan da Silva was the top scorer with 20 points, making eight of ten shots, including four of five from three. Franz Wagner added 15 points and five assists, Desmond Bane 13 points and Jase Richardson 10. Their output was not enough on a night when Orlando struggled to find consistency from the perimeter.

Toronto move to three wins and one defeat. Orlando have won one and lost three. Friday’s game will quickly give the Magic a chance to respond on the same floor.