ORLANDO, Fla. — Jalen Suggs turned in one of his best performances of the season Thursday night, pouring in 23 points and handing out seven assists as the Orlando Magic cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers 129–101.
James Harden led the Clippers with 31 points and eight assists, while Ivica Zubac posted a strong double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds — the only other L.A. player to score in double figures.
The Clippers, still dealing with a long list of injuries and in the midst of a seven-game road swing, dropped their ninth game in their last ten outings. They remained without Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), Jordan Miller (hamstring), and star forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle/foot). Orlando was also missing key talent, playing its fourth straight contest without Paolo Banchero (groin).
Franz Wagner added 20 points for the Magic, and rookie Tristan da Silva delivered 17 points and eight boards. Anthony Black sparked the bench with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Suggs caught fire early, racking up 20 points before halftime and knocking down five threes overall. With the game well in hand, he sat out the entire fourth quarter.
Orlando’s perimeter shooting powered the win, connecting on 18 of 34 attempts from deep (52.9%). A Suggs three-pointer pushed the Magic ahead 61–49 at the break.
The margin ballooned to 26 early in the fourth as Desmond Bane, Wendell Carter Jr., and Black hit four triples in just over two minutes.
Next up for the Clippers: a visit to Charlotte on Saturday.
