Suns vs Magic Highlights: Deandre Ayton Leads With 21 Points, 19 Boards

Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns (52-13) took on Franz Wagner and the Orlando Magic (16-50) during the Tuesday NBA slate. It was the team from “The Valley” that got the win with 102-99 being the final score.

The Suns began the 2021-22 season on as strong of a note as possible, once being on track to set a franchise record for highest single-season win percentage.

Right now, they are looking to stay afloat as Chris Paul and Devin Booker both remain sidelined. Players like Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges will have a prime opportunity to continue to shoulder a heavy offensive load.

Ayton has done his best to keep the Suns afloat as he did in this one. He finished with 21 points and 19 rebounds and has averaged 18.4 points over his last 10 games.

NBA NEWS, SCORES & HIGHLIGHTS: Suns vs Magic Tuesday: Lineups, Injury Reports & Broadcast Info

The defense of Mikal Bridges was pivotal, too, as he blocked a potentially game-tying 3-pointer in the game’s final moments. There was an injury scare during this game for him when he slipped on a wet patch on the court, but it did not impact him closing the game.

The Orlando Magic was led by Wendell Carter Jr., who finished the night with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The team shot a horrendous 7-39 (17.9%) from deep, which was too much to overcome in the end.

Still, in the midst of a rebuilding process, the Magic remain prioritizing the development of players like Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony as they sit toward the top of 2022 NBA Draft lottery odds.

NBA NEWS, SCORES & HIGHLIGHTS: Suns vs Magic Tuesday: Lineups, Injury Reports & Broadcast Info

While the Magic be deep out of playoff contention, their players still are going to play hard and they gave the Phoenix Suns as much as they could in an effort to win.

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network and Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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