These are heady times for the Orlando Magic, who can match the franchise record for most consecutive wins when they face the visiting Washington Wizards on Friday.
Orlando is seeking its ninth straight win after beating Washington 139-120 on Wednesday. Franz Wagner scored a season-high 31 points in the victory, while Jalen Suggs added a season-high 22.
Orlando’s dominant performance included season highs in field goal percentage (60.7 percent), 3-point percentage (63 percent) and assists (34). Cole Anthony also contributed 25 points off the bench.
Anthony has been a key figure during the winning streak, averaging 20.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists over his last six games.
The Magic last won nine straight games during the 2010-11 season, but Suggs said he is only focused on the team’s rematch against the Wizards.
Washington has lost 10 of its last 11 games and will need an improved defensive effort to keep pace with the Magic. Kyle Kuzma scored 23 points in Wednesday’s loss and Deni Avdija added 22, but the Wizards allowed Orlando to shoot 17 of 27 from 3-point range.
Washington guard Jordan Poole made four 3-pointers and scored 19 points in the loss. The fifth-year pro has scored at least 19 points in four of his last five games.
Avdija exited Wednesday’s game in the fourth quarter with a right forearm injury, but the Wizards do not expect him to miss any time.
Kuzma is averaging a team-high 23.4 points to lead Washington, which is 3-15 and has already endured losing streaks of four and nine games.
While the Wizards are searching for answers, Orlando is poised for long-term success after hitting on multiple draft picks. Suggs, Wagner and Paolo Banchero were each high draft picks who are exceeding expectations.
The trio is part of a deep lineup that averages 114.1 points per game while boasting the league’s third-best defensive rating (107.6) entering Thursday.
Orlando has also recorded more than 30 assists in three of its last five games.
