Orlando Magic (34-28) beat Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24) 119-92 on the road on Saturday, March 7. The final margin was 27 points.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Timberwolves had the better start, winning the first 30-27 to lead by 3 after one. The Magic moved in front with a 33-20 second quarter, carrying a 10-point lead into halftime.
The Magic won the third 30-28 to create some separation, taking a 12-point lead into the fourth. The Magic took the fourth 29-14; the Magic finished the job for a 119-92 regulation win.
Why it was lopsided
The Magic grabbed 34.1% of their own misses, while the Timberwolves recovered 15.7%. The Magic got more from their shots, finishing at 51.1% effective field-goal shooting compared with 41.1% for the Timberwolves. The second chances kept adding up.
At roughly 103 possessions per team, the Magic produced 115.9 points per 100 possessions to 89.6 for the Timberwolves.
Who stood out
Anthony Edwards was the game's biggest individual force for MIN: 34 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast on 8-18 shooting. His Game Score of 29.1 led everyone. His team was -3 with him on the floor.
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 30 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast on 10-17 shooting, good for a 23.2 Game Score.
Paolo Banchero (25 pts, 15 reb, 3 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
By our Win Meter this was an upset: The Magic entered with about a 24% chance.
Across the last 2 meetings in our records, Minnesota Timberwolves lead 2-0.
The Magic are now 34-28, and the Timberwolves are 40-24. The Magic last five before this game: W-L-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.