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Jalen Suggs said he felt like a kid on Christmas morning. And Magic fans probably felt the same when watching him.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft made quite a first impression on his unofficial NBA debut, leading the Magic to a 91-89 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the Summer League in Orlando.
Suggs recorded a record 24 points, shooting 9 for 22 from the field, including 3 of 6 of three. He also added nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks, one of which was a potential game saver heading towards the highlights reels. He shot 9 for 22 from the field, 3 for 6 from long distance.
What stands out most, however, is his defensive performance. With less than 30 seconds to go and the score tied, Suggs found himself alone in a quick 2-1 break situation as the Warriors charged down the field. After Kyle Guy delivered a rebound pass to Moses Moody, Suggs turned, elevated and blocked what could have been a go-ahead layup.
Suggs then narrowly missed a trip to the basket when time expired. But he took over offensively in overtime, scoring the Magic’s first six points en route to victory in his unofficial NBA debut.
“I felt like a little kid at Christmas, to be honest,” Suggs told reporters after the game. “It was so much fun.”
The Magic’s other 2021 lottery pick didn’t have as much fun. Franz Wagner struggled throughout, dropping from 0 for 6 to three points and seriously missing many points. He finished with five points on a 2v8 shot, adding six rebounds and two assists.
“As long as I try to do my best and stay confident, I think good things are going to happen,” Wagner told reporters.
The Magic were down 10 early in the fourth before Hassani Gravett drew three triples in under three minutes to bring Orlando down to 73-70 with 6:23 left.
Suggs – who opened the game with his first two shots: a pull-up jumper and a catch-and-shoot three – then put the Magic in front by hitting a three with 3:59 remaining for a 78-76 lead. .
“I want to be the one who is able to make the play when it’s time to win,” Suggs said. “When it’s time to make winning plays, I want the ball in my hand.”
The Magic started Suggs in a set of three guards alongside Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton. But the Orlando sophomores didn’t have the best start to the Summer League as Anthony struggled on the pitch and Hampton was sloppy with the ball. Anthony had just six points on a 1-9 shot, although a concerted effort in defense was apparent. Hampton had nine points, including the nice backhand below, but also five turnovers, a high for the team.
The other star of the show for the Magic was Janis Timma, to whom Orlando secured the rights in a 2015 draft night trade with the Bucks. The 6-8 forward, with bleached blonde hair and lime green sneakers, shot 3v5 deep and finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
Ignas Brazdeikis added 12 points.
For the Warriors, No.7 overall pick Jonathan Kuminga scored 16 points, sometimes passing Wagner, and No.14 pick Moses Moody added 15 as Golden State fell to 1-2.
The Magic’s next Summer League game is Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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