TORONTO — The Orlando Magic would appreciate some privacy while they process an unexpected personal development: their basketball team can apparently shoot three-pointers.
After making just 10 of 35 attempts from beyond the arc in Wednesday's 30-point loss to Toronto, Orlando returned Friday and connected on 18 of 34.
The Magic won 121–114, improving their relationship with the three-point line from openly hostile to something approaching mutual respect.
Desmond Bane led the shooting revival with six triples and 28 points. Franz Wagner added 26 points and 11 assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 20.
For Orlando, the transformation came without any announced changes to the dimensions of the court, the height of the basket or the regulations governing how many points a made three-pointer is worth.
The shots simply started going in.
That's a significant development for a team whose offensive spacing has frequently been discussed with the concern normally reserved for serious infrastructure problems.
The Magic have talented creators and finishers, but opponents become considerably more comfortable defending them when the perimeter presents no apparent danger.
On Friday, Toronto could no longer treat the three-point line as decorative flooring.
Orlando's 18 makes forced defenders to respect outside shooters and helped overcome Scottie Barnes' 41-point performance.
The Magic will now attempt to repeat the achievement against future opponents.
Until then, they'd appreciate it if everyone stopped asking questions.
This is a sensitive moment in their relationship with shooting.
