The Osceola Magic defeated the Windy City Bulls 129-113 at Now Arena in suburban Chicago Thursday afternoon, the start of a month-long string of road games.
After the game, the NBA announced Magic guard Mac McClung has been selected to participate in, and defend his title in, the 2024 AT&T Slam Dunk on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis as part of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night. TNT will televise the annual contest at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Like last year, McClung is the only G League player to participate.
On Thursday, D.J. Wilson collected a double-double, posting a game-high 30 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic (9-7).
“It means everything to close out this road trip with a win before the All-Star break,” Wilson said. “We have three tough games on the road when we get back. We need to go into those games feeling great, and that starts with winning today and tomorrow.”
Despite missing all seven of his three-point shots, Trevelin Queen, back from a stint with Orlando, added 24 points, seven rebounds and three blocks to the Osceola win.
“It felt good to come back and play my game,” Queen said. “While I'm with Osceola, I have the time to develop the aspects of my game that I want to incorporate when playing with Orlando. I try my best every day to encourage my teammates and show them what it takes to win a championship in this league.”
The Magic set the tone early in the game, securing an 11-0 start. They maintained their momentum throughout the first half, entering the halftime break with a 73-64 lead.
“Coach told us what we needed to work on in the second half,” Wilson said. “We needed to protect the ball, limit our fouls and win the rebounding battle.”
The Magic locked down the Bulls (5-10) defensively, containing them to just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter. Osceola never relinquished the lead.
The two teams will play again Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern.
