The Osceola Magic played the South Bay Lakers in the nationally televised G League showcase game Saturday at the Orange County Convention Center. The game was supposed to showcase Osceola’s Mac Clung and South Bay’s Bronny James, who is the son of NBA star Lebron James. McClung did not play due to a leg injury and James was not a factor in the game. Ironically, the showcase event is presented by The General insurance company who sponsor McClung.
South Bay easily beat Osceola 120-104. The Magic next play College Park on Sunday in the showcase event at 1 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. They return home against College Park on Friday night at Silver Spurs Arena with tipoff at 7 p.m.
In McClung’s absence the Magic’s Robert Baker had the opportunity to showcase himself to the NBA scouts in attendance. Baker (28 points, 7 rebounds) battled to keep the overmatched Magic in the game, along with Javonte Smart (20 points) and Ethan Thompson (17 points). Assistant coach Johnny Taylor subbed for head coach Dylan Murphy who is with his wife and newborn who was born this week.
“We had a good week of practice and sadly it didn’t show on the scoreboard,” Baker, who was elected the G League union president earlier this week, said. “My teammates were looking for me.”
The Lakers’ James ended the game with 6 points, 7 assists, and 6 turnovers. DaJuan Gordon (27 points) and Devonte’ Graham (24 points led South Bay.
“Our guys are resilient,” said Taylor of the missing starters today. “So, it’s next man up. The Lakers are a really good team.”
The Lakers went on a 12-2 run late in the first quarter to break open a close game and take a 29-23 lead at the end of the period. The Magic battled back to tie the game at 38, but the Lakers scored 10 straight point to take back control near the end of the second period. The Lakers led 57-43 at the half.
The Lakers went on another 11-3 run early in the third quarter to open up a 20-point lead. The Lakers lead ballooned to 25 points midway through the third period.
“We did not match their energy,” Baker noted of the second and third quarter scoring droughts. “We have to tighten up that 12-minute stretch and then we would be okay.”
Taylor noted that Baker was a bright spot for the Magic.
“[Baker] really stepped it up. I mean he was dominant at times considering the score,” Taylor said. “The Lakers for you to do things different sometimes. I’m glad Rob stepped up his game.”
Baker’s hope is an NBA general manager sees his efforts and signs him to a contract. He feels the G League Showcase is important to all the players.
“These events are so important, and you must take advantage,” Baker said. “The decision makers will dictate whether I took advantage of it or not. I’m happy with what I did.”
NOT ALL BAD FOR OUR GUYS: Saturday night, the Orlando Magic made some history, coming from a 25-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Miami Heat, 121-114. Key to Orlando outscoring Miami 37-8 in the fourth quarter was Osceola Magic two-way player Trevelin Queen, who scored 7 points in 18 minutes of action.
