Jase Richardson Drops 25 as Orlando Magic Win Third Straight Summer League Game
Written by Kyle Markowitz
Jase Richardson is building a strong case to become an important role player for the Magic this season.
The second-year guard scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Magic to a 99-92 victory over Philadelphia.
Orlando came out of the gate sizzling offensively. Holding an 8-7 lead in the first quarter, the Magic pulled away with a 15-0 run that spanned four minutes.
“I thought the starters did an incredible job of being ready to go,” coach D.J. Bakker said. “They (76ers) only scored 17 points in the first quarter, so I thought the ball pressure was very, very good, and that allowed us to score 30 in the first quarter. Our defense created our offense, and that’s what you’re looking for.”
The offensive momentum continued in the second quarter.
Orlando outscored Philadelphia 35-20 to take a 65-37 halftime lead after shooting 9 of 15 from 3-point range in the first half.
Richardson scored 16 points before halftime and credited the team’s unselfish play for its success.
“I think defensive energy and we were sharing the ball,” Richardson said. “We are all just having a good time out there, we’re getting great looks, having a fun time, so I think that was the biggest thing for us in the first half.”
The Magic led by as many as 30 points in the second half before Philadelphia trimmed the deficit to four late in the fourth quarter. However, with a couple of clutch baskets down the stretch, Orlando held off Philadelphia’s second-half comeback to earn its third straight victory.
For the second consecutive game, all five Magic starters scored in double figures. Led by Richardson, who finished with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, while adding four assists and three steals. Which had Bakker impressed with how his lead guard controlled the tempo of the game.
“I told him even in the late game, I want the ball in his hands,” Bakker said. “He knows his plays to get him going, but also knows Colin had a stretch where he was really good. Okay, let’s get the ball to him. Noah had a stretch where he was going, so he has a great feel for his teammates and putting them in the best position they can be in.”
Two-way player Alex Morales recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. After scoring 30 points against Portland, Lester Quinones added 12 points. Colin Castleton finished with 14 points, and Noah Penda had 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Penda spent time also showcasing his ability at the center position when coach Bakker went with a small-ball lineup.
“The guy can guard one through five, and it’s really impressive what he can do at his size,” Richardson said of Penda. “Offensively, he’s gotten a lot better. I think this summer he took a step forward in his game offensively, shooting the 3-ball more confidently, so props to Noah and all the work he’s done.”
Now Orlando must wait to find out whether it will have a chance to compete for the NBA Summer League championship. Only the top four teams advance to the bracket, so even with a 3-1 record, the Magic will need some help to continue their pursuit of the Summer League title.
If Orlando does not finish in the top four, the Magic will play one consolation game this weekend before returning home.
Written by Kyle Markowitz
