Santi Aldama, Jay Huff, and Ja Morant Deliver Big in Grizzlies’ Win Over Magic

Aldama’s Got the ‘Magic’ Touch in Memphis Win

By Aurelia Swift

The Memphis Grizzlies electrified their home crowd in a powerful 124-111 victory over the Orlando Magic, kicking off their season at FedExForum with style and intensity. Santi Aldama and Jay Huff stepped up to lead the charge, showcasing Memphis’ depth and cohesion, while Orlando struggled to keep pace amidst a wave of turnovers.

Early Surge Sets the Stage

The Grizzlies wasted no time building momentum, securing a commanding lead by halftime that would ultimately dictate the game’s outcome. Memphis led by 26 points at the break, fueled by relentless defensive pressure and a highly efficient offense. This early push underscored their dominance, as Orlando, typically sharp on defense, found themselves overwhelmed.

Rising Stars: Aldama and Huff Deliver

Santi Aldama was on fire, scoring 22 points on an impressive 9-of-12 shooting. His poised performance was complemented by Jay Huff, who added a career-high 18 points off the bench, making 7 of his 9 shots. The dynamic duo kept Memphis’ offense versatile and dynamic, taking full advantage of Orlando’s defensive gaps.

Meanwhile, Ja Morant’s return to the home court added a spark, as he tallied 16 points and 10 assists. His skillful playmaking set up opportunities for Aldama and Huff, solidifying the Grizzlies’ offensive momentum and showing the team’s depth and adaptability as they look to build on this season opener.

Magic Struggle in Turnover Trouble

Orlando’s game plan unraveled as they struggled to maintain control, with 19 turnovers gifting Memphis 30 points. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs led the scoring efforts with 23 and 21 points, respectively, while Paolo Banchero added 16, but the trio’s efforts weren’t enough to bridge the gap. Memphis’ defense held strong, leaving the Magic unable to find their footing against the relentless Grizzlies.

Momentum Shift: The Game’s Defining Moment

The turning point arrived in the second quarter, as Memphis seized control with a commanding 12-0 run. Fueled by Orlando’s 14 first-half turnovers, the Grizzlies powered ahead to a 69-43 halftime lead. This impressive stretch set the tone, establishing an insurmountable gap that Orlando would struggle to overcome, despite a strong third-quarter push.

Key Takeaways for Memphis’ Road Ahead

This game highlighted the Grizzlies’ balanced approach, with standout performances from Aldama and Huff showcasing the team’s bench depth. While they faced a challenge as Orlando scored 21 straight points in the third quarter, Memphis held on, demonstrating resilience and focus that bode well for their upcoming matchup with the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

Next Up for the Magic

The Orlando Magic are set to face the Indiana Pacers at home on Monday before embarking on a five-game road trip. Addressing their turnover woes and rekindling their defensive cohesion will be top priorities as they look to bounce back from a rocky performance.