Magic vs. Nuggets: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Orlando Magic (13-46) play against the Denver Nuggets (25-25) at Ball Arena

Game Time: 9:00 PM EST on Monday February 14, 2022

Orlando Magic 111, Denver Nuggets 121 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Grizzlies are 40-18
The Warriors are 42-16
Another reason for the Nuggets to potentially push for a top 5 seed: a 3-6 matchup might mean the Warriors rather than the Grizzlies. – 1:12 AM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Goodnight, Wuggets Wation pic.twitter.com/m0DgVWoXj3 – 1:10 AM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Final stats from the W📈 pic.twitter.com/oJ21eYjZPy – 12:56 AM Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
That’s five straight below standard games from the slumping Warriors. They’re 2-3 in that stretch. Just lost by 15 in LA to the Clippers. Warriors now a season-high five games back of the Suns for the #1 seed. One game (vs Nuggets) until All-Star break. – 12:46 AM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
AG sealed the W with this massive slam. Only right he gets tonight’s Bucket of the Game😤 pic.twitter.com/Bwvgm1elKO – 12:45 AM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I would like DeMarcus Cousins on the Nuggets for the rest of the year if only for the interviews. He’s a funny dude. Good for the locker room I think. – 12:42 AM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Bryn is starting to find his rhythm in the Mile High🔥
🎯5/7 from the field
🎯3/4 from deep
🎯16 points in 20 minutes pic.twitter.com/DqpuyfjpNX – 12:35 AM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Before taking questions from the media, Jamahl Mosley opens up his postgame presser by speaking on the Magic’s fight and not giving up no matter how much they’re down by: pic.twitter.com/XuJfAqoC5C – 12:25 AM Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone joked about this postgame, said he was giving DeMarcus Cousins a hard time because he hadn’t seen him roll for a while.
Cousins said to Malone “you haven’t seen that in a minute huh?”
Coach Malone said “in a MINUTE minute”
pic.twitter.com/07zwQ9EuMG – 12:14 AM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
All love between G and the MVP 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DeejX12rdA – 12:11 AM Katy Winge @katywinge
Nikola loves you, Nuggets Nation pic.twitter.com/fkZr2phwOl – 12:09 AM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Bryn Forbes was very complimentary of the Nuggets second unit guys, particularly DeMarcus and JaMychal. Said it was nice to play with unselfish guys that want to hit people on screens, that it makes his job as a shooter so much easier. – 12:06 AM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Back in the Winner’s Lounge. Come join.
Evaluating Bones the starter
Undefeated Boogie
1 game till break
youtube.com/watch?v=-UbfnI… – 11:52 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Some extra Vday love from our MVP💙
This one is for you, Nuggets Nation! pic.twitter.com/2PBdz9iwbB – 11:50 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
FINAL BOX: Denver 121, Orlando 111 pic.twitter.com/T312vMO5ZR – 11:38 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Had an absolutely magical Valentine’s Day pic.twitter.com/6gnOGmFRKR – 11:37 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Final from Denver: Nuggets 121, Magic 111.
Magic fall to Nuggets to close out West Coast road trip orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando… – 11:35 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
fought until the end
GG @Denver Nuggets 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7mI4mLYnpa – 11:34 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Final rotations for the Nuggets as they win 121-111 over the Orlando Magic.
-Jok wasn’t at his best, but it was still 26-15-7
-Bones 14-5-2, led the team in +/-, looked great tonight
-Bench had 37 points. Some bad runs in there but overall fine pic.twitter.com/Lv6m02Suck – 11:34 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Abracadabra, Nuggets Win🪄🎩 pic.twitter.com/nffIMDvvFd – 11:32 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
AG slamming that nail in the coffin and then Jokic finally getting one of those 3s to fall. Nice and cathartic. Denver won the game they had to win, and one game to go before the guys can get some rest – and Jokic can go hang out with some all stars and spent his time passing. – 11:31 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
END IT WITH AUTHORITY, AG😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/S4W3SFaSEo – 11:27 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
This all star break is arriving about 5 days too late for the Nuggets. – 11:21 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
What in the world is on Aaron Gordon’s mind tonight against his former team? – 11:20 PM Golden State Warriors @warriors
Magic 🪄
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/RD17onkzkH – 11:19 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Bones hits him with the hesi, drops him, gets the ball back, and hits it from the Boneyard😭
THIS KID IS DIFFERENT pic.twitter.com/cbO2mqaSyU – 11:18 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Feels like the Nuggets can’t buy a call in this fourth quarter. Every 50-50 call has gone Orlando’s way. – 11:17 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Point Franz dimes to @Gary Harris >>
📺: https://t.co/tp9SnWyQwy pic.twitter.com/YrLCdz9VLl – 11:16 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Malone is about to blow a gasket. He’s been fighting for a better Jokic whistle the last few possessions. – 11:14 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Move out the way, BOOGIE COMING THROUGH😤 pic.twitter.com/ngCwL40Zy6 – 11:08 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Boogie Cousins with the standing ovation as he checks out, in case you’re wondering how the 10-day is going. – 11:08 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Josh Giddey and Tre Mann are the first rookie duo to score 28+ in the same game since Kevin Durant and Jeff Green on April 6, 2008. – 11:07 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
In addition to rebounding and paint presence, DeMarcus Cousins has also brought skill to the 2nd unit. Passing and ball handling. – 11:07 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Austin Rivers got called for tech for arguing a play where he got CRUSHED at the rim that @BrendanVogt just said to me was “definitely a fucking foul.” – 11:06 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Boogie’s having a strong game. Just a whole heckuva lot more detailed and focused in IMO. – 11:05 PM Michael Singer @msinger
The bench is doing it again. Now with a 32-22 edge on second unit production.
Forbes and Boogie (20 points combined) bringing all kinds of energy. – 10:57 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
OK @Gary Harris 👀
📺: https://t.co/tp9SnWyQwy pic.twitter.com/5wA17nEotn – 10:56 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Buzzer Bryn🔥 pic.twitter.com/KnnT046qlL – 10:55 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Boogie big boy dunk! – 10:54 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
One to go🍿 pic.twitter.com/2LGtCOdjhk – 10:53 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Wendell Carter Jr. through three quarters:
20 PTS
11 REB
4 AST
10-18 FG
27 MIN played
He scored or assisted on 21 of our 30 third-quarter points 👓 pic.twitter.com/gRp5jy4YCz – 10:53 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
END OF 3RD QUARTER BOX: Denver 85, Orlando 70 pic.twitter.com/cPq4hOuJRP – 10:53 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Franz learning from Captain Hook
📺: https://t.co/tp9SnWyQwy pic.twitter.com/QMDgXVVNGQ – 10:48 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Nikola Jokić 🤝 Matthew Stafford
Perfecting the no-look pass pic.twitter.com/60wpBYZHza – 10:40 PM Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
That Bones Hyland flash to open up the offense and allow Nikola Jokic to hit the corner man shows the type of growth he’s making.
That only happens with him getting more minutes and learning alongside the starters. Great read by the rook. – 10:35 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Some of the lowest energy play I’ve seen from Jokic this year, but Denver is staying above water so far.
Also, not saying it’s related, but my god the Magic are not good when Cole Anthony is anything less than a walking flame thrower. – 10:35 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Jeff Green with 8 of the last 10 points … 1:30.
Order has been restored, and the #Nuggets lead is back up to 20. – 10:35 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Fantastic cut by Bones. Hard cuts = open shots. – 10:34 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Numbers after 1📊 pic.twitter.com/BsXTwWOrk7 – 10:26 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Giddey became the 4th player to record a triple-double in their Madison Square Garden debut joining Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Chuck Person. – 10:20 PM David Hardisty @clutchfans
Lottery Race Update: Rockets now have a three-game “lead” over OKC for the best lottery odds. Standings:
1. Detroit 12-45
2. Orlando 13-45
3. Houston 15-40
4. Oklahoma City 18-39
5. Indiana 19-39 – 10:17 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Solid first half of action pic.twitter.com/DRFPVjW3Gv – 10:16 PM Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Knicks have lost four games to a Orlando and OKC this season – 10:16 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Franz Wagner in the first half:
10 PTS
4 REB
2 AST
3-5 FG
@SASsoftware x #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/SMgIdMHunh – 10:15 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets were great to start and got incredibly complacent at home again the Magic in the second quarter.
Yes, Denver is up 13, but if they don’t take the second half seriously things could go wrong. They need to have a strong 3rd quarter and put the Magic away. – 10:13 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Halftime: Nuggets 53, Magic 40.
Sloppy game here in Denver, with both teams finishing the half with 12 turnovers.
Franz got going in the 2Q, scoring 10 points and making all of his shots. Magic are shooting 38.5% from the field and 20% on 3s. – 10:13 PM Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
Mo Bamba checked out after five minutes and hasn’t been back. I don’t think it’s an injury. – 10:12 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
through two in Denver pic.twitter.com/hGv85o4cpc – 10:12 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Well that second quarter was dumb. Bricks and silly errors aplenty, but not a lot of good Nuggets basketball. Luckily they blew the doors off in the first quarter and still have a nice lead. No 2nd half gremlins tonight, please. – 10:12 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they lead the Magic 53-40.
-Nuggets won 1Q by 15, lost 2Q by 2. Felt like more after the bench had a strong start
-Joker with 11-4-4, feels mid
-Magic shot 4/20 from 3 in first half pic.twitter.com/fW87ufZnfU – 10:11 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
HALFTIME BOX: Denver 53, Orlando 40 pic.twitter.com/a6rWEcPgXu – 10:11 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nuggets head into halftime up 13 but it kinda feel disappointing. Had a 22-point lead at one point.
53-40 Nuggets. – 10:11 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
This is tough, Thrill💪 pic.twitter.com/Pw6jY5myOM – 10:09 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
take it yourself @Gary Harris 💪
📺: https://t.co/tp9SnWyQwy pic.twitter.com/wkqIRbRp5I – 10:05 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Nuggets coach Michael Malone calls his second timeout within the last 45 seconds after Jalen Suggs picked off a Nikola Jokic pass for a layup.
Denver’s turned the ball over 11 times for 17 Orlando points.
Magic down 48-36 with 2:56 in 2Q. – 10:05 PM Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Bones no-looking that pass right into Nikola’s face as he rolls is… not great. 😬 Malone is hot – Nuggets gotta get on the same page. – 10:04 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
There’s a whole bunch of “the Nuggets are playing at 75%” right now.
Need Joker to the FT line. – 10:01 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Gary Harris just busts through the transition defense (like old times) and Michael Malone bursts off the bench to call a timeout (like always).
Nuggets’ lead down to 14. – 10:01 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Uno, dos, TRES🙌 pic.twitter.com/ckt0jAYeec – 9:51 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
JMyke gets UP for this putback slam😤 pic.twitter.com/aD3KCZeLhc – 9:48 PM Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets bench, led by Bones, is going wild as Denver’s lead balloons to 22 (with 9:38 left in the second quarter). They’ve gone nuts at Boogie’s 3-pointer, Facu’s 3-pointer and J-Myke’s tip dunk.
Lead up to 40-18. – 9:47 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nuggets’ bench is officially ON FIRE – 9:46 PM Katy Winge @katywinge
WOW JAMYCHAL GREEN – 9:44 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Strong start💪 pic.twitter.com/hHEy69m3uh – 9:42 PM Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
the Magic are getting waxed on the glass again. 16-9 edge for Denver in the first quarter. – 9:42 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
End of 1Q: Nuggets 29, Magic 14.
Orlando finished with more turnovers (6) than made baskets (5-21).
The Nuggets actually turned the ball over more (7) in what was a sloppy quarter, but shot 55% from the field and 50% on 3s. – 9:41 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
END OF 1ST QUARTER BOX: Denver 29, Orlando 14 pic.twitter.com/UvAIqGQSEf – 9:40 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Forbes making shots is such a huge variable for that Nuggets bench unit. Just going 2/2 to end the quarter opened this game up.
29-14 Nuggets after 1. – 9:40 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Wanna hear a wild stat?
The Nuggets turned the ball over more than the Magic that quarter somehow. – 9:39 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Bryn is an absolute SNIPER😯 pic.twitter.com/M51ysWdlGH – 9:39 PM Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
that All-Star Break can’t get here quickly enough for Orlando, it looks like. Lots of unforced errors in this one. – 9:39 PM Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets smother the Magic for a 29-14 lead after 1.
First quarter featured five Denver 3-pointers (AG, Joker, Bones, Bryn and Boogie).
A little State on State crime, too, with Forbes burying two jumpers in Gary Harris’ grill. – 9:39 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets are somehow up 15 points. It uh…did not feel that way lol – 9:38 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Nikola getting to the basket EARLY😤 pic.twitter.com/Pc7P2cvmMR – 9:37 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
I’m not sure if it’s proximity bias, but it feels like Wendell Carter Jr. gets hit in the face just as much as anyone else in the league. – 9:32 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
First look at Nikola’s All-Star ring🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/kCi17qXbdz – 9:30 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Rough start for Magic here in Denver: Orlando already has 5 turnovers in less than 8 minutes. Magic are shooting 25% (3-12) from the field.
Jokic (5 points, 4 assists) is carving through the Magic’s defense with his passing. – 9:28 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Let’s show our MVP some love as he was presented with the Western Conference Player of the Month trophy, AND his All-Star ring🙌
You can tell he was pumped🤣 pic.twitter.com/GuhCWkhvQh – 9:27 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets defense looks pretty good, but good lord does the Orlando Magic offense mostly just look bad. Errant passes errywhere. – 9:27 PM Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
That “baseline spin, pass to the cutter from the opposite wing” is among my favorites in the Jokic arsenal. Great cut and finish by Jeff Green. – 9:27 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
The @Orlando Magic have now made at least one three-point field goal in 1,188 consecutive games, dating all the way back to March 17, 2007.
It stands as the fifth-longest active streak in the #NBA and also the fifth-longest streak in @NBAHistory.
#MagicTogether – 9:25 PM Michael Singer @msinger
The #Nuggets just ran an in-arena promo for Valentine’s Day. Nikola Jokic was asked how he feels about the holiday.
“I hate it. … Love is an everyday thing, not a one day thing.”
*smiles to himself*
“I am so good with these answers.” – 9:21 PM Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
The Nuggets lead 9-4 early after Nikola Jokic catches the Magic defense napping and throws a touchdown pass to Jeff Green for a dunk. An early bucket and two assists for Jokic. – 9:19 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Mo Bamba needs some help tonight. – 9:18 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
step-back Dell 💰
📺: https://t.co/tp9SnWyQwy pic.twitter.com/qrGk1DO2Zo – 9:18 PM TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
I’ll be at the DNVR bar shortly to watch the Nuggets game and celebrate @RyanGreeneDNVR’s new gig.
Say hi if you see me there and give Ryan some love! – 9:14 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic recognized for January’s Western Conference Player of the month and his All-Star selection. pic.twitter.com/x7D5zMRtKk – 9:06 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets are celebrating Nikola Jokić right now for winning the January Western Conference Player of the Month while also being a 4-time All-Star and 2-time All-Star starter. pic.twitter.com/f0njafVugQ – 9:06 PM Khobi Price @khobi_price
Nikola Jokic gave Gary Harris such a strong hug not too long ago that he lifted Harris off the ground lol
Tonight’s Gary’s first time playing in Denver since being traded to Orlando last March. – 9:02 PM Katy Winge @katywinge
Nikola Jokić just hugged Gary Harris so hard he picked him up off the ground at half court – 8:48 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
you know the 🖐 pic.twitter.com/7Wz4qrGnUe – 8:41 PM Orlando Magic PR @Magic_PR
TONIGHT’S STARTERS
GAME 59 at DENVER
2⃣2⃣F: @Franz Wagner
3⃣4⃣F: @Wendell Carter Jr.
5⃣C: @TheRealMoBamba
5⃣0⃣G: @Cole Anthony
4⃣G: @jalensuggs
9 p.m.
📺@BallySportsFL (coverage begins at 8:30 p.m.)
📲Bally Sports app
📻@1045thebeat
#MagicTogether – 8:35 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Denver loves ya, @Gary Harris 💙 pic.twitter.com/Ey1BQIE3qZ – 8:34 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Tonight’s first five🖐 pic.twitter.com/E6xS5etLNf – 8:30 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Porter Jr. update.
This is apparently his second pregame workout today. pic.twitter.com/YIHtTO6G8H – 8:29 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We’re pretty sure we just found @Facundo Campazzo’s biggest fans🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/ztBLq5zz09 – 8:17 PM Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I wrote about Jeanie Buss consulting Magic Johnson on basketball decisions, and who the Lakers should really be consulting.
cbssports.com/nba/news/jeani… – 8:14 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We just found out that one of our biggest fans is in the hospital. We are thinking of you and your family today, and hope you are able to make it back home to us soon!
We believe in you, too, @NuggetfanVicki! pic.twitter.com/9zGlkMkl7v – 8:06 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
~loving~ these fits
#ULTRADrip x #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/VVAZeBOHUD – 8:04 PM Katy Winge @katywinge
Gary Harris just got out to the floor to warmup and the first thing I see is him hugging Tim Connelly and Tim’s son. pic.twitter.com/wPkehBl1Nc – 8:03 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Gary Harris, back in his old stomping grounds. pic.twitter.com/pZ9kP2TKfp – 8:01 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Monte Morris and Zeke Nnaji are officially ruled OUT tonight. – 8:01 PM Katy Winge @katywinge
Monte Morris (concussion protcol) and Zeke Nnaji (right hamstring tightness) are both out tonight for the Nuggets. – 7:34 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Malone made sure to emphasize multiple times that the Orlando Magic already beat Denver this season when their effort and execution slipped. Two games before the All-Star, it’s always a time where a team can lose focus. Malone wants the Nuggets to protect their homecourt. – 7:22 PM Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone said both Monte Morris (concussion protocol) and Zeke Nnaji (hamstring) are out tonight. – 7:16 PM Noel Harris @NorCalNoel916
The Kings go for their third consecutive victory today when they face the Nets in Brooklyn.
Should Sacramento win today, it will be just the second time this season the team has won three in a row. The other time was Dec. 1-8: at Clippers, vs. Clippers, vs. Magic. – 7:11 PM Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
New Wind Chimes
Why didn’t the Nuggets feel the need to make a move just to make a move at last week’s trade deadline? Part of it had to do with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.’s potential returns this season, sources told DNVR.
More here:
thednvr.com/wind-chimes-th… – 5:59 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Gary Harris appreciation post 😁 pic.twitter.com/uMw2sVST1Z – 5:54 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
Chuma Okeke is shooting 𝟒𝟐.𝟐% from 3-point range over his last 15 games 🔥
Big Chuma baybeee pic.twitter.com/qioVzSIKLn – 4:48 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
the vibes are a mile high pic.twitter.com/nu33fSP83e – 4:05 PM Denver Nuggets @nuggets
What do you think, Nuggets fans. Will we keep the streak alive? pic.twitter.com/ZJtGFAVh27 – 4:03 PM Dallas Mavericks @dallasmavs
Luka Magic on full display 🪄
@Luka Doncic is your Western Conference Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/do2O0ebn7J – 3:36 PM Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
One stat for each of Bones Hyland and Zeke Nnaji, who have both been asked to fill in for Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. in the best ways they know how:
https://t.co/Hy4F4bkTtZ pic.twitter.com/Ck6aUi3DZI – 3:36 PM Orlando Magic @OrlandoMagic
“It’s going to fun to get out here and play in Denver for the first time. … I’m looking forward to it.”
@Gary Harris spoke with the media ahead of tonight’s game in Denver 🎙 pic.twitter.com/PdkYixpFzU – 3:22 PM