FRIDAY'S NBA ACTION SPOILS THE PELICANS, MAGIC, AND SPURS
On March 21, 2025, NBA teams delivered thrilling games that saw standout performances from numerous players across the league. The Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs all celebrated victories, though their rivals faced distinct challenges.
In Washington, the Orlando Magic secured a convincing 120-105 win against the Wizards. Paolo Banchero led the way with an impressive 30 points. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed significantly with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Franz Wagner added 21 points as they navigated through their alternating wins and losses over their last seven games. Coming into the night, the Magic were positioned in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, just 1.5 games behind Atlanta and two games ahead of Chicago in the tight race for NBA play-in tournament seeding. Their dominance over the Wizards continued, having swept all three meetings of the season by a staggering combined 62-point margin, showcasing how Orlando has consistently outplayed the NBA's worst team across the board this year.
Alex Sarr, the second overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, showcased his potential by scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for Washington. Jordan Poole also chipped in with 18 points. Yet, the Wizards have now lost three straight games and did not hold a lead beyond the midpoint of the first quarter. In fact, the Magic's substantial lead increased early in the third quarter with a pivotal 13-0 run, leading to an overwhelming 88-62 advantage. Orlando maintained control throughout the game, out-rebounding the Wizards 55-41, enabling them to attempt nine more field goals than their opponents.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the New Orleans Pelicans with a resounding 134-93 victory. This win marked Minnesota's ascent and brought them back within a game of Golden State for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with only ten games remaining in the regular season. Julius Randle spearheaded the attack with 20 points, backed by Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards who each contributed 17 points. Rudy Gobert added a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Timberwolves have been known for their inconsistencies against lower-tier teams but turned things around in this match-up, outscoring the Pelicans 72-45 in the second half. In a notable moment, Edwards experienced a brief injury scare during the third quarter, holding his right thigh; however, he returned to the game shortly afterward.
Joe Ingles made a heartwarming start as well, marking his first game since January 30, 2022, while playing in front of his family, including his son Jacob, who recently reached the milestone of watching a full game in person. C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 15 points, and Bruce Brown contributed 14 points. The Pelicans played this game without star forward Zion Williamson due to a bruised lower back, increasing the team's struggle as they entered the night with the second-worst record in the Western Conference. They will next travel to Detroit in their quest to right the ship.
Over in San Antonio, the Spurs rallied to achieve a 128-120 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, battling against an injury-depleted rival missing key players such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Jeremy Sochan was the star of the night for the Spurs, scoring 23 points while Keldon Johnson added 20 points. Stephon Castle had a notable performance with 17 points and a season-high 14 assists. This win not only marked the first time since January 3 that the Spurs secured consecutive victories but also capped an impressive comeback effort, clinching the game with an 11-3 run in the closing minutes. Quentin Grimes from Philadelphia was the standout of his team, offering 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Justin Edwards also tallied 25 points alongside Guerschon Yabusele, who recorded 23 points and nine rebounds.
With this latest loss, the 76ers felt the weight of an 18th defeat in their last 21 games, further entrenching their struggles in the absence of key players. Maxey missed his 10th straight game due to back and finger injuries, which didn't assist the already floundering team. Ultimately, a thrilling alley-oop dunk by Sochan off a Johnson assist gave the Spurs a 119-117 lead with just over three minutes remaining and propelled them toward victory.
As the league moves closer to the playoff season, the performances of the Magic, Timberwolves, and Spurs will be watched closely as they strive to secure their respective playoff positions and make a statement in the league.
The Timberwolves will face the Indiana Pacers on March 24, while the Wizards are set to meet the New York Knicks on March 22. The Spurs are also scheduled for a three-game road trip, beginning with a game against the Toronto Raptors on March 23.
