ORLANDO – One play in Wednesday’s fourth quarter typified the grit and determination from the Orlando Magic’s White team, a squad composed entirely of college hopefuls, Development League players and free-agent vagabonds desperate for shot in the NBA.
Forward Michael Frazier chased down the play ahead of him and slapped Chasson Randle’s layup attempt off the backboard. From there, Orlando center Nnanna Egwu dove to save the ball from going out of bounds before crashing into New York’s bench. Seconds later, point guard Justin Dentmon drilled a jumper that sent Magic White on their way to yet another impressive victory.
Magic White had four starters in double figures and the squad got contributions from all over the roster in a 95-90 defeat of New York in fifth-day action of the Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League.
“Coach (Bill Peterson) has said it and that play right there describes us as a group,” said Frazier, who went to high school in suburban Orlando, played collegiately at the University of Florida and spent time with three Development League franchises last season. “It’s not pretty, but we’re down and dirty and we find a way to win.”
The result allowed Orlando White (3-0) to remain undefeated, while the Knicks (1-3) continued to struggle. Orlando outscored the Knicks in three of the four quarters and joined Miami and Detroit as the only other 3-0 teams in the league.
“The main thing is winning and what can I do to help my team win,” said Frazier, who had 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and the blocked shot. “Collectively, as a group we don’t care who scores and we’re just trying to get the job done. First- or second-rounders, we don’t care. Winning is the most important thing and these organizations want people who win, come from winning programs and are on winning teams. So that’s what we’re all trying to do.”
Orlando led by nine at the half before allowing New York to get within 66-62 by the start of the fourth quarter. But a Magic offense too diversified behind the play of Arinze Onuaku (16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots), Treveon Graham (19 points and two 3-pointers), Patricio Garino (14 points and two 3-pointers) and Dentmon (18 points, five rebounds and two 3-pointers) helped Orlando pull away in the fourth. After New York had gotten to within 92-87, Dentmon calmly sank two free throws with 27 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Magic White shot 49.2 percent and made six of 17 3-pointers. New York shot 45.6 percent, but it turned the ball over 24 times.
“The character of this team is that we are hungry to win,” said Garino, who played at George Washington this past season and is slated to play for the Argentinian National Team in the Summer Olympics later this month. “We’re all aware that we’re fighting for a spot on a team and we’re giving it all out there.”
Ron Baker, who is making a bid to make the Knicks regular-season roster, kept New York within striking distance 22 points. On Wednesday, he made eight of 15 shots and four of nine 3-pointers to boost his scoring average (12.5 ppg.) and shooting percentages (35.7 percent overall and 28.6 percent from 3-point range) for the week.
Randle added 17 points and four assists for the Knicks, who were cheered on by standout power forward Kristaps Porzingis, who set close to New York’s bench. JP Tokoto chipped in 13 points, while starting center Marshall Plumlee was limited to just 20 minutes because of an ankle injury.
