S³ | SWEET SCIENCE SPORTS · NBA GAME COVERAGE
Suns Overcome Rebounding Deficit to Defeat Magic 117–104 as Orlando's Struggles Continue
November 5, 2026 | Phoenix, Arizona
ORLANDO
104
2–6
FINAL
PHOENIX
117
2–5
The Phoenix Suns entered Thursday night's matchup searching for consistency. The Orlando Magic arrived looking for answers. By the final buzzer, Phoenix had taken another step forward while Orlando's disappointing start continued.
Behind Devin Booker's 30 points and Dillon Brooks' 24, the Suns defeated the Magic 117–104, improving to 2–5 while sending Orlando to 2–6.
The victory wasn't built on rebounding dominance or overwhelming interior production. Phoenix won through superior shooting, defensive pressure and taking better care of the basketball.
Booker Leads the Way
Booker delivered the type of performance Phoenix needs from its franchise player, finishing with 30 points, eight assists and three steals while shooting 50% from the field.
Brooks provided valuable offensive support with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four three-pointers on six attempts.
Miles Bridges contributed 18 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, giving Phoenix a much-needed presence on the glass.
The Suns shot 52% from the field and an impressive 50% from three-point range.
Orlando Wins the Glass but Loses the Game
The most revealing statistic wasn't Booker's scoring or Phoenix's perimeter shooting.
It was Orlando's 25 turnovers.
The Magic outrebounded Phoenix 48–33 and held a 48–40 advantage in points in the paint. Those numbers normally provide a strong foundation for winning basketball.
Instead, Orlando repeatedly surrendered possessions.
Phoenix committed just 14 turnovers and recorded 14 steals, turning defensive activity into additional offensive opportunities.
Orlando's 54% free-throw shooting only made matters worse.
S³ Analysis: Winning the rebounding battle means very little when a team continually gives away the basketball. Orlando controlled the glass but failed to capitalize on that advantage.
Franz Wagner's Playmaking Isn't Enough
Wendell Carter Jr. led Orlando with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Franz Wagner produced an unusual stat line of 15 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds and four steals.
Wagner's playmaking was one of Orlando's brightest spots. His ability to distribute the basketball created opportunities throughout the game.
Tristan da Silva added 18 points off the bench.
Despite those individual performances, the Magic struggled to establish the collective discipline necessary to compete for four quarters.
Orlando's offense generated production, but its turnovers and defensive breakdowns prevented that production from translating into a victory.
Phoenix Still Has Questions
Although Phoenix secured the win, the Suns remain a work in progress.
Jalen Green finished with just six points in 24 minutes. For a player expected to provide additional offensive firepower, that level of production remains a concern.
The Suns were also outrebounded by 15, a weakness that could become more costly against stronger opponents.
Booker and Brooks carried the scoring load, but Phoenix will need greater consistency throughout its rotation to establish itself as a legitimate Western Conference threat.
S³ Final Assessment
Phoenix deserved this victory. The Suns were more efficient offensively, more disruptive defensively and significantly better at protecting possessions.
Orlando, meanwhile, continues to look like a team that has hit a wall after showing considerable promise in previous seasons.
The Magic have talent. What they haven't demonstrated is the consistency and discipline needed to turn that talent into winning basketball.
For Phoenix, this was an encouraging performance. For Orlando, it was another reminder that individual statistics cannot compensate for poor team execution.
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