Magic clinch playoff berth in victory over Squadron
By Osceola Magic Staff /March 20, 2024
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March 19, 2024 —The Osceola Magic defeated the Birmingham Squadron 142-118 Tuesday at Legacy Arena.
Mac McClung posted a double-double in the victory, recording a team-high 24 points and 11 assists.
“It felt good to clinch a playoff spot, it's something to be proud of,” McClung said. “Our goal this season was to make the playoffs; now we're hoping to secure the number one seed. We're treating each game as a playoff game, doing our best to ensure we make all the right plays.”
The Magic made 24 three-pointers on 53.3% shooting and went 54.9% from the floor. Meanwhile, the Osceola bench outscored Birmingham’s bench 60-22 and had eight players in double figures.
Defensively, the Magic limited the Squadron to a mere 30% shooting from beyond the arc and outpaced Birmingham 18-8 in fastbreak points. Osceola closed the game out on a 31-18 run and secured a playoff berth in the process.
Alex Morales had a career-high 24 points and pulled down 10 boards off the bench in the victory.
“I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates; they're always keeping me confident,” Morales said. “Our team has so much depth. It's great to see what we can do when we share the ball and play together. It's a great feeling to make the playoffs this year and take that leap.”
The Osceola Magic (20-9), NBA G League Affiliate of the Orlando Magic, will face the Birmingham Squadron in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC Thursday, March 21, at 8 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+.