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Franz Wagner
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Morning Dunk: Don't Sleep On The Magic

Ethan Diamandas Published on: Nov 23, 2023 9:28 AM ET

Rise and shine, NBA fans! It’s time for another edition of The Morning Dunk! 

Jokic Works his Magic

Led by the ever-dominant Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the Orlando Magic in a back-and-forth encounter. 

The Joker is off to another unbelievable start to the campaign, averaging 27 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists on 57% shooting. His ability to control the game’s tempo and create for those around him was on full display, proving why he’s the league’s most valuable player.  

Franz Wagner and the young Magic were able to do some of their own damage. Wagner led Orlando with 27 points while reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero chipped in with 23 points of his own. 

The Magic put up a valiant effort, enough to defeat the Nuggets and move to 10-5 SU on the year. 

Clash of Titans in Boston

The mighty Boston Celtics raced out to a 14-point halftime lead over Milwaukee in a battle of the NBA’s elite. The Celtics and Bucks met for the first time since the blockbuster Dame Lillard trade. In a matchup worthy of a playoff preview this game had it all. 

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown looked like the second coming of Lebron and D-Wade, routinely punishing the older Bucks squad in transition. Their new big man even got in on the action. 

Boston shot a tight 52.4% from the field as Joe Muzzula’s squad did whatever it wanted on the offensive end. Tatum and the Celtics got to the rim time and time again, as Giannis helplessly looked on.

Milwaukee’s shaky defense continues to bring down the team’s ceiling. The Bucks' 116.2 defensive rating is a far cry from years past, as the squad certainly misses the hounding ball pressure of Jrue Holiday. 

Siakam and Hield Put On A Show

Indiana continued their torrid scoring pace on Wednesday night against the Raptors. Buddy Hield and Pascal Siakam put on a scoring clinic. Both players lit up the scoreboard with 19 first-half points each. 

Siakam would finish with 36 points in an entertaining Raptors victory. 

The SGA MVP Case Grows

Meanwhile, Canadian hooper Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to ascend into NBA superstardom. The Hamilton, Ontario native has begun the season on a torrid pace, averaging 29 points, six rebounds and nearly six assists on 53% shooting.  

With Chet Holmgren in tow, SGA and the Thunder are on the rise and sit third in the loaded Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander at +2300 to win MVP is a fun lotto play for those who believe in Oklahoma City to continue their climb into true NBA contenders. 

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