Bridges' blocked shot saves Suns in 102-99 win over Magic

Updated Mar. 8, 2022 9:55 p.m. ET
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — DeAndre Ayton and Landry Shamet scored 21 points each and Mikal Bridges blocked a potential tying 3-pointer in the final seconds to help the Phoenix Suns hold off the Orlando Magic 102-99 Tuesday night.

After Cameron Payne's two free throws put the Suns up by three with 6.9 seconds left, Orlando's Moritz Wagner put up a 3-pointer that Bridges deflected.

Ayton had 19 rebounds and scored the Suns' final two baskets, including a putback with 1:31 left after Orlando had taken a 98-97 lead.

Payne finished with 18 points and 12 assists.

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Wendell Carter Jr. led Orlando with 20 points and had 12 rebounds. Mo Bamba had nine points and 15 boards.

Carter scored nine points on a 15-0 run that lifted the Magic to a 17-14 lead, but the Suns responded with 11 straight points. A 3-pointer by Wagner brought Orlando within 38-37 late in the first half, but Payne scored 10 straight points, then set up Ayton's layup that made it 60-45.

Markelle Fultz, playing in only his fourth game after missing 14 months with a torn ACL, helped the Magic stay in it with eight points and two assists in the third quarter. He finished with 11 points and four assists.

Cole Anthony's layup with 3:25 left pulled Orlando even, and Carter's two free throws with 1:51 remaining gave the Magic their only lead of the second half.

TIP-INS

Suns: G Devin Booker missed a fourth game due to the health and safety protocols. ... F Cameron Johnson missed a second game with a bruised right quad. Neither player has been ruled out for Wednesday's game at Miami.

Magic: Anthony left the game in the third quarter after taking Bamba's elbow to the face, but he returned in the fourth. ... G Jalen Suggs missed a second straight game with a sprained right ankle.

UP NEXT

Suns: Play at Miami on Wednesday night.

Magic: Play at New Orleans on Wednesday night.

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