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.

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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