Without Bamba and Isaac, Magic fall to Jazz

The Magic had no “MoJo.”

That’s the nickname that’s been floating around on Twitter for Mo Bamba-Jonathan Isaac combination. (Do we approve or nah?) On Thursday, playing the Jazz in the first round of the summer league tournament, both Bamba and Isaac were held out for “soreness.”

While that created opportunity for others battling for the roster spot, it ended Orlando’s chances of advancing in the tournament as the shorthanded Magic fell to Utah, 75-70. Orlando will now conclude their summer league against on Friday at 8:30 p.m. against Oklahoma City in a consolation game.

Without the duo, and also without Isaiah Briscoe (shin contusion), the Magic offense never stood a chance. Orlando shot just 33.3 percent from the field, including an abysmal 4 of 28 from three (14.3 percent), and committed 15 turnovers.

Troy Caupain, who recently signed s two-way contract, led the Magic with 14 points on 6 of 15 shooting and also added eight rebounds and five assists.

Wes Iwundu added 11 points and nine rebounds and Khem Birch had 10 points and four rebounds. Melvin Frazier had seven points, including this pretty windmill dunk....

Chance Comanche, a 6-10 center who entering Thursday’s game played only about four minutes in three summer league games, was the biggest beneficiary of the Magic being shorthanded in the frontcourt (Byron Mullens also didn’t play). Comanche, who played for the Grizzlies G-League affiliate last year, played 15 minutes, recording seven points and nine rebounds.

With shots up for grabs, I thought we might see a big game out of Rodney Purvis, but he made just one of five attempts for two points in 12 minutes.

Tough night for Magic fans: no Bamba and Isaac, an ugly game in which the Magic offense struggled mightily, and Isaiah Thomas signed with the Nuggets for the veteran’s minimum.

Be sure to share your takeaways from the evening in the comments below...