Former Syracuse basketball star Michael Carter-Williams was clutch in Game 1 for the Orlando Magic as they upset the Toronto Raptors.
In our latest analysis of the NBA, only four former Syracuse basketball players are currently active. Those players are Jerami Grant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Tyler Lydon ( Denver Nuggets), Dion Waiters (Miami Heat) and finally Michael Carter-Williams (Orlando Magic).
Although earlier this year it appeared MCW was on his way out of the NBA after spending the early portion of the season with the Houston Rockets. His Rockets stint was his fifth different team since joining the league back in 2013.
But he has taken full advantage of his sixth opportunity in Orlando. It started a few weeks ago with two 10-day contracts and he turned it into a deal that spans through the rest of the season. Which of course includes the NBA playoffs.
Orlando made the postseason this year for the first time since 2011-12. Although the Magic weren’t expected to make it far against the No. 2 seeded Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors were an 8.5 favorite in Game 1, 74 percent favorite per the public betting percentage, and a -1200 series favorite overall.
Despite those incredible odds, the Magic did the unthinkable by stealing Game 1 in Toronto vs the Raptors, 104-101.
Michael Carter-Williams came off the bench and contributed 18 minutes of playing time. MCW scored 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting, collected five boards, and shot 66 percent from beyond the arc (2-of-3).
Although MCW took a nasty shot to the face that caused a bloody nose from Kyle Lowry. Carter-Williams was upset with the no-call and approached the referees and had to be held back by Orlando officials.
The Raptors, by the way, have not fared well in playoff openers, with this latest loss dropping them to 2-14 in these situations.
This game was back and forth all the way with 13 lead changes overall and seven alone in the fourth quarter. But the game changed with Orlando leading 42-41 with under four minutes remaining in the second, the Magic went on a crazy 15-0 run making it 57-41 with less than a minute remaining in the first half.
The Magic held on for the surprising upset and are in a great position in the first round of the NBA postseason thanks to Michael Carter-Williams and this upstart Orlando squad. So I have one question for you, do you believe in magic? We’ll find out Tuesday night for Game 2 in Toronto. at 8:00 p.m. After the game, MCW said he was all good and will be ready for Game 2 after getting a bloodied nose.