On Tuesday, Orlando Magic forward Chuma Okeke returned from a 16-game absence and produced a career-high 10 points during a 123-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
The Magic announced prior to the start of the contest that Okeke would be available to play after previously suffering a left knee bone bruise. Magic head coach Steve Clifford said Okeke would log 12-14 minutes, and the rookie finished with 18 minutes in the loss.
“I think on both ends, obviously, he was terrific for a guy that hasn’t played for a while,” Clifford said after the game. “He had a great first half. He also does a lot of the little things. He is very smart, high IQ, and not having him has been a hit for our team. It’s good to get him back.”
With Okeke back, the Magic received a big boost to the lineup with Aaron Gordon out 4-6 weeks with a severe ankle sprain. Okeke often played behind Gordon prior to his injury, and his addition will help fill a major hole on the floor.
After missing over a month of action, Okeke was glad to be back on the floor.
“It felt real good,” Okeke said. “It always feels good to play a sport that I love and have been playing for so long. I just felt comfortable out there and I just thank God for letting me have a complete, healthy game. Everything felt good.”
Unfortunately, the return of Okeke was perhaps the only positive for the Magic.
Orlando gave up a career-high 54 points to Fred VanVleet, who went 11-of-14 from 3-point range. His 54 points are the most by an undrafted player in NBA history, topping the 53 points scored by Moses Malone in 1982, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Magic have now lost four games in a row and have gone just 2-12 since starting off the season with a 6-2 record. The team has dealt with a plethora of significant injuries to key players and has struggled to gain consistency on the court.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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