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ORLANDO, FL – The Santa Cruz Warriors (12-5) lost to the Lakeland Magic (11-6), 108-96, in the semifinals of the 2021 NBA G League playoffs.
Lakeland hit 17 threes in the game and the Magic bench outscored the Warriors bench 57-24. The Warriors trailed by as many as 19-points in the fourth but back-to-back threes from Warriors guard Jeremy Lin to cut into the lead, 103-88. A pair of Warriors free throws from forward Alen Smailagic brought the score to 105-96, but it was not enough for the Warriors and their season ended in the loss.
The Magic started the second quarter on a 21-7 run before the Warriors fought back to tie the game, 57-57, with two minutes left in the half. Guard Dusty Hannahs scored the final four points of the half to give the Warriors a two-point lead into halftime, 61-59.
Santa Cruz maintained their halftime lead majority of the third until a Magic 7-2 run gave them their first lead of the quarter, 79-75.
Golden State Warriors assignment player Alen Smailagic recorded 17 points and eight rebounds. Lin finished with 20 points and four assists. Hannahs finished with 13 points. Forward Axel Toupane notched his fifth double-double of the season (13 points, 10 rebounds).
Magic forward Robert Franks led all scorers with 23 points (5-8 3FG) and added seven rebounds. Guard Jeff Dowtin added 17 points off the bench (3-4 3FG).
For more information on the Santa Cruz Warriors, call (831) 713-4400 or visit santacruzbasketball.com.