RJ Hampton's 36 lifts Lakeland Magic to third win
A dominate game by guard R.J. Hampton lifted the Lakeland Magic 110-99 over the Motor City cruise Monday at the Wayne State Fieldhouse.
Hampton off the bench tallied a game-high 36 points coupled with seven rebounds, while guard Zavier Simpson posted 15 points and 11 assists. Hampton, who has played 25 games with the Orlando Magic this season, was recently called for assignment.
“The G League has been great. It is a much faster pace than the NBA. I get to use my speed to my advantage,” Hampton said. “My teammates have found me when I’ve been open and I’m finding them. We’ve been winning games and the fans have been great. Getting more reps has kept my cardio up and I’m ready to play whenever my number is called.”
While Hampton dominated the game, it was guard Jay Scrubb who led the Magic in the second quarter when the local G League affiliate nudged ahead with its first lead. He scored 10 points in the quarter, which led to the Magic leading 50-48 at the break.
It was a close game in the third quarter as well thanks to Hampton and Scrubb registering 10 points respectively, putting the score to 85-83 in favor of Lakeland at the end of the quarter.
Still, Hampton closed the deal in the fourth, helping the Magic gain its largest lead of the game at the time with a score of 100-93.
The Magic (3-2) will next play the Westchester Knicks 7 p.m. Wednesday at the RP Funding Center. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland Magic wins third game of season
