Orlando Magic player makes a once-in-a-lifetime play, and it doesn't end the way he expected
A shocking play unfolded during the Magic's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers this week.
There's never a dull night in the NBA ; something incredible is going to happen somewhere, even during the preseason. On Tuesday night, the setting for that incredible moment was the KIA Center in Orlando, Florida .
During the second quarter of the game between the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers , 21-year-old Magic forward Noah Penda stole a pass and launched his own fast break. With James Harden moving out of his way, Penda went up with two hands for a slam dunk. At first, it counted and everything seemed fine. But officials quickly realized it shouldn't have counted .
After replay review, the field goal was waved off. On Penda's dunk attempt, the ball first hit Penda's face before it made it completely through the net . The ball then ricocheted back through the hoop, off the backboard, and back through the net again .
Noah Penda should have a slightly larger role in his second season with Orlando Magic
That kind of situation is rarely seen. In Penda's defense, it was impressive that he was able to get so high on his jump to have that happen. There really wasn't much he could do in order to avoid the offensive basket interference , as it happened so quickly.
The Magic ended up winning 132-116 , so thankfully the play didn't come back to haunt Penda and the team. Penda had another solid outing off the bench, contributing five points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 19 minutes. He's expected to play a supporting role off the bench in his second season with the Magic.
