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Wes Iwundu shines as Lakeland Magic win home opener

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 27: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 27: Wesley Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs on October 27, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic saw exactly what they want to see from key players. Wesley Iwundu shined as the Lakeland Magic improved to 2-1 after their home opener.

Troy Caupain was on the Orlando Magic roster for the preseason. He even had a nameplate in a locker at the Amway Center. But fans never saw him on the court in preseason. Nor did the media see him much at practice. Caupain was an affiliate player — the Magic essentially signed him to the training camp roster to get this status and give him a little extra money.

Troy Caupain — along with Rodney Purvis — both took that deal to play with the Lakeland Magic. It is safe to say Caupain is using that opportunity to its best.

So too is Wesley Iwundu.

The Magic sent down both their young players — Wesley Iwundu and Khem Birch — for this road trip. They wanted to get these two players some playing time and there was no sense keeping them on the road where they would likely not play or get much practice time.

And they too took advantage.

In the Lakeland Magic’s home opening 105-100 win against the Canton Charge, everything the Magic want to see from the G-League was on display. Iwundu dominated the game with 31 points, including 17 in the first half.

He was aggressive attacking the basket in transition and worked his way into his mid-range jumper. Iwundu still has to improve his 3-point shot. And playing point guard or being on the ball too much is still not his strong suit — he had five turnovers — but Iwundu shined overall. His impact was undeniable. It is easy to see why the team likes him so much.

Caupain has been the revelation for the Magic so far this season.

He scored 23 points on 8-for-18 shooting, adding four assists as he learns how to play point guard at the professional level. Caupain went on a mini scoring run to end the game to ensure the Magic survived with a win.

As Marcus Thornton (the William & Mary one, not the LSU one) missed his 3-point attempt to tie the game late, the Magic could celebrate their first win at the RP Funding Center.

Caupain’s scoring numbers in Lakeland’s first three games has been impressive. He looks comfortable on the ball and a capable shooter and scorer. It seems like this year will be a good development year for him and give him a chance to catch on with a team like the Magic or elsewhere next year.

But Iwundu is the guy the Magic will be watching closely even as they are on the West Coast.

Iwundu looked comfortable and confident in space. The Magic hoped to see him expand his game, drafting him knowing well how he can play in transition. Iwundu looks like he is continuing to develop his shot.

Getting him playing time in meaningful games is exactly what he needs right now. That is what the G-League is for. And the Magic are making the most of this new tool.

Other players of note also played well in the opener.

Khem Birch scored nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He was a bit overaggressive at times in the paint, but he does a good job challenging shots. He just has to recover and get his second jump better to get rebounds after he comes over for help.

Rodney Purvis, the Magic’s other affiliate player, scored 15 points and dished out six assists. Jamel Artis, a two-way signee, scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Next: OMD Roundtable: Fast starts and what's next

The Lakeland Magic are back in action Sunday at the RP Funding Center. All games are on Facebook Live through the Lakeland Magic Facebook page.