Orlando Magic rookie Noah Penda debuted in the G League on Wednesday, nearing a double-double with the Osceola Magic in a road matchup against the Austin Spurs.
Penda produced 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals, two blocked shots and one assist in the 134-120 loss at the H-E-B Center. He went 5-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, in 31 minutes off the bench as the Magic dropped to 4-2.
The 32nd pick went scoreless in the opening quarter, though he managed to haul in four rebounds and push the ball in transition. He got on the board with a layup in the next frame when he was found in the paint after getting behind the defense on a timely cut.
Penda did the majority of his work in the second half after recording 10 points as Austin went ahead by as many as 24 points. He showcased his playmaking throughout his time on the court, with his cross-court passes and ability to find his teammates.
The Frenchman was assigned to Osceola on Tuesday after playing sporadically to begin the season with Orlando. He has been out of the rotation for coach Jamahl Mosley, averaging 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 6.7 minutes per game across seven appearances.
Penda is expected to remain with Osceola to finish its two-game set against Austin on Thursday (8 p.m. EST, ESPN+). Mosley and the team believe the stint can serve as a good opportunity for Penda to get on the court and log extended minutes.
“I think just getting him down on the floor, getting some run in, I think that is very important,” Mosley said on Tuesday. “Going down there, staying conditioned and being able to feel and read the game at that pace.”