Mila Reuelu-Buchanan takes the ball in the Stars v Magic match at the Auckland Netball Centre on 3 June, 2024. Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga
The Magic beat the Stars 60-56 in Auckland on Monday night as they continue to build momentum, but the game was marred by two sinister-looking injuries.
The Stars suffered a blow when midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan had to leave the court with a knee injury after falling awkwardly partway through the second quarter.
The Silver Fern did not return to court and once again Stars coach Kiri Wills had to shuffle her line-up, which was reinforced again by former New Zealand captain Gina Crampton.
Until Monday night, the Magic were about the only side in the ANZ Premiership which had not been impacted by injuries.
The Pulse have lost four key players this season, the Steel two, and the Mystics are missing shooter Grace Nweke.
Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa was consolidating her starting seven and making minimal changes, which was benefiting the Magic.
But with less than nine minutes left in the game, it appeared the left knee of Magic midcourter Ali Wilshire buckled and she had to be helped off the court.
It was a fairly even affair until the Magic pulled away near the end of the first-half to lead by six goals at half-time.
The Magic led by 10 goals at three-quarter time but the Stars got within four with a few minutes left.
Stars defender Kate Burley kept her side in it with her relentless efforts and the Stars walked away with another bonus point, but still without a win.
Stars shooter Maia Wilson shot a 100 percent 32 from 32.
Magic midcourter Claire O'Brien provided great stability to the attacking end of Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Saviour Tui, who picked up another MVP award.
Tui put up 37 shots at 97 percent accuracy and worked beautifully in tandem with Ekenasio, who put up 23 goals at goal attack.
The Magic have won their last two games and are just two points adrift of the Mystics, who are third on the ladder and have lost their last two games.
The defending champion Mystics will be keenly waiting for the return of Silver Ferns shooter Nweke.
The Pulse are at the top of the table, and the Tactix are second.