The Magic had suffered for a few matches after Paolo Banchero's injury, before Franz Wagner (27.6 points average over the last 17 matches) raised his voice and carried Orlando. But what to do when both are absent, like against Phoenix? By relying on the rest of the group and in particular Goga Bitadze.
“It’s a collective effort. Each player has raised his level. Everyone stepped up a notch, played their minutes correctly and gave to the group”admires Jamahl Mosley after the Magic's victory against the Suns, still crumbly without Kevin Durant.
We had to find other offensive threats. Cole Anthony scored 14 points, Jalen Suggs 26, including 14 in the last quarter, and Goga Bitadze 21, in this 10th home success of the season. The Floridians have still not lost at home, and are the only ones in this case in the league.
A group “without ego”
“It’s a question of opportunity. We are in a situation where we can put anyone on the bench or on the field, compose any major five, and we have the feeling that we can win the match. advance Cole Anthony. “The five for this game was me, Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jalen Suggs and Goga Bitadze. I don't think we played together once this year. But the team is like this, we are talented, we have players without ego and we want our teammate to succeed. I'm happy to be part of this. »
The symbol of this resourceful group is perhaps the Georgian pivot. Having started since Paolo Banchero's injury, he happily seized this chance by having his best season. And with 21 points, 16 rebounds (9 offensive) and 4 assists in this victory, he compiled one of his best career outings.
“Some matches go more in our favor and we have rebound opportunities,” explains Goga Bitadze who had never grabbed so many rebounds and was not far (two points) from his career record. “I'm lucky, I guess. I was cut off (by Indiana in February 2023)I arrived here and I don't know if I deserved this. I am truly grateful to these players and this franchise. This is huge for me. »
