The Magic didn't just lose one game against the Cavaliers last night, as they may have also lost Jalen Suggs, his starting fullback. On a defensive assist in the first quarter, the former Gonzaga hit Donovan Mitchell's knee, instantly falling to the ground and grabbing his left knee. Even more worrying, the player left with the help of his teammates, without being able to set foot on the ground.
A decisive injury since the Magic will suffer a 14-5 in stride, only to find themselves 12 points behind (30-18) at the end of the first quarter. A gap that he will never be able to fill.
“It cuts the wings of your team when the front line of your defense gets hurt,” deplores Jamahl Mosley. “No one wants things like this to happen. He came back into play but, for a moment, it took us out of the game a little. »
Reassuring news
Indeed, after examinations in the hallways of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and the application of a huge knee brace, Jalen Suggs finally returned to the game in the second half. In total, he still played 29 minutes for 9 points on 2/5 shooting, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Even though he was clearly not at 100% of his capabilities, the Orlando player gritted his teeth not to let his teammates down.
” I'm doing well, “ he assures while the images led us to fear the worst for his articulation. “I was able to finish. It will be cool to come home and get treatment for a few days. We're playing Thursday at 7 p.m., and I'll be ready. »
Measure the risks
Jamahl Mosley seems a little more cautious about the condition of the knee of the 5th pick of the 2021 Draft: “He was in a bit of pain when he came back. So we will evaluate it when we get home. »
Moreover, the Orlando coach tried to preserve his player by letting him defend on Darius Garland rather than on Donovan Mitchell. “I think a lot of it has to do with the way Donovan moves between screens, and Jalen will get hit a lot. He defended very well away from the ball and on Darius. »
Like the Sixers and the Lakers, the Magic trailed 2-0 before returning to Orlando. The stats do not speak in their favor since in history, only 5% of teams have managed to win a series after losing the first two away matches. If Jalen Suggs were to withdraw, it would be even more complicated.
