When the ax fell, the Magic initially had difficulty digesting it. Playing without its leader, Paolo Banchero, for a month and a half, it's enough to be stunned. And the results proved it with five defeats in a row!
And then Jamahl Mosley's players found this KIA Center which is working so well for them, and last night, they won a 4th victory in a row. A success which allows them to move into the positive (7v-6d), and in the East, only the Cavaliers and the Celtics can say the same!
“I can’t say enough about the resilience, energy and mindset of these guys”says Jonathan Isaac, himself a model of perseverance. “With this, I think we can go as far as we want. »
As the score against the Pacers (94-90) demonstrates, it is still through its defense that the Magic makes the difference, and Jamahl Mosley can rely on a high-flying trio: Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac. Associated with Jett Howard and Moe Wagner in the 4th quarter, these three completely stifled the Pacers' attack, to the point that Tyrese Haliburton's teammates lost 7 balls in twelve minutes.
A new “road trip” to gauge yourself
“The second unit came in and changed the game for us”, recognizes Franz Wagnerinterim leader. “We managed a small series. Thanks to our backs who put pressure on the ball carriers, and who, when they are beaten, know that there is a guy like Jonathan (Isaac) behind. We have the squad and the right mindset on this side of the field.”.
If we add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Goga Bitadze, very good against his former team, the Magic displays an even more defensive profile than last season, and that fits with coach Mosley's philosophy.
“I am very proud of this group”insists the coach. “It wasn't pretty, but it's the way you have to try to do things in this league, and these guys accepted it. They could have easily given in. But we talk about the courage of this team, and you see how united they are. They fought despite the down periods in terms of shots, the turnovers at the start of the match, and they found a way to get through it. »
After hosting the Sixers on Friday in the NBA Cup, the Magic leaves on a “road trip” to the West with trips to the Suns, the Clippers and the Lakers. Objective: to prove that the team is capable of traveling well even though it has only won one game in seven away from the KIA Center.
“It’s a long season, and it’s full of ups and downs” concludes Franz Wagner. “Good teams always find a way out of these lows quickly. I find that in this area, we have made enormous progress. »
