The Orlando Magic, using the momentum of the season-best three-game win streak, already have been feeling good about their five-game homestand forward of Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Atlanta Hawks.
The outcome, a 135-124 win, solely made the time in Orlando extra profitable. And the way the Magic received made the victory even sweeter.
The Magic (9-20) used a 50-point first quarter to select up their fourth consecutive win, their first four-game win streak since Dec. 23-29, 2020 (the primary 4 video games of the 2020-21 season).
Orlando’s 50 factors within the opening quarter set a franchise document for essentially the most factors scored in any quarter, with the earlier excessive of 49 coming within the third quarter of their 152-104 Feb. 20, 1995, win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Magic’s improved ball motion was evident. They’d 28 assists on 47 made discipline objectives, taking pictures 50.5% from the sector.
Orlando additionally tied a franchise document with eight gamers scoring in double figures, led by Franz Wagner’s 24 factors, marking the eleventh time the feat has occurred.
Regardless of a dominant opening quarter, the Hawks (14-15) made positive the win didn’t come straightforward.
After main by as many as 29 and having a 50-22 benefit on the finish of the primary quarter, the Magic took a step again defensively within the center quarters. They weren’t as exact with their weak-side rotations and struggled with fouls, serving to the Hawks win the second and third 72-55.
Atlanta reduce the deficit down to eight within the fourth quarter, however the Magic obtained the stops they wanted to carry on for the win.
Bol Bol (21 factors and seven rebounds) and Paolo Banchero (20 factors, 6 rebounds and 6 assists) additionally scored 20-plus.
Moe Wagner (17 factors, 5 rebounds), Markelle Fultz (16 factors, 9 assists, 7 rebounds), Cole Anthony (13 factors, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and Terrence Ross and Mo Bamba (11 factors every) additionally scored in double figures as a part of the Magic’s wire-to-wire win.
Trae Younger (19 factors and 16 assists) led the Hawks, who have been with out John Collins and Dejounte Murray due to sprained left ankles.
Earlier than the homestand, the Magic have been a staff hoping to show round their season.
For that motive, the homestand was profitable and helped enhance the staff’s morale.
The Magic entered the homestand having misplaced eight consecutive video games, with half of them being blowouts. They weren’t competing on the identical stage as earlier within the season.
However after a aggressive loss to the Bucks on Dec. 5 to open the homestand, the Magic rattled off three consecutive wins over the Los Angeles Clippers (Dec. 7) and Toronto Raptors (final Friday and Sunday).
“I don’t suppose we predict in streaks since you at all times preserve the long-term image in thoughts, however profitable helps,” huge man Moe Wagner stated forward of Wednesday’s recreation. “That’s pure intuition. After all, the temper is best once you win and also you’re considerably relieved and see the work translate.”
Going 3-1 within the first 4 video games of the homestand wasn’t the one motive the time in Orlando had been profitable.
The protection and rotations on that finish improved. The ball motion was extra constant and crisper.
The method, which is the Magic’s focus, just lately has been higher.
“We’ve stated it from the start — understanding it’s our course of and skill to develop in wins and losses. Sure, the morale has been up however to me, it’s the identical spirit that has embodied the whole time,” coach Jamahl Mosley stated.
“We’ve stated it again and again: it is a staff that’s going to do it by committee. We’re going to do it for one more one; they’re going to play with power, pleasure and spirit. Win or lose, they’re taking part in for each other.”
Wendell Carter Jr. (strained proper foot plantar fascia), Gary Harris (strained proper hamstring), Jonathan Isaac (left knee harm restoration), Chuma Okeke (left knee soreness) and Jalen Suggs (proper ankle soreness) sat out Wednesday.
Okeke and Isaac went by way of a little bit little bit of Tuesday’s observe.
“They have been in a position to bump and undergo actual contact,” Mosley stated. “It was good to have them on the market.”
Mosley wasn’t positive as of Wednesday which injured gamers would journey for the staff’s four-game street journey: at Boston Friday and Sunday, at Atlanta Monday and at Houston Wednesday.
R.J. Hampton wasn’t out there Wednesday after requesting and receiving an task with the group’s G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic.
Hampton will play in Lakeland’s house video games Thursday vs. the Birmingham Squadron and Friday vs. the Texas Legends earlier than rejoining Orlando in Boston Saturday, Mosley stated.
This text first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. E mail Khobi Worth at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
()