Orlando, FL– A thrilling overtime victory at the Kia Center for the Orlando Magic tonight over the Atlanta Hawks 117-110.
With injuries continuing to derail this team, Caleb Houstan was inserted into the starting lineup and he took advantage of his opportunity tonight. Houston set a new career-high in points (25) and three-pointers made (7) as he had it rolling all evening.
“Yeah, um, like, Kel [Markelle] just said right here, like Caleb, he comes in every single day, same routine, same work, same attitude.” Paolo Banchero when asked about Caleb Houstan’s career night postgame. “So him being in the second year, you know, he’s already ahead of, you know, a lot of guys just because of the work he puts in every single day.”
Orlando also got a chance to welcome Point Guard Markelle Fultz back to the court tonight in front of the home fans where he got a standing ovation. It was Fultz’s first game since Nov. 7 versus the Atlanta Hawks in Mexico City.
Markelle, who was on a minutes restriction tonight and will more than likely be for the foreseeable future, struggled to get into any kind of rhythm. Fultz in just 15 minutes shot 0 of 2 from the field and 0 of 4 from the free throw line.
Paolo Banchero has continued to dominate as of recently and tonight was no different. Banchero led all scorers tonight with 35 points on 13-29 shooting from the field, 4 of 7 from deep, and consistently hit big shots at the end of regulation and into overtime.
“He’s a winner. I’ll probably say the exact same thing every time he’s a winner.” Coach Mosley when asked about Banchero’s ability to step up and earn meaningful points during OT. “This young man is growing more and more each and every single game. About what he has to do and the responsibility he possesses with this team and these guys’ trust, what he’s capable of doing.”
Banchero took over this game down the stretch and willed this team to victory but it was the trust he continues to display in his teammates which is the most important factor at the end of the day. Paolo at the end of regulation spun out of a double team and kicked it out to Caleb Houstan at the top of the key for a potential game-winning three that ultimately fell just short. The awareness, intellect, and maturity he displays on the court continue to show on a night-in and night-out basis.
Jalen Suggs has been on a roll lately and his third-year leap has been spectacular to watch all season long. Suggs in his last three performances has made 17 threes and he’s shooting a blistering 60% from behind the arc in those games.
An all-around team and collective effort for the Magic tonight as they did it by “committee” as they like to say, and they showed up in a big way tonight over the Atlanta Hawks.
Orlando will have Monday off with no practice as they will prepare to take on one of the best teams in the NBA on Tuesday evening as the Minnesota Timberwolves come into town.