Orlando, FL - Orlando Magic fans were given a pretty significant amount of “settling down” time during this holiday season, seeing as the Magic obtained no national televised games during the holidays. While it certainly is nice to kick back and enjoy the New Year with friends and family, it’s a tad bittersweet, as you hope that by this time next year Orlando is well within the playoff conversation and being scheduled for big-time game days. After a four day break, the Magic laced ‘em up for a home back-to-back. Let’s look back at these performances and see what lies ahead of us going into the new year.

Jan 4th - Win vs. OKC Thunder

As Orlando was returning from a four day break, OKC was flying in just after playing in Boston. A team of OKC’s caliber is well within the realm of teams capable of losing to us, let alone after a four day rest advantage. What was slightly concerning was the Magic’s play prior to the game compared to OKC. Orlando had dropped the ball on a few golden opportunities, highlighted by a blowout loss to Washington—meanwhile OKC was demolishing the Boston Celtics less than 24 hours ago, all without their best player and likely first time All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

On paper, this game truly could have gone either way. Fortunately for Magic fans, it was never really close, as the Thunder (currently without Holmgren, Pokusevski, or Robinson-Earl) simply could not play up to the Magic’s size and paint dominance. Paolo Banchero dominated in the absence of Franz Wagner, who was serving his 1-game suspension following the Detroit altercation. 

“Chet Holmgren is the #1 pick, by the way”

• OKC guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Banchero’s 25-point performance marked his 5th 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assist game per NBA.com. A notable headline was his poster jam on OKC’s star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Paolo followed up with the media after the game to discuss if there was anything personal about the dunk or game against OKC, based on the comments Gilgeous-Alexander made about the number one pick in the past.  “That’s his teammate, that’s what he’s supposed to say”. Orlando struck big with Banchero, both as a player and in character. 

Jan 5th - Loss vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Looking to finish out a two-game homestretch before a long West Coast road trip, the Magic had plenty of resources by their side heading into Thursday’s game. Jalen Suggs was making his return after 19 missed games albeit on a minutes restriction, Coach Mosley was finally able to run with starting lineup that many Magic fans have been hoping to see, and Memphis was playing without Desmond Bane. It also doesn’t hurt that there was yet another sellout crowd at Amway.

The game started out extremely slow. Both teams failed to really take off with a lead in the first quarter, as shots just weren’t falling at all. The Magic’s margin of error lasted just slightly too long, as after a close, low-scoring 1st quarter, the Grizzlies took the lead and ran with it in the 2nd. Memphis scored 43 second quarter points to our 23. 

Heading into halftime, nearly all hope seemed lost. Both of the Magic’s young stars were underperforming at that point, with only 2 points from Franz Wagner and 8 points from Paolo Banchero. This turning point for the Magic is exemplary as to why the future in Orlando is so blindingly bright. Down big to a contender, poor night on the stars’ end, and they find a way back. After the 3rd quarter, Paolo Banchero became just the 14th player to score 20 points in a quarter. Franz Wagner then followed that up with a 18-point 4th quarter that sparked a slight comeback.

Being at this game was a truly an elite experience— the sellout crowd certainly didn’t disappoint, and despite the score, the game always felt like it was within the Magic's reach. After the game, I was able to ask Coach Mosley what sparked Franz Wagner’s 4th quarter flurry, despite his slow start. 

“I think (Franz) finding a rhythm early on after sitting out a game (is key). That does take a toll on guys sometimes.” 

Safe to say, the Magic are in good hands when it comes to late-game situations. The poise and skill displayed in the 2nd half by our young stars is becoming more and more visible, and they’re ready to put the league on notice. 

The Magic now head to the West coast, where they’ll play the Warriors, Kings, Blazers, Jazz, and Nuggets. It’ll be interesting to see how this team bounces back after a period of rest and a few aggravating losses.