Orlando, FL - “It hurts, and it should. This team competes. But it should hurt.” - Jamahl Mosley

The coach didn’t hold back when describing what Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter were feeling once the final buzzer sounded. More than anything, however, he was proud of his young team. What they’ve done for this city in the last six months has been invaluable to Magic fans.

Amidst all the injuries, rough patches, and adversity, the Orlando Magic have proven that they will be an absolute powerhouse in a matter of months. Last night’s loss against Cleveland officially knocked out Orlando from any possible play-in appearance. To only be eliminated three games away from the final tip-off is nothing short of immensely impressive, especially considering this team’s record in the first 25 games. Starting 5-20 should have penciled in Jamahl Mosley’s group as a Wembanyama team, a walk-over team that nobody would take seriously. The league has seen plenty of teams like this during the course of the 2022-2023 season. Orlando was certainly not one of them.

Every game the Magic have played in has seemed winnable. Every final possession, fourth quarter, and last-second shot feels like it could’ve been theirs. It’s very rare you see this type of progression from a team led in scoring by a 20-year-old and a 21-year-old.

“Obviously Paolo, he’s a guy who can get it going whenever. Then there’s Franz… so you kind of just have to pick your poison.” Cavs HC J.B. Bickerstaff when asked who he prioritizes defending when playing against Orlando.

You’d like to credit this to internal growth, but one can’t help but wonder if this team has always been capable of this since opening night. Markelle Fultz has been the Magic’s biggest success story in recent months, and his success has undoubtedly been one of the top contributors as to why the Magic are over .500 since his return from injury in early December. And while there are plenty of other ways to win games while missing key players, Fultz’s impact was sorely missed when he was injured with a toe fracture.

Paolo Banchero is pretty much set in stone to win Rookie of the Year, which basically guarantees some extra eyes on the Orlando Magic once the 2023-2024 season tips off. It’s not like the eyes of the basketball world are turned and focused on Orlando, but it certainly seems like the start of a possible new dynasty. The Magic are quickly becoming a problem, and even the everyday NBA fan is taking note:

“give ‘em one more year and they make playoffs” - @aaronbeastmode0

“Really great year for them after a 5-20 start” - @samisabucksfan

“They’re a playoff team next yr” - @FineInTheWest

Twitter replies under an ESPN post outlining the Magic’s elimination from the play-in.

It’s undeniable that this team will be better next season, especially considering the draft pick(s) and cap space implications this offseason holds. The Magic are capable of signing big deals and have assets to make key trades to elevate the roster. The city of Orlando is already buying into the "Kingdom on the Rise", as the last two Magic games ranked top 5 in total single-game attendance in Magic history.

Make no mistake: this season was just the trailer. Orlando, start getting your popcorn, the movie is just about to begin. We’ll be back.