Orlando, FL – The statistics say it is “technically” alive, but realistically, we must brace ourselves for the harsh reality of the Magic being yet another year short of a postseason appearance. Riddled with injuries, the Magic started missing key players again who once contributed to their latter half winning record, such as Gary Harris for a couple of games, Wendell Carter Jr. for most, and Jonathan Isaac for the entirety. After giving up three games at home during their last four-game stretch, the Magic missed a wide-open opportunity to capitalize on some recent Chicago and Washington losses that could have propelled them to within one game of a play-in appearance. Now, the Magic find themselves 3.5 games back from the glorious 10th seed. Each game from this stretch had its own positives and negatives, but the three-game skid might have been the dagger in the heart of Orlando’s playoff hopes.
Let’s break down each game of Orlando’s home stand, and why there’s still so much more to be excited about than to be disappointed.
GAME 1: ORLANDO vs. PORTLAND (Mar. 5, 122-119 Magic Lose)
Sunday’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers was definitely one of the most unique experiences I’ve had watching a basketball game. While the score shows the Magic were merely a possession away from tying, it truly felt nearly impossible for the Magic to claw their way back in for the final 30 seconds. The Magic and Blazers exchanged six possessions within the short window of time following Nasir Little’s late game triple to put them up three, all of which resulted in free throws. Essentially, the Magic being down three could do nothing but hold their heads up and attempt to knock down every free throw Portland gave them, knowing it would still result in them being down one point. From a fan perspective, the clutch nature of the game was evaporated due to this sequence, yet one can’t deny it is smart and effective coaching on Chauncey Billups’ end.
“I think that’s just smart basketball to be honest. If we were up (3) we would do the same thing… it’s really not much you can do about it. It sucks, in the moment… but that’s just hoop at the end of the day.” – Jalen Suggs when I questioned him on the nature of the final seconds of the game.
GAME 2: ORLANDO vs. MILWAUKEE (Mar. 7, 134-123 Magic Lose)
Despite being on the receiving end of a beatdown the last time we played Milwaukee, the Magic team and fanbase seemed cautiously optimistic heading into Tuesday’s matchup. The Bucks were to be without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, allowing a greater margin of error on the Magic’s offense. Unfortunately, the Bucks are just unstoppable and far too much for the Magic to handle, regardless of having an MVP-caliber player available. This game felt far out of the Magic’s reach, with the exception of a few exciting runs that occasionally kept the Bucks on their heels. Ultimately, the team’s greatest issue was their inability to get into the game. It was “one of those” where it truly seemed lost from the jump.
GAME 3: ORLANDO vs. UTAH (Mar. 9, 131-124 Magic Lose)
Of the four games in the home stretch, this one seemed to be the most winnable. Utah has hit a skid, was missing a couple of key players, and Orlando was looking to get back on track after their (as of late) uncharacteristic 2-game losing streak. Although Utah’s head coach Will Hardy had told me in the pregame presser that Paolo Banchero, the 1st overall pick, and ROTY front-runner, was the main focus of the Jazz’ defensive game plan, Banchero still excelled. He finished with 26 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Markelle Fultz and Franz Wagner also shined in this outing, combining for 49 points. Unfortunately, the young stars’ performances were not enough. The Magic’s inability to box out defenders for defensive rebounds led to a Walker Kessler put-back dunk and-1, which put the Jazz up 4 with only seconds remaining. Many were frustrated with the concept of putting Paolo Banchero at the center position instead of Goga Bitadze to close out the game, citing that as the cause for Kessler’s game-sealer. I asked Coach Mose about the subject post-game. “Goga was great on the offensive glass… Ultimately, (without Bitadze) we had the matchup with Kelle and Kessler which we won with pace,” said Coach Jamahl Mosley.
GAME 4: ORLANDO vs. MIAMI (Mar. 11, 126-114 Magic Win)
If there ever was a game you’d want the Magic to win and win well, it’d be this one. Regardless of playoff positions, beating Miami at home is always a sweet treat. Fans that drive up 3 hours to fill Amway with “let’s go heat” chants have the pleasure of driving 3 hours back devastated, music to a Magic fan’s ears. Orlando and Miami came out the gates swinging, keeping the game within one or two possessions throughout the entirety of the game. Perhaps the most important player of the win was also the one returning from injury, as Wendell Carter Jr. dropped 27 points and 11 rebounds in his first game of the 4-game home stretch. Another vital piece of the Magic’s first home win of March was Jalen Suggs (4 steals, 3 blocks), who shot 4-6 from deep, an exciting development for a player whose biggest criticism throughout his young career was perimeter shooting. After a wild shot from Jimmy Butler, the Magic headed into overtime with the Heat, where they absolutely dominated for a 12-point differential.
Games like the Miami win are exactly why there is truly nothing to worry about here in Orlando. Although the record isn’t exactly kind to us this year, there is absolutely zero reason to label the Magic’s 3rd (2.5?) rebuild year as anything less than a massive home run. They have clearly found a future superstar in Paolo Banchero, and guys like Franz Wagner, Markelle, Jalen, and Wendell continue to show elite development on both ends of the floor. Similar to the Cleveland Cavaliers, we can most certainly expect a rise in the standings next season assuming the Magic begin cashing in assets and signing amicable free agents.
The play-in dream may be a ways away, but a bright future? That’s just around the corner, Magic fans.
