The Orlando Magic opened the second half of their season with a 114-108 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night time, bettering to 28-29. Head coach Jamahl Mosley reinserted Wendell Carter Jr. into the beginning lineup for the primary time because the workforce’s win over the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 25, and the transfer paid dividends.
Carter Jr. contributed 9 factors, 15 rebounds, and one block whereas capturing 4-of-8 from the sector. His presence within the paint offered stability on each ends of the ground, serving to the Magic overcome an early deficit and preserve management within the second half.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 36 factors, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists whereas going 11-for-16 from the free-throw line. His 18-point outburst within the second quarter propelled the Magic from a 19-point deficit to a 59-58 halftime lead.
Banchero credited Carter Jr.’s presence within the beginning lineup for including a much-needed increase to the workforce.
“He was nice – simply being a power down there, ending across the rim, rebounding, contested pictures on the rim, he modified lots of pictures down there,” Banchero stated. “I imply he was big, performed robust, clearly he’s again residence. I believe it’s only a increase of power for us having him again within the beginning lineup – stuff feels prefer it suits so I’m simply completely satisfied about that.”
Jamahl Mosley reinserts Wendell Carter Jr. into Magic Beginning 5
The choice to begin Carter Jr. was a part of Mosley’s effort to revive steadiness to the lineup whereas additionally creating extra power off the bench.
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“Effectively, you understand, we talked a bit of bit about it. Simply getting our group again complete… And once we began the 12 months, that was the beginning lineup,” Mosley stated. “Looking for our manner again into that second after which additionally looking for some power off the bench with Goga [Bitadze] coming in, firing a bit of bit with defensive rebounds and play-making.
“All of these issues, you’re looking for totally different facets of it. So, that’s a part of the choice. However once more, [Wendell] goes to do no matter’s requested of him as a result of he’s a real skilled and he’s a man that cares about this workforce.”
Franz Wagner added 25 factors, seven rebounds, and 5 assists, whereas Cole Anthony contributed 17 factors, 5 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block on 7-of-13 capturing.
The Magic will now return residence for the second night time of a back-to-back to face the Memphis Grizzlies (36-19) on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Grizzlies are coming off a 127-114 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night time.
The final time Orlando and Memphis confronted off, the Grizzlies secured a 124-111 victory, with Franz Wagner scoring 23 factors whereas Paolo Banchero struggled offensively, capturing 4-of-12 from the sector and ending with 16 factors.
Orlando will look to construct on its momentum as Carter Jr.’s return to the beginning lineup continues to solidify the workforce’s inside presence.