Magic’s Jalen Suggs addresses injury concern after Game 1 shocker vs. Pistons

The Orlando Magic had all sorts of trickery against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday to take Game 1, 112-101, of their first-round series in the playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

The eight-seeded Magic never trailed in the contest, shocking the top-seeded Pistons, who looked bamboozled for the majority of the 48 minutes.

Paolo Banchero, who was recently blasted by ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, tallied 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists to lead Orlando, while Franz Wagner added 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Jalen Suggs, meanwhile, pushed through despite being bothered by his left knee. He chipped in 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

He told Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede that he was “feeling solid” after the game.

“Jalen Suggs, who was favoring his left knee at times during Game 1 at Detroit, said he feels good when I asked. He described the next two days before Game 2 on Wednesday as ‘very important’ for the team to take care of their bodies and prepare properly,” reported Beede on X.

The 24-year-old guard has been bothered by various injuries all season, limiting him to just 57 games. He averaged 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and career-highs of 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals.

He will continue to play a key role for the Magic against the Pistons, especially in covering Cade Cunningham. Suggs will have to do better in Game 2, as Cunningham exploded for 39 points on 13-of-27 shooting on Sunday.

The Magic are looking to advance past the first round for the first time since 2010. At that time, the team still featured Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, and Jameer Nelson.

The post Magic’s Jalen Suggs addresses injury concern after Game 1 shocker vs. Pistons appeared first on ClutchPoints.