Orlando Magic’s Learning Curve: Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner Rising as Key Foundation Pieces
Coach Jamahl Mosley claims the Orlando Magic are navigating the learning curve of winning this season. However, with three consecutive wins featuring pivotal plays by their franchise anchors and a dominant performance against the league’s top offense, they’re doing more than merely learning—they’re excelling.
Considering it’s only been 13 games, let’s reflect on the significance of the Magic’s start. Their 8-5 record marks their best early-season performance since 2017, showcasing substantial progress from their previous year’s start at 5-20.
Mosley rightly points out that while the team is evolving, their progress is swift. In recent matches, they established sizable leads against the Chicago Bulls and learned to thrive in clutch moments. Players like Banchero and Wagner showed maturity by adjusting plays based on opposing defenses, displaying promising growth.
Contrasting this season’s commendable defensive achievements with last season’s struggles, the Magic have tightened their defense, holding opponents to low scores. Their second-ranked defense is unusual for a young team, emphasizing their commitment to defense as a cornerstone of their game plan.
Wagner highlighted the team’s aim to prove themselves against top competitors and secure a playoff spot, resonating with their belief in their potential. Despite their offensive challenges, improvements in players like Banchero and Wagner’s shooting indicate promising offensive developments on the horizon.
The Magic’s resilience and belief in their potential have marked a significant shift in their mentality. While acknowledging their youthful stage, they express confidence in their capacity to not just compete but thrive in a tough NBA landscape. Making the playoffs remains their primary goal for this season.
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