Josh Cohen

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This is one of the best cutting teams we’ve seen in a while

What the Magic do far more than every other team is make passes to cutters from the paint, which is less common than making passes to cutters from the mid-range or from outside the 3-point line. Orlando, thus far, has taken a league-most 48 shots off cuts when the passer was in the paint, per Second Spectrum tracking data, which equates to 2.4 of them per 100 possessions. The only team, since this stat started getting tracked in 2013-14, that averaged at least two of them per 100 possessions were the 2022-23 OKC Thunder. Paolo Banchero is one of only five players who has dished out at least 10 of these passes so far this season, while Moe and Franz Wagner are two of only five players who have taken at least 10 of these shots.

The Magic are tied for second in charges drawn with 18 of them, sixth in deflections with 319 of them, and tied for fifth in defensive loose balls recovered with 65 of them. Moe Wagner has 12 of those charges, second most in the league, while Jalen Suggs leads Orlando with 56 deflections and 16 defensive loose balls recovered. &nbsp;

Another amazing stat is that a league-most 42 percent of the Magic’s shots come within five feet of the basket. They’re averaging 36.7 attempts from this close range, shooting 63.8 percent. Franz Wagner is averaging 7.6 of them, fourth most in the league behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis, while Banchero is averaging 5.8 and Moe Wagner 5.6.&nbsp;

These guys must have been putting in work in the weight room over the summer. So far, the Magic have made 65 shots while drawing the foul, second most in the league. Only the Wizards have converted more. Last year, Orlando ranked 11th&nbsp;in this department. A league-most 38 of the Magic’s AND-1s this season have come within four feet of the basket, per Second Spectrum. Banchero, Franz and Moe all have 12 hoop-and-harm buckets thus far from anywhere on the floor, while Cole Anthony has seven and Suggs has six. Six other Magic players have at least one.&nbsp;

The Magic are averaging a league-most 31.9 points during these 12 minutes, making 49.5 percent of their floor shots overall and 40.2 percent of their 3-pointers. They are also averaging 7.7 free throw attempts in this period, tied for first with the Suns. Orlando has the NBA’s best second-quarter point differential (positive 110).

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5 Interesting Things That Stand Out About the Orlando Magic Through 20 Games

ORLANDO - Jumbo playmakers are what’s poppin’ in the NBA today.

All part of the evolution of the game, there’s a premium right now on players who occupy frontcourt positions that can orchestrate an offense.&nbsp;

With that said, it’s probably not a coincidence that all of the best teams over the last couple years have at least one of them. The reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets have Nikola Jokic. The Miami Heat, who played Denver in the Finals last season, have Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. The East-leading Boston Celtics have Jayson Tatum. The Milwaukee Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo. The L.A. Lakers have LeBron James. The Golden State Warriors have Draymond Green. The New York Knicks have Julius Randle. Although labeled a point guard, Luka Doncic is around 6-foot-8, so you could say the Dallas Mavericks have one as well.&nbsp;

Now, it seems to fair to add the Orlando Magic in this conversation, considering they have a pair of 6-foot-10 playmakers in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner running the show.&nbsp;

This is just one of the many areas both have been excelling at lately, which is why their respective stat lines have been so impressive recently.&nbsp;

From a facilitating standpoint, Banchero has dished out five-plus assists in four of his last five games, while Wagner has done the same in three of those contests.&nbsp;

“It’s going to continue to get better because they do such a great job of communicating with one another,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “They communicate with their teammates the things that they are seeing on the floor (and) the different coverages they are seeing. Their quick decisions and their willingness to pass is just something we are going to keep coaching them on, and they’ve done a great job listening to the coaches.”

It just seems like only a matter of time before one or both of them record their first triple-double. Banchero has come close the last two games, finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in Friday’s victory over the Washington Wizards and 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Saturday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Wagner, meanwhile, had 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in that win over the Wizards and 20 points, seven boards and five dimes in the Nets game.&nbsp;

“Just trying to make plays, draw the defense and find the open man,” Banchero said.&nbsp;

This all shouldn’t come as a surprise. Court vision, instincts, and a high basketball IQ were listed as strengths of theirs coming into the NBA.&nbsp;

Over their last seven games, the Magic are tied with the Indiana Pacers for third in assists with 29.6 of them per contest. Only the Nuggets and Warriors rank higher.&nbsp;

What Orlando does better than every other team is find cutters from the paint. Time and time again, you’ll see a Magic player get into the paint (often Banchero and Wagner) before making a pass to a cutter streaming down the lane or along the baseline for an easy layup or dunk. They’ve done this a league-most 61 times, per Second Spectrum tracking data, 36 more than the team that’s done it second most, which is the Nuggets.&nbsp;

This is one of the reasons why the Magic are scoring so much in the paint, why they are drawing so many fouls, and why their offense has been much smoother lately. Currently, they have the league’s 14th&nbsp;best offensive rating.&nbsp;

“I love it,” Magic guard Jalen Suggs said recently. “I think when we play that style of basketball, moving the ball quick, forcing close-out situations, and then just finding the right basketball play. It leads to good things for us. It’s a fun style to play. Everyone’s touching it. Everyone’s cooking. It doesn’t matter who’s having the hot night because it’s leading to wins. Really, that’s all that matters, you know, and I think everyone’s kind of embracing that.”

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Nets Postgame: Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero

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Playmaking From Paolo, Franz Continues to Get Better and Better

BROOKLYN - Last season, right around this time of year, Kevin Durant, then a member of the Brooklyn Nets, erupted for 45 points against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center, which ended up being his 2022-23 season high in scoring and the most points tallied by an opponent against Orlando throughout the season.

On Saturday, with the Magic back in Brooklyn, it was the marquee player the Nets acquired from the Phoenix Suns for Durant last February that delivered the goods and overwhelmed the visitors.&nbsp;

Mikal Bridges scored 26 of his 42 points in the first quarter – a period in which Brooklyn outscored Orlando by 21 – as the Magic’s team-record-tying high nine-game winning streak came to an end with a 129-101 defeat.&nbsp;

“He got going in transition early – and then he’s a really good player, tough to stop,” Magic forward Franz Wagner said.&nbsp;

This wasn’t the first time Bridges had a big game against the Magic. The now 27-year-old scored 44 points for the Nets in Orlando on March 26, 2023. The Magic won that night, however.&nbsp;

Not much has gone well for the Magic in Brooklyn since the Nets relocated from New Jersey in 2012. They are now 4-17 all-time at Barclays Center. Before the move, the Magic won seven of their final eight games across the Hudson River (in both East Rutherford’s Izod Center and Newark’s Prudential Center).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Like the first meeting this season, which came in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, the Nets made big 3-pointers every time momentum had shifted in the Magic’s favor. They also did something opponents rarely do against Orlando, which was dominate the glass. Brooklyn out-rebounded Orlando 57-36. Defending without fouling was an issue, too, as the Nets took 31 free throws, including 18 by Bridges. They made 23 of them.&nbsp;

For the second straight game, Paolo Banchero flirted with a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, although he only made six of his 15 floor shots. From a scoring standpoint, he did most of his damage from the free throw line, going 7-for-9 from the stripe.&nbsp;

“Just trying to make plays, draw the defense and find the open man,” he said of his playmaking.&nbsp;

Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony each scored 20 points, while Moe Wagner had 18.

Orlando, which shot just 40.2 percent from the field, trailed nearly the entire way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Still out were Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) and Markelle Fultz (knee). Jonathan Isaac was listed as available after re-aggravating his previously sprained right ankle during Friday’s game against Washington, but did not enter the game.&nbsp;

Although they were unable to set a new franchise record for consecutive victories, winning nine straight had not been something the Magic had accomplished since the 2010-11 season. The other two times they won that many in a row came during the 1994-95 and 2000-01 seasons.&nbsp;

“It’s cool to acknowledge it and be proud of it, but we don’t want to be good in early December – we have to make sure we keep getting better and hope to start another one (winning streak),” Franz said.

The Magic will look to bounce back when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7 p.m. This is one of two games added to Orlando’s regular season schedule since the conclusion of In-Season Tournament group play. The other will take place on Friday, also at 7 p.m., at Amway Center against the Detroit Pistons.

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Magic’s Winning Streak Comes to End With Loss to Nets

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley spoke to the media prior to his team’s game against the Nets in Brooklyn.

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Nets Pregame: Jamahl Mosley

ORLANDO - There just aren’t many players as versatile as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.&nbsp;

They score, pass, rebound, and defend – all at a high level.&nbsp;

And, of course, what makes them even more unique and special is that they are both 6-foot-10.&nbsp;

This was all on display in the Orlando Magic’s 130-125 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday at Amway Center to complete a six-game homestand. It was Orlando’s team-record-tying high ninth straight win.&nbsp;

Both flirted with triple-doubles; Wagner had 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists and Banchero finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.&nbsp;

Wagner, who made nine of his 17 floor shots and went 12-of-14 from the free throw line, is now the fifth Orlando player ever to notch 30-plus points in three consecutive games. The others who have accomplished this were Shaquille O’Neal (14 times), Tracy McGrady (13 times), Penny Hardaway (once) and Dwight Howard (once).&nbsp;

"I think the confidence and the trust that he has within his game, but also the confidence and trust that his teammates have in him," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said of Wagner and his recent performances. "They are finding him, registering and recognizing plays on the fly. Joe (Ingles), Paolo and he all talked about things that can be done in different situations. And it’s great to have a group of young men that can make quick decisions, that are selfless, and that are just trying to find the right play. Doesn’t matter who scores, it’s about making the right play and the right decision while you are on the court.”

Banchero knocked down 11 of his 20 shots from the field, including going 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Moe Wagner, one of the early season frontrunners for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, registered 18 points, while Jalen Suggs scored 15 and Ingles, signed by Orlando in free agency this past summer, had a season-best 14 points.

The Magic, as a team, shot 51.7 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from 3-point range. They also made 26 of their 33 foul shots.&nbsp;

After Washington went up by one with seven minutes and change left, Orlando scored seven unanswered points to reclaim control. Franz made two shots during that stretch, Banchero made one, and Moe hit the other.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, while Daniel Gafford scored 18 and Corey Kispert had 15.&nbsp;

Still out for the Magic were Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) and Markelle Fultz (knee). Jonathan Isaac, who missed the last two games, re-aggravated his sore right ankle in the second quarter and didn't return.

The last time the Magic notched nine consecutive wins was from Dec. 23, 2010 to Jan. 8, 2011. They also did it from Nov. 12, 1994 to Dec. 2, 1994 and from Jan. 30, 2001 to Feb. 18, 2001.&nbsp;

During this current streak, Orlando has defeated the Bulls twice, the Pacers, the Raptors, the Nuggets, the Celtics, the Hornets and the Wizards twice.&nbsp;

“It’s big time for this group,” Mosley said. “More importantly, I think it’s so big for the fans and the organization. There is an energy, a vibe, and a buzz about this group, and our guys are embracing it – not getting too high, not getting too low, but being able to register this is something special. But it is a special group of young men in the locker room that are doing it for all the right reasons, which is for each other.”

They will have a chance to set a new record on Saturday night when they visit the Brooklyn Nets. This will also be an opportunity for the Magic to get some revenge from their loss to the Nets in the NBA In-Season Tournament.&nbsp;

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Wizards Postgame: Paolo Banchero

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Paolo, Franz Lead Orlando Magic to Team Record-Tying High Ninth Straight Win

ORLANDO - Several years ago, when the Golden State Warriors were in the middle of their storybook run of five straight NBA Finals appearances and three NBA championships (they later won a fourth in 2022), the thought was that the only way to win in modern-era basketball was to shoot 3-pointers in excess.&nbsp;

The point that kept getting dismissed from the conversation in those years, though, was that personnel matters greatly. When you have Steph Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, and Klay Thompson, another top five all-time shooter, it’s totally logical to take every 3-point shot that becomes available.

But obviously, no other team, then and now, has that kind of personnel. Sure, there are other very good shooters out there, but none like Curry of the last decade and Thompson during his prime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With that said, when it comes to long-range shooting, it’s all about quality over quantity.&nbsp;

Just think about this: Last season, the Denver Nuggets, who ultimately won the title, ranked fourth in the regular season in 3-point percentage, but were 25th&nbsp;in 3-point attempts. In the playoffs, specifically, the Miami Heat, Denver’s opponent in the Finals, ranked No. 1 in 3-point percentage, but were No. 10 out of the 16 teams in attempts.

Right now, the Orlando Magic seem to grasp this concept well. During this active eight-game winning streak, one off from matching the team record, the Magic rank No. 10 in 3-point percentage (38.4 percent), and yet they are next to last in 3-point attempts (28.0). In the last six games, they rank No. 2 in percentage and No. 30 (last) in attempts.&nbsp;

For the season, several of the league’s best teams match those disparities. The Minnesota Timberwolves, currently 13-4, are No. 10 in percentage and No. 26 in attempts. The Philadelphia 76ers, sitting at 12-6, are No. 8 in percentage and No. 21 in attempts.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in a 139-120 victory over the Washington Wizards, Orlando made 17 of its 27 3-point attempts (63 percent). It was the first time in franchise history that the Magic shot at least 63 percent from downtown with 25-plus attempts. That’s only happened 27 times in NBA history.&nbsp;

The key to the Magic’s improved 3-point shooting of late is that they are getting into the paint at will, which is creating open looks for shooters on the perimeter. They also are getting good looks in transition after forcing turnovers.&nbsp;

For the season, Orlando ranks 12th&nbsp;in kickout-from-the-paint 3-point attempts with 121 of them. It’s been during this winning streak, though, that they’ve been truly capitalizing on these attempts. Since Nov. 19, when the streak began, the Magic have made 13 of their 31 attempts in these situations (42 percent), per Second Spectrum tracking data. Prior to Nov. 19, they shot 37 percent.&nbsp;

The ball moving around the way it is lately is making the Magic a much more potent offensive team. In three of the last five games, they’ve dished out over 30 assists.

“I love it,” guard Jalen Suggs said. “When we play that style of basketball – moving the ball quick, forcing closeout situations, and then just finding the right basketball play – it leads to good things for us. It’s a fun style to play. Everyone’s touching it. Everyone’s cooking. It doesn’t matter who is having a hot night because it’s leading to wins. Really that’s all that matters. Everyone’s embracing that.”

Suddenly, the Magic have the league’s 13th&nbsp;best offensive rating, all while ranking third on defense. During this winning streak, specifically, they are seventh in offense and second in defense.

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Wizards Postgame: Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner

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Quality Over Quantity Has Been Theme of Orlando Magic’s Scorching Hot 3-Point Shooting of Late

ORLANDO - There are now 13 players in Orlando Magic history that have scored 30-plus points in at least two straight games.&nbsp;

The latest to accomplish this was Franz Wagner, who a few nights after pouring in 30 points against the Charlotte Hornets, erupted for a season-best 31 in three quarters of action in the Magic’s 139-120 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at Amway Center.

“Just trying to get in the paint, make plays. Today, I got a lot of easy ones in transition,” Wagner said. “I just try to play within the flow of the offense. Take the shots that the defense gives me and stay confident out there.”

Previous to Wagner, who now has six 30-plus-point scoring games in his young NBA career, Paolo Banchero was the last Magic player to score 30-pus in back-to-back games, doing so early in his rookie campaign against the Kings and Rockets. Tracy McGrady scored 30 or more in at least two straight games 29 times with Orlando, including one streak that lasted 14 games from March 5, 2003 to April 1, 2003, while Shaquille O’Neal did it 26 times.&nbsp;

Orlando has now won eight straight, one away from matching the team record. The last time the Magic notched nine consecutive wins was from Dec. 23, 2010 to Jan. 8, 2011. They also did it from Nov. 12, 1994 to Dec. 2, 1994 and from Jan. 30, 2001 to Feb. 18, 2001. 

The 139 points scored by Orlando was tied for its fifth highest total. The last time the Magic put 139 on the board was on March 29, 2016 against the Nets.&nbsp;

Orlando set season highs in a number of offensive categories during Wednesday’s win, including field goal percentage (60.7 percent), 3-point percentage (63 percent) and assists (34). Aside from Wagner, who made 11 of his 14 floor shots, including four of his six 3-pointers, Cole Anthony (25 points), Jalen Suggs (22), Joe Ingles (12) and Moe Wagner (11) all scored in double figures. The Magic’s reserves outscored the Wizards’ bench 65-44.&nbsp;

Banchero had an off night with six points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field, although just his presence alone created so much space for others to get good looks, both in the paint and on the perimeter.&nbsp;Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley did say after the game that he slightly turned his right ankle in the second half, resulting in him not playing in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

Making 63 percent of their 3-point attempts with 27 tries is not something the Magic had ever done before. Their previous best mark, with 25-plus attempts, was 62.2 percent, achieved Jan. 13, 2019 against the Kings when they set a then-NBA record with 23 made threes.&nbsp;

What helped the Wizards hang around for three quarters was Orlando’s turnovers. The Magic coughed it up 19 times, which led to 25 Washington points.&nbsp;

Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 24 points, while Deni Avdija scored 22 and Jordan Poole, acquired by Washington in the offseason from Golden State, had 19 points.&nbsp;

These two teams will meet again on Friday night at Amway Center at 7 p.m., with the Magic having an opportunity to match the franchise record for most wins in a row. 

“I’m a one-game-at-a-time guy,” Mosley said. “I’m going to stick with one game at a time…We will have to prepare, planning it the right way. We’ll enjoy this one tonight, and we have to get to work tomorrow.”

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Franz Pours in 31; Magic Now One Win Away From Matching Franchise Record Win Streak

Orlando Magic forward Joe Ingles spoke to the media after his team’s shootaround on Wednesday morning.

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Shootaround Sound: Joe Ingles (11/29/23)

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We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.