Throughout Orlando Magic training camp, defense was a big topic of discussion, with the team’s players providing consistent messaging about how good they can be on that end of the floor. Jalen Suggs, known mostly for his defense, said they have the potential to be a top five defensive team. Jonathan Isaac, another stifling defender, stated defense would be the “calling card” of this group.
Although it’s just the preseason, they are, without a doubt, proving that wasn’t just a bunch of talk.
Thursday in Cleveland, all at a high level, the Magic protected the paint, limited fouls, deflected passes and contested perimeter shots in a 108-105 road victory.
What they also did was make things awfully difficult on four-time NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who scored just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting during his game-high 29 minutes.
The Cavs, as a team, ended up making just 44 percent of their floor shots and only 30 of their points came in the paint. To put that into perspective, the league average last season for points given up in the paint was right around 50.
Orlando’s offense was quite sharp as well. As was the case Tuesday in New Orleans, all five Magic starters had positive plus-minuses.
Leading the scoring attack was Franz Wagner, who in 19 minutes scored 18 points on 6-of-7 overall shooting and 3-of-3 3-point shooting.
“I think it’s a really good ramp up for me after the FIBA tournament,” said the 22-year-old, who helped Germany win the gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. “I feel really good. It’s a lot of fun to be out there again with the guys. At the same time, it’s a completely different game than what I played in the summer. I’m just getting back into things as well.”
Big brother Moe Wagner, who also played for Germany this past summer, posted 14 points, while Markelle Fultz had 13. Paolo Banchero, although limited to six points, dished out a team-high six assists during his 20 minutes. Joe Ingles, who didn’t play Tuesday against the Pelicans, scored five points in his first game with the Magic.
Orlando led by as many as 19 midway through the fourth quarter before Cleveland stormed back with each team’s backend reserves on the floor. Mac McClung, last year’s All-Star Weekend slam dunk champion, stole the ball from Craig Porter Jr. with under a second remaining to seal the win.
Not playing for the Magic were Gary Harris (rest), Caleb Houstan (right ankle sprain) and Kevon Harris (sore right knee).
The Magic’s first of two preseason home games will take place Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. against the Pelicans, whom they beat 122-105 in New Orleans this past Tuesday.