There have been similar storylines to the Orlando Magic’s first three games.
They’ve held leads, they’ve fought hard, but ultimately, down the stretch they’ve been unable to close out contests.
The Magic (0-3) will look to change that narrative on Monday when they visit the New York Knicks (1-1) at 7:30 p.m. ET.
“We have to understand the early parts of the game impact the later parts of the game,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley. “Our guys have really registered that. (For example), maybe an early turnover impacts (the game) later.”
While they’ve yet to accrue a victory, Orlando has steadily improved. After live-ball turnovers, fouls, and rebounding plagued the Magic in their first two games, Orlando not only responded, but did so against the reigning Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics.
“They’ve done a really good job of improving in the areas that we’ve asked them to,” said Mosley. “(Against Atlanta), we talked about turnovers. (Against Boston) we had eight for ten points versus last time we had seventeen turnovers for twenty-five points. So, the areas of growth.”
Those areas of focus will once again be a priority against the Knicks. While we’re still in the small sample size part of the season, New York is excelling in the areas typical of a Tom Thibodeau coached team. They’re seventh in the NBA in defensive rating (104.7), third in rebounding (52.0), have the best turnover percentage (11.4), and are allowing the fewest points off turnovers (12.5).
“We’ve been in three close games now,” said Magic guard Terrence Ross, who’s coming off a 29-point performance. “These are learning moments. We’re doing a good job. Even more than last year, I feel like we’re playing a better brand of basketball. We’re playing a lot more efficient. So, it’s tough, but we’re going to close one out.”
BIRTHDAY GIFT: Coincidentally, the Magic played the Knicks at MSG on the same date last season, Oct. 24, 2021. Cole Anthony delivered a sensational showing in that outing with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and assists to lead Orlando to victory. Making the triumph extra special was that it came in front of his mother, Crystal McCrary McGuire, who was celebrating her birthday. Anthony will get the opportunity to offer up the same gift this year.
“Looking forward to seeing the Magic play tomorrow in the Garden on my birthday,” McGuire tweeted. “Such an exciting young super talented team!”
KEY STAT: It would be easy to change the name of this section to “the latest jaw-dropping Paolo Banchero stat.” The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has put up ridiculous numbers through three games and continues to remain in elite company.
After a 23-point effort against the Celtics, Banchero became the fourth No.1 overall pick in NBA history to score 20-plus points in his first three games. The others? Oscar Robertson (1960), Walt Bellamy (1961), and Elvin Hayes (1968). The Duke alum is the only player to still be in his teens while accomplishing the feat.
“We’ve been playing hard,” said the 19-year-old Banchero. “I think we get in the paint well, we finish around the rim well, (but) we’ve just got to put it together and do some of the little things that are going to get us over the hump.”
IN AND OUT: Orlando will once again be without Markelle Fultz (fractured big left toe), Gary Harris (left knee injury recovery), Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery), Jalen Suggs (sprained right ankle) and Moe Wagner (sprained right midfoot).
For New York, Quentin Grimes is the only player on the injury report. He’s out with a sore left foot.
QUOTE TO NOTE:
“As much as it hurts to lose a game, the learning experience is amazing. We’ve played some really good teams – Atlanta (and) Boston – they were close for the majority of the game. So, I think we just have to build on that going forward. … I think all in all, it’s going to give us confidence to go out there and let us know that we can compete with anybody.” – Ross on the Magic’s start to the season