Following a triumphant away game win in Toronto, the Orlando Magic returned to their home court to face the Raptors once more, and the outcome remained unchanged. Paolo Banchero showcased his prowess with an impressive stat line, tallying 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Franz Wagner contributed significantly with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
On St. Patrick’s Day, the Magic secured their 40th win of the season in front of their home crowd, with luck seemingly on their side throughout the game. Displaying a formidable defensive effort, the Magic maintained control and never trailed against the Raptors, effectively keeping them at bay for the majority of the matchup.
Despite being plagued by injuries, the Raptors put up a valiant effort, with Jordan Nwora leading the charge with 18 points. Gary Trent Jr. added 15 points to the scoreboard, while Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown contributed 12 points each.
The Magic’s consistency and resilience on both ends of the court propelled them to another convincing victory, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league.
Postgame Quotes
Franz Wagner
On holding an opponent to under 100 points for the 19th time this season and the Magic’s defensive identity…
“Extremely important. I think that’s our identity and I think as the season goes on, there’s stuff always that you kind of figure out. Communication that [is] getting easier and kind of more of a habit. I think you see that with our group a little bit and we have to make sure that we keep that going. Obviously, stay focused there towards the home stretch.”
On limiting Toronto to just 16 fast break points tonightand the adjustments made from one game to the other…
“Yeah, I think we did a solid job. I would say in the first half, they were starting to get a lot of easy points in transition but in that third and fourth quarter, I think we did a better job and I think that took away a lot of their easy points and easy offense. When we get stops, that’s when we get out and running and stuff like that too. I think that always helps.”
Paolo Banchero
On holding an opponent to under 100 points for the 19th time this season and the Magic’s defensive identity…
“Yeah. I think it’s more important now than at any other point really. Just to continue having the effort game in and game out on the defensive end and just making it tough on teams whenever they play us.”
On how his mindset changed in the third quarter…
“I wouldn’t say my mindset changed. I just think, you know, the game opens up for me and I think a lot of times at the start of the games, teams are super alert and trying to keep me from getting to my spots. In the first half, I kind of took what they gave me and then in the third, I got fouled, I think, in the first possession. I got to the line and then I was just trying to be aggressive. I had the three-ball going which always helps. Just being able to open up the defense.”
Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley
On the group’s overall offensive ability…
“I definitely think they did a great job taking on that challenge. They had 37 transition points last time we played them. To hold them to 16 tonight, I think it’s something that we made a point of emphasis. The guys did a great job of homing in on that.”
On the group’s ability to play a team twice and come out with a victory…
“It’s one of those games, it’s tough to play a team twice. They did a very good job of making some adjustments, they mixed it up playing some zone. Threw some different things out there, but again you give our guys credit for staying the course. You know, every game is not going to be high flying… getting up and down. You know our guys are finding ways to win, and I think that’s important in this league. Even when the games aren’t pretty, you’ll find a way to win.”
On the team’s developmental growth…
“It’s what we’ve continued to ask them to do and what they’re taking responsibility and ownership of doing. Coming out of the locker room the right way, making sure we’re doing on the defensive end first. Then continue to share and move the basketball. Our coaches are doing a great job at half time seeing the adjustments, understanding what we can do better. We got a bunch of open looks tonight that did not fall. But those are the looks you want to get, trust the past and trust each other.”
On the comfortability the team has found playing with each other…
“There’s a continuity and a chemistry they continue to build. Understanding when Paolo {Banchero} is getting double teamed, the match ups Franz {Wagner} may see. Jalen {Suggs} doing a great job on the ball, picking up and stepping into his shots with confidence. Gary {Harris} had a ton of open looks tonight and then he’s going to continue to work to be able to knock those things down. But there’s just a chemistry and a flow to that group that continues to build.”
On Paolo Banchero’s performance…
“I think that’s the mark of a great player. You know you understand how a team’s playing you in one situation and you don’t come back out and force it. I thought he did a great job of letting the game come to him. He was able to get downhill, find the right things in the game, make the right pass. He found his teammates a ton. I think his ability to be aggressive the right way is exactly what we’re asking him to do.”
All photos credited to Ryan K (@realryankphoto)
