The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers have dealt with similar issues this season. On Saturday, each team will fight to exploit the flaws of one another.
ORLANDO — On the heels of an ugly loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and forward Paolo Banchero talked about backing up words with actions.
On Saturday, when the Magic host the Cleveland Cavaliers, they will have an opportunity to practice what they preach. As usual, the basis of a successful formula will begin with defense.
“I just think our defensive effort and energy,” Mosley said before Saturday’s game. “Just being able to get after the ball; defend these guys the right way. Knowing what they're capable of doing, coming off of a big game last night, just being able to sit down and guard and get out in transition and get some early easy baskets versus a very good defensive team.”
The Cavaliers are winners of four of their last five games, but the issues both teams have faced — whether it be injuries or defensive lapses — make this a contest in which flaws will be exposed as both jockey for position in the Eastern Conference standings.
The good news for the Magic is that they will return a vital weapon to the lineup, as it was announced earlier Saturday that Jalen Suggs is available to play after missing the last eight games with a Grade 1 right MCL contusion.
With his healthy presence, Suggs provides the kind of characteristics Orlando needs.
“His energy, his defensive focus,” Mosley said. “He has that tenacity, the energy that he brings not just on, you know, for our guys on the court, but how he gets the crowd involved. I think those are big pieces for our group.”
Saturday’s game will be Suggs’ 24th of the season. In those appearances, he is averaging 15 points, 4.7 assists and a career-high 1.9 steals. In his return, the team and himself will face a familiar foe in Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging a career-high 29 points.
“Obviously, we know him very well. Playoff basketball; seeing him throughout the year. His ability just to score at just a high clip at the rim; mid-range, three -point shooting; just finding ways. He hits tough shots, but he's capable of doing it in so many ways. And so, our ability to guard him with multiple bodies is going to be very important.”
Mosley believes his team has an improved mentality after the loss to the Hornets, but it means nothing until they prove it on the floor.
“Yeah, I think we have,” he said. “But now the test is going to be once we touch the court. So, me saying those words right now may mean nothing. So, I'd like to just say we did some things that should transfer over to this court, but we'll find out, you know, in the next couple hours.”
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