The Magic's dominant streak continues, even without a star. Discover how their deep roster and collective effort are bridging the gap left by Franz Wagner.
The Orlando Magic are among the hottest teams in the league, riding a strong win streak that has surged them to the top of the Eastern Conference after a slow start where they struggled to find their competitive edge. Key to this early-season run have been stars Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane. Despite the success, the Magic have continued to battle injuries, losing Banchero for 10 games, and just as he returned, Wagner went down with a high-ankle sprain that will sideline him into the new year.
Wagner was a crucial part of the Magic’s success while Banchero was out and appears to be on track for an All-Star season if he remains within the eligibility threshold for games played. Now, with Wagner out for an extended period, head coach Jamahl Mosley knows the team must step up collectively in his absence.
"Desmond leads a lot of that charge,” Mosley said. “But it’s by committee. Jonathan Isaac plays 12 minutes, plus-13 because of his defensive impact. Goga playing great basketball, doing the right thing. Guys that stepped in were just ready to go. Desmond had 37 and will take a lot on his shoulders, but our ability to play by committee—whoever steps on that court is ready to go."
"I think he was great—his aggression more than anything,” Mosley said about guard Anthony Black. “His defense on Tyler Herro at times, making shots tough. We were able to sit down and guard. That’s a tough team when they go one-on-one and attack downhill, but our guys took on that challenge."
Bane is a player who has consistently stepped up since Wagner went down and is carrying a strong sense of pride, knowing he’s helping keep the team on track.
"I couldn’t believe it—super happy he escaped something major,” Bane said. “We wrap our arms around him and keep him close while he works back,” Ban The show goes on—that’s the nature of the NBA. Tonight a lot of different guys contributed. It’s going to have to be collective, and every single guy who stepped on the floor tonight contributed to winning."
For Banchero, losing a co-star is never easy, especially when trying to build championship-level consistency, but there’s relief knowing it isn’t a season-ending injury.
"You never want to see one of your brothers go down like that—definitely scary for the whole team,” Banchero said. “Glad it wasn’t season-ending. We just want to continue to play well until he’s back, and tonight was a huge win."
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