Suggs and Wagner ignite the Magic's comeback, showcasing newfound focus, energy, and a resilient spirit to overcome the Nets.
On getting off to a strong start and setting the tone early against the Nets (Jalen Suggs):
"I thought we did a really good job. Everyone was focused today. Everyone was locked in. Obviously there's a heaviness around today, but I think we did a good job in rallying together, picking each other up internally and keeping everybody locked in on the task at hand. And I mean, I think it showed. We didn't waver much. Our energy was consistent throughout. Our effort and intentionality, playing hard and moving the ball was there throughout the game. And these are the results of it. So it's nice to have nights like this and to reset the standard of what you can be and have something to look back on that you can try and replicate and beat night in and night out."
On his first career triple-double and what was working tonight (Jalen Suggs):
"It's nice when you just give this big guy the ball and spins off a guy that goes gets on the rim. He gives me free buckets. And to be honest, I don't even be getting into individual accomplishments and stuff like that. I'd be liking the win, but you know, it is pretty special. Knowing my big brother left today. We just spoke a lot about this, how we can attack and be intentional about getting this and how just playing great basketball and trying to impact the game in so many ways can not only lead to good games, but for wins and just help our team keep growing. So yeah, this was an honor of Tyus Jones. I ain't going to lie."
On coming off the bench to help maintain energy and keep the standard set by starters like Jalen (Moritz Wagner):
"Well, I mean I don't think it's my job to evaluate how vital it is. I wouldn't have the audacity to put it that really don't matter. We just need to play with a spirit. I think in the past years that's kind of been our MO, playing hard, playing with energy regardless of the circumstances. And losing is not fun. The mood is not great when you lose and you got to start at some point like kind of trying to turn it around and rotations, X's and O's and all that stuff doesn't really matter. You just got to kind of figure it out. It wasn't all great today. We made a lot of mistakes. We're going to clean it up. We're going to work on it. Got to keep pushing. But I think our spirit has always to be great. And we have to get better and mature in that regard."
On the importance of the Orlando crowd and what the city means to the team on a tough night (Jalen Suggs):
"Yeah. I mean, it's super vital. You look at the best teams in the league and anytime you go into their building, you hear their fans, they rally around them. It makes runs that much more difficult to answer. And you just play with an elevated boost in confidence and flow. So yeah they mean the world not only to me individually. I've expressed that and they know that but to us as a whole. These years are long. They're not easy. We're imperfect human beings too. But I think having them stick with us knowing that they continue to love and cheer us on through every up and down. Man like I said it really does give you a sense of confidence. It makes you love being back at home, and especially going down the stretch of the season. We are all one, it's everyone in and that's not only in this building, it's the city included. So yeah, city knows they got my love, everybody loves to play here and to live here. So yeah, they mean the world to us."
On dealing with Tyus Jones' departure emotionally, flipping the switch, and galvanizing the group (Jalen Suggs):
"Yeah. I'm still hurting. I ain't even going to lie to you. Bigger than hoop on that one. I've been around him and his family since before even all this was a reality. I'm watching him hoop and trying to chase his legacy in a path that he blazed. So yeah, like I said, he knows I love him. But this guy to our left to be honest, I didn't have much energy today my heart was heavy and he sent a group message to all of us, very heartfelt one, on how to rally together. How to continue to build and down this backstretch of the season. How we can elevate and continue to chase greatness and be excellent. So yeah, I'm heavy. I know a lot of people are, but I think Moe deserves a lot of credit for picking us up, putting us in the right mindset. I know it put me in the right mindset to come out and regardless of feeling come accomplish the task at hand."
On getting back into rhythm after injury and reestablishing chemistry with the second unit (Moritz Wagner):
"I mean, the tricky part is that it's not linear. That's I think it's the hardest part. You can have good games, you can have bad games, but I'm still in the process of gaining momentum. I still got to accumulate reps. So my days are full. My recovery protocol is huge. My confidence is still not at a point where it used to be. This injury is heavy, man. It's a really long process and it takes a long time. So I have a lot of respect for that and put a lot of work in. But at the same time, it's also you try to not make it about yourself. You just show up every day. Try to bring the right spirit even though it might not feel the same as it did a couple or a year ago. And you kind of push through the wall and go with the days and try to win games."