
The Orlando Magic are beginning to find a rhythm as the season nears its end.
ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic were able to extend their winning streak to three games after defeating the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, 123-107. Below are the key moments and performances in their victory:
Surviving a Late Scare
After leading by as many as 26 points with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, the Magic allowed the Pistons to work their way back into the game during the final period.
Detroit was able to shrink the deficit to as little as four points thanks to a 14-0 run followed by an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter. However, the Magic were able to deliver a returning blow with a 14-2 run over the final 04:45 to seal the game.
“I like the fact that we responded to that,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game. “You know, I think that they made their push, they came back, a couple of possessions by us let them off the hook. They did a great job of speeding us up and not allowing us to get into our stuff. And that's the time that we got to continue to settle down, find our poise.
“And then the other side of it is that we get stops to get out and run to get the easy baskets,” he added. “Yeah, I think they made a push, which every great team does. They're the number one team in the East for a reason.”
Jalen Bounces Back
After a difficult shooting night in a 112-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Easter Sunday that saw him go 4-19 from the field, Jalen Suggs provided a much more efficient effort on Monday against Detroit.
Suggs logged a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that elevated his teammates. The 12 assists he reached were a career high.
“I think the assist column is such a fast game, man,” Suggs said. “And we've got so much talent around. I said it from the beginning of the year, it's so ideal, you know, having guys who can go get it anywhere in transition and the half court, knock down shots and put it on the ground. You know, for me, I've just got to put them in positions, you know, to be successful.
“But that's where a lot of my mindset comes from. But for me, it was less of the assists today. I'm always hunting that, but it was the turnover average that I was trying to pay attention to and really try to limit.”
Over the last two games, Suggs has notched 20 assists and only two turnovers, demonstrating his ability to take care of the ball while facilitating opportunities.
Anthony Black’s Return
After missing over a month with an abdominal strain, Anthony Black made his return to the Magic’s lineup on Monday.
Black logged 15 minutes off the bench and led the second unit with 14 points on 4-11 shooting.
To Mosley, Black is continuing to get reintegrated after significant time away from a game setting.
“Yeah, I think just trying to find his rhythm,” Mosley said. “You know, I think playing the stints that he played is never easy to do in these moments, but just trying to find a rhythm, you know, first it was defensively turned up, you know, gave us a couple steals, got out in transition, being able to get to the basket a little bit, just knocking the rust off.
“I think that's what is part of it,” Mosley added. “Where that's going to be watching this film back, getting a little bit of practice time and then playing the next game.”
More Injuries
Unfortunately for Orlando, its trend of returning players from injury only to see others suffer them continued on Monday.
Both Wendell Carter Jr. and Jamal Cain left the game early due to the former suffering a neck sprain and the latter suffering a left calf contusion.
“I haven't had a chance to talk to him,” Mosley said regarding Carter. “And I haven't had a chance to talk to Jamal Cain. “Just, you know, left calf, and we'll just look at it moving forward.”
The Magic return to the Kia Center for the final time in the regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
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