Here's what Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley had to say about All-Star forward Paolo Banchero's return from injury against the Miami Heat.
The Orlando Magic have been missing franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero for quite some time.
Banchero was sidelined for 10 games due to a groin strain before returning on Friday in a victory over the Miami Heat. Banchero finished his return game with nine points, six rebounds, and two assists on 37.5% shooting in 20 minutes of action. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs led the way in the win, combining for 54 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
After the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley reflected on Banchero's return, saying, "I thought he was great because he was just trying to find the rhythm and stay within the flow of the game—making the simple play, the easy read, moving and sliding his feet defensively. He let the game come to him and I thought that was great."
The Magic's next game is Sunday against the New York Knicks.
Banchero's first game back saw him play limited minutes and put up mediocre stats, which Mosley also addressed postgame:
"It’s going to take some time. There’s always a flow you have to connect with, but they did a really good job finding different sets and reads. Miami is a tough team—how they guard and defend puts you in different binds—so our guys did a great job adjusting no matter who was on the floor."
MAGIC COACH JAMAHL MOSLEY ON TRISTAN DA SILVA
During Tristan da Silva’s rookie year, Orlando was ravaged by injuries. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missed signifcant time with torn obliques, Jalen Suggs only played 35 games and had his season cut short in March after undergoing knee surgery, and general bumps and bruises had coach Jamahl Mosley working hard with thinning depth. A common theme in his lineup became da Silva.
The then 23-year-old rookie appeared in 74 games, which included 38 starts. As other rookies were spending time in the G League or street clothes, da Silva was helping his team win, and this season has been no different.
Da Silva filled the gap without Banchero and started in his place in all 10 games that Banchero was out with a left groin strain. In 22 appearances this season, da Silva is averaging 10.8 points on 38.6 percent 3-point shooting.
“You know, Tristan and I talked today a little bit about it,” Mosley said before Friday’s game against the Miami Heat. “I'd be remiss if I didn't say what a great job he's done, you know, stepping into that starting role. His confidence, his swagger, the way he's played basketball for us and Paolo being out has been huge.”
“And now with that second unit unfolding, it just gives that group more confidence, more spacing on the floor, just his ability to create plays and also knock shots down.”