The Orlando Magic may have fallen to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, but their depth proved its worth in the absence of several players.
When Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson received his first meaningful minutes of the season Sunday, he provided an in-depth look at the kind of potential he possesses.
Without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, Richardson’s name was called against the Boston Celtics. The rookie made the most of it, scoring 18 points on 7-11 from the field and 3-4 from deep.
“I think just being patient, honestly,” Richardson said. “Getting in a game like this, you want to try to go out and show what you can do, but you also don't want to overdo it. So just staying patient and trusting in these guys.”
Despite falling 138-129 to the Celtics, the Magic saw their younger players seize the moment in the absence of three starters and Goga Bitadze. Jett Howard scored a career-high 30 points, and Noah Penda had 13 points and eight rebounds on 83 percent shooting .
“Jet had an amazing night tonight,” Richardson added. “I mean, he had 30. And he really helped us get back in this game.”
Richardson has been of the mindset that he will remain ready for what the team needs of him, regardless of his role. The 20-year-old carried that with him in Sunday’s contest.
“When I said at training camp, I'm willing to do whatever the team needs me to do, I meant that,” he said. “So, if that's sitting there being an energy guy off the bench, I'm ready to do that.”
“And then on a night like this, where I got to come in and try to make big plays and then try to cut down the lead, I'm willing to do that. So just always staying ready, always having that mentality, just being ready to get in the game.”
Howard has been a spot contributor off Orlando’s bench this season but never received extended minutes. Now, he is showing what he felt he could do all along.
“Honestly, I been knew I could do this,” Howard said. “I just feel like now it's time, like, y 'all can see it. Obviously, I don't think it does much for my confidence. I just think, like, you know, just staying ready no matter the situation is kind of my mindset right now.”
“I just want to, you know, help the team in any way, no matter if that's playing five minutes, no matter if it's 10, whatever. So as long as I can stay ready and rise to the occasion, that'll be good.”