Suggs reveals the Magic's newfound defensive spirit, highlighting increased communication, sustained energy, and a growing ability to stifle opponents' runs.
On the defense being a key factor and what stood out tonight (Jalen Suggs):
"I think the defense was amazing. That second quarter was tough. They made a lot of shots. Bobby was hot. Cam Thomas came in and got rolling. But other than that, we did a great job making things tough for them. We were locked in down there. We were talking our switches. Our rotations were great. I think we came out with an intensity, especially both teams on back-to-back. I think that's the biggest outlier. That's what we were talking about all day, that this is a will game. Less about X's and O's, less about execution, more about we come out, play hard, and maintain it throughout the course of 48. I thought we did a good job with that."
On whether the team is getting back to its defensive mentality:
"I think just our entire groove, our spirit is much better. We're talking much more. Our energy is being sustained throughout these games, which is nice. It's not perfect, but we're not rattling. We're not overreacting to turnovers, misses, stretches where they're rolling and scoring. I think we're doing a great job staying level and then when it's time to go on the runs, we're making them. Teams aren't going on crazy runs against us, especially these past couple. We're doing a really good job of keeping it to seven, six and under, and then doing a great job of responding to not let them get too much momentum rolling. Top to bottom, everybody's doing a great job right now."
On the importance of two games with defense leading to wide-margin wins:
"We ain't had back-to-back blowouts in I don't know how long. It feels amazing to be able to come in, be efficient, empty the bench, make sure everybody gets some PT. Close ones are nice. They're still wins, but these feel way better. We've got a lot of practice in those close games, which has been nice. But this is another level of growth as well, coming out and being super solid through three quarters, and in the fourth quarter staying efficient, getting the bench involved, keeping the vibes high and go finish the game. I think it's been really good for us these past two."
On the balance of being physical and aggressive on defense without fouling:
"Yeah, that's every night. You just want to make sure that you're imposing your will, trying to make them uncomfortable and take them out of their rhythm, especially down the stretch. You see it in every game that you watch and everyone that we played so far is just the physicality starting to ramp up as it gets to playoff time. The style of game and the way that the games are being reffed is slowly shifting. Really just trying to adjust the mindset. Understand that some of those small ones of ticky tacks probably going to be let go. Just start to embrace that mindset of you're not going to get many and it's okay to get up and call our guys. I think it's been great so far. I think we're adjusting pretty well and we put together some really good defensive games."
On Paolo Banchero's 26 first-half points setting the tone:
"Yeah, it's big time, man. He's just such a problem that once he's rolling and you got to start reacting to it now, it's over because he's making the right kick outs and we did a great job shooting it today or continuing the advantage with quick drives, quick ball swings to hockey assists and keeping good things out of it. He shot the three ball amazing. I love when he hunts the threes. I think he's a much better shooter than he gives himself credit for from behind the arc, especially on the catch and shoot ones, man, they're so butter. Really just trying to keep him in rhythm, keep finding easy ones for him and for everybody else. I think when we're playing in that mindset, looking for the great shot for the next man, you're stepping into good ones yourself and it just leads to a lot of good offense."
On Jalen Suggs' defensive growth and taking on challenges guarding better players:
"Like I said, half of it is a mindset. You just got to want to guard and I think he's done a great job and know actually stepping up and taking the assignments and while we're on the court talking out the switches early and then getting up and guarding knowing he has help on the backside. When all five are locked in on the defensive end with the type of length that we have and strength and the ability to switch down the line, it gets really hard in any given night. We've had a lot of good things to build off of, a lot of good film to look back on to hold ourselves accountable to what our standard can be. Not only five, which he has done a great job, but everybody—Dell's been amazing. Tristan's been guarding and really guarding really well, especially last couple before break and coming out of it. Top to bottom. To be a great defensive team, all five got to do it. I think we've been standing on that lately."