As the Orlando Magic try a late push towards the NBA Eastern Conference play-in event, the younger crew is studying rather a lot about itself down the stretch.
One of the younger gamers who has needed to overcome rather a lot on and off the courtroom, second-year guard Jalen Suggs returned on Sunday after lacking 4 video games on account of a concussion. Suggs scored 16 factors off the bench in Orlando’s 119-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets (40-35).
“I was so eager to get back on the court,” Suggs mentioned. “I think I’ve missed my fair share of time now and I don’t like missing much. I’m competitive, I want to be out there with my guys and help do what I can to get us wins.”
Suggs was one among eight gamers for the Magic (32-43) to attain in double-digits. Guard Cole Anthony led the crew with 21 factors, and ahead Franz Wagner had a double-double with 19 factors and 10 rebounds.
Suggs checked into the sport with 2:55 left within the first quarter and shortly sank a 3-pointer on an help from Markelle Fultz. In the second quarter, Suggs had 9 factors and a blocked shot as Orlando outscored the Nets 36-26 for a 60-51 halftime lead.
“He came and made some big shots, stops and doing what Jalen does,” fellow guard Fultz mentioned. “For a guy who’s been through a lot of injuries and things, it’s tough to find a rhythm. I think he’s doing a great job of just focusing on going out there and contributing in any way he can.”
Orlando led by double-digits for many of the second half.
Suggs has performed in simply 45 video games and has missed vital time on account of numerous accidents however has scored in double-digits in seven of the final 10 video games he has completed.
“Offensively, I thought his pace was real good,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “He never got himself sped up. He was making the right play, the right decision. He just let the game come to him. That’s a sign of growth.”
With the win, Orlando has its first three-game win streak since December. In every of the three victories, the Magic beat a crew within the Eastern Conference playoff image or vying for a spot within the play-in.
The victory additionally lifted the Magic to .500 at residence.
“We established our identity last year,” Suggs mentioned. “Everyone knows how last year went. The guys grew, guys learned and we were kind of able to build the foundation. Now it’s about taking it to the next level and being consistent and doing it every night.”
Heading into Monday’s video games, Orlando trailed Tenth-place Chicago by 4½ video games.
The Nos. 7-10 groups in every convention compete within the play-in to find out the Nos. 7 and eight seeds.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com