The Orlando Magic are taking part in for one thing extra significant and tangible through the season’s ultimate stretch than they did the earlier two campaigns.
After Tuesday’s 122-112 win over the Washington Wizards at Amway Center, the Magic (30-43) are nonetheless within the race for a spot within the play-in event.
Their possibilities of qualifying for the play-in seem bleak with 9 video games left getting into Thursday’s residence recreation vs. the New York Knicks.
They entered Wednesday 5 video games behind the Chicago Bulls for the No. 10 seed within the Eastern Conference standings. Seeds 7-10 in every convention compete within the play-in event for the Nos. 7 and eight seeds within the playoffs.
But nonetheless being eligible and having the chance to compete for postseason play is motivating the Magic, who have been already eradicated from playoffs competition by this time within the earlier two seasons.
“I do think that for a young team, it helps,” large man Moe Wagner mentioned, “as a result of the long-term street appears to date typically that it’s troublesome to rise up within the morning if you happen to work for one thing that appears to be down the street.
“These short-term goals help us [stay motivated], stay locked in on a day-to-day basis, and connect even more than we would do if we played for something next year. Having that in mind and really putting the league on notice that the Orlando Magic are doing something and going in the [right] direction, that means a lot to these guys.”
Playing in significant video games down the stretch has helped the Magic develop in clutch conditions.
They’re 14-11 of their final 25 video games that featured clutch conditions — when the scoring margin is 5 factors or much less with 5 or fewer minutes remaining. Orlando began the season 3-12 in video games that had clutch minutes.
“For us, this season, there’s been a lot of growth this season and we’ve actually had a lot of close games,” guard Cole Anthony mentioned. “We’ve misplaced to some, however we’ve realized from it this season and have been capable of enhance on it.
“That was something that we did [Tuesday]. We were able to execute down the stretch and that’s what helped us ultimately win this game. The more we’ve gotten into these close games, I feel like the better we’ve gotten.”
Second-year guard Jalen Suggs received’t be out there towards the Knicks for a fourth consecutive recreation due to a concussion.
The Magic will induct Dennis Scott into the group’s Hall of Fame Thursday afternoon at Amway Center. Scott will turn into the twelfth member of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
Scott will probably be honored throughout Thursday’s recreation, which suggestions off at 7 p.m.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com