Considering the standard of the opponent, the Orlando Magic have had a robust begin to their four-game street journey.
The Magic (20-32) cut up their mini-series with the 76ers in Philadelphia, getting back from down 21 to tug out the 119-109 win Monday earlier than scuffling with their capturing in Wednesday’s 105-94 loss.
The 76ers have been a top-three seed within the East for the final a number of weeks and have been on a seven-game win streak earlier than dropping the primary matchup.
It’s why the Magic left Philadelphia and landed in Minneapolis on Thursday morning much more assured in themselves.
“We were resilient in our win, going down by [21], [being] able to fight back and get the dub. [Wednesday], we just didn’t make shots,” beginning massive man Wendell Carter Jr. “We did a very good job defensively in order that’s a optimistic we are able to stroll away from this sport.
“At the same time, we have to look at stepping into shots more confidently and getting better, quality shots.”
The Magic have performed as much as the competitors for a lot of the season, particularly just lately.
They’re 15-13 of their final 28 video games, when Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz had their minutes restrictions lifted since returning Nov. 30.
Within that stretch, the Magic are 10-7 towards groups with a report of .500 and above on the time of the matchup.
With every win, it seems they develop extra confident, particularly defensively.
They held the 76ers to below-league-average offensive effectivity in each matchups regardless of Philadelphia being ranked top-10 in offensive ranking — factors scored per 100 possessions.
The Magic did the identical factor of their three wins over the Boston Celtics, the league’s prime group at 37-15 getting into Thursday’s video games.
They’ll get one other take a look at towards a playoff-caliber group towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at Target Center.
The Timberwolves (28-26) are disappointing, holding the sixth-best report within the West, however they’ve received 12 of their final 17 video games.
“We understand how we have to play,” coach Jamahl Mosley stated. “These guys get it. We have to make sure we play with that level of intensity, sense of urgency and hang our hat on the defensive end of the floor.”
Jonathan Isaac is predicted to be accessible towards the Timberwolves after sitting Wednesday due to left knee harm administration.
Banchero honored
Paolo Banchero was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for video games performed in January, the league introduced Thursday.
Banchero, the No. 1 decide within the draft, led all NBA rookies in scoring with 20.1 factors per sport for the month to go together with 5.9 rebounds (tied for fifth) and three.2 assists (tied for third).
He grew to become the third participant in Magic historical past to be named the league’s Rookie of the Month in consecutive months after incomes it for video games performed in December.
Banchero joined Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Mike Miller and Victor Oladipo as the one Magic gamers to be named Rookie of the Month greater than as soon as.
“It’s special to be able to get any accolade in this league,” Banchero stated after Thursday’s follow at Target Center. “It was a good month for the team. An up-and-down month for myself, but I finished strong. Looking forward to start up February.”
Sacramento Kings ahead Keegan Murray, the No. 4 decide within the draft, was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the second consecutive month, too.
Banchero has the perfect odds of successful Rookie of the Year as of Thursday, in keeping with VegasInsider.com.
He’s averaging 20.5 factors, 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1 steal for the season, main all rookies in scoring and minutes whereas additionally rating third in assists and steals and fourth in rebounding.
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