With the Orlando Magic down a number of guards, coach Jamahl Mosley opted to start out large for Friday’s 113-93 dwelling victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Bol Bol (7-foot-2) stepped into the beginning lineup alongside Terrence Ross (6-foot-6), Pablo Banchero (6-foot-10), Wendell Carter Jr. (6-foot-10) and Franz Wagner (6-foot-10) to present the Magic a beginning lineup of 5 gamers no less than 6-foot-6, together with 4 who’re listed as no less than 6-foot-10.
With Cole Anthony (proper inside indirect muscle harm), Markelle Fultz (fractured left large toe), Gary Harris (left knee harm restoration) and Jalen Suggs (sprained proper ankle) sidelined, Banchero, Carter and Wagner carried a heavier playmaking burden.
They took benefit of the chance, giving the Magic their first win (1-5).
Banchero completed with a season-high 7 assists to go together with 21 factors (8-of-14 taking pictures) and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes. He turned the sixth participant in NBA historical past to start out his profession with six consecutive 20-point video games, together with Wilt Chamberlain (56), Elvin Hayes (10) and Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins and Oscar Robertson (six).
Carter completed with 15 factors (6-of-13), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of steals whereas Wagner had 13 factors (5-of-8) and 4 assists in 23 minutes.
Mo Bamba added 19 factors (8-of-12), 6 rebounds and three blocks in 17 minutes off the bench. Bol had 11 factors and seven rebounds in his first begin of the season and the third of his profession since being a second-round decide by Miami in 2019.
Jonathan Isaac (left knee harm restoration) and Moe Wagner (sprained proper midfoot) additionally have been sidelined whereas the Hornets have been with out LaMelo Ball (sprained left ankle), Cody Martin (sore left quad) and Terry Rozier (sprained proper ankle).
“It’s great for these guys,” Mosley mentioned of Banchero and Wagner getting elevated playmaking duties. “Teams are understanding we’re down some guards, so they’re picking up full court. It gives these guys great experience understanding how they can handle pressure.”
The Magic’s size and dimension bothered the Hornets, who shot 37.9% from the sector and 28.9 on 3s.
Friday was Steve Clifford’s first recreation teaching in Orlando since he and the Magic “mutually agreed” to half methods in the summertime of 2021.
Clifford rejoined the Hornets (2-3) as the top coach in June, having been there from 2013-18 earlier than guiding the Magic from 2018-21.
He was additionally an assistant coach in Orlando on Stan Van Gundy’s employees from 2007-12.
Clifford mentioned Mosley has accomplished a “terrific” job because the Magic’s coach, including that they’ve a great friendship.
“No. 1 is the energy level you have to have to start from scratch, especially with all younger guys,” Clifford responded when requested pregame about Mosley. “This is lots totally different — individuals discuss to me about rebuilding — the 2 jobs I took over, we have been good.
“When I first went to Charlotte, we went from like 21 to [43] wins in the first year. When I came [to Orlando], it was similar. There were veteran players. When you have all younger guys and you’re not all in with the winning, that’s tough stuff when you’re a coach and you play 82 games. His positivity, energy levels and last year — I didn’t get to see them play a ton — they got better and better and that’s difficult to do. They have more talent and a way to play, which is a real tribute to how he’s handled the situation.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com