<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/miami-dolphins/dolphins-news-miami-dc-kobe-bryant-analogy');   ga('set', 'title', 'Dolphins DC tried to save season with Kobe Bryant analogy');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Miami-DC-tried-to-save-season-with-Kobe-Bryant-analogy.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Dolphins DC tried to save season with Kobe Bryant analogy</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-06T16:51:40-08:00">November 6th, 4:51pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-06T16:51:40-08:00">November 6th, 4:51pm</time><address><a>Zachary Draves</a>Zachary Draves is a sportswriter and broadcaster based in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Zachary covers a variety of different sports as well as sports history, sport and society, and sport and culture. He is also a professor of sociology.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Right now, things are bleak for the Miami Dolphins. They are standing at 2-7 and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/dolphins-2025-nfl-trade-deadline-failure">dealing with the ramifications</a> of decisions they made before the trade deadline.</p><p>Nevertheless, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is trying to<a href="https://x.com/DavidFurones_/status/1986566930795282675" rel="noopener"> restore players’ confidence</a> by providing examples of players who overcame the odds, per David Furones of The Sun Sentinel.</p><p>The difference was that he brought up NBA greats Kobe Bryant and Nick Anderson. Essentially, Weaver talked about two moments in which Bryant and Anderson were at their lowest.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">With everything going on around the Dolphins, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver compared to players how Nick Anderson handled adversity of infamously missing 4 straight FTs in the Finals and how Kobe Bryant did with his airballs against the Jazz. Be like the Mamba. Good stuff. <a href="https://t.co/1kGBN2Rl0o">pic.twitter.com/1kGBN2Rl0o</a></p><p>— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidFurones_/status/1986566930795282675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>For Anderson, it came during Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals between the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets. Anderson <a href="http://google.com/search?q=clutchpoints+nick+anderson+free+throws&amp;sca_esv=0ce76fe6310e19b4&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS799US799&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMzhkbwOylgVdfnwc5wrDD6kdUlvQ%3A1762476020363&amp;ei=9D8NaeH1FeinptQP0O2juQU&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjhv_no5t6QAxXok4kEHdD2KFcQ4dUDCBE&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=clutchpoints+nick+anderson+free+throws&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJmNsdXRjaHBvaW50cyBuaWNrIGFuZGVyc29uIGZyZWUgdGhyb3dzMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI8ChQ2whYhChwA3gBkAEAmAGyAaABkh6qAQUyMC4xN7gBA8gBAPgBAZgCKKAC9x_CAgoQABiwAxjWBBhHwgIEECMYJ8ICCxAuGIAEGJECGIoFwgIFEC4YgATCAgUQABiABMICEBAuGIAEGLEDGEMYgwEYigXCAgoQLhiABBhDGIoFwgINEC4YgAQYsQMYQxiKBcICChAAGIAEGEMYigXCAgsQABiABBiRAhiKBcICDhAuGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgIOEAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYigXCAgQQABgDwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAg0QABiABBixAxhDGIoFwgIQEAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYFBiHAsICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGKIEGIkFwgIFEAAY7wXCAggQABiABBiiBMICBRAhGKsCwgIFECEYnwWYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwUxOS4yMaAHqLMCsgcFMTYuMjG4B-kfwgcJMC4xNS4yMS40yAeeAQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">missed four consecutive free throws</a> that forced the game into overtime, and the Rockets won.</p><p>Eventually, the Rockets swept the Magic for their second straight title.</p><p>In 1997, an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were playing the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference Semifinals. In overtime, Bryant threw up four airballs, and the Jazz went on to win the series.</p><p>After Dolphins practice, Weaver said he liked what he saw out of the players and offered one goal.</p><p>“I don’t think anyone wants to be the brick, so our goal is to be the Mamba,” he said. In other words, be a Kobe Bryant instead of a Nick Anderson.</p><h2><b>The after effects of Bryant and Anderson</b></h2><p>There is something the Dolphins could learn from these two instances. When it came to Anderson, he has never had to live down those four missed free throws.</p><p>At the time, the Magic were one of the most popular teams in the NBA with Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. It would also be their only appearance in the Finals during the 1990s.</p><p>Afteward, Anderson lost confidence in his game.</p><p>Conversely, Bryant channeled his mishap into becoming one of the most influential players of his generation, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/kobe-bryant-files-trademark-black-mamba">earning the nickname “Black Mamba”</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Dolphins DC tried to save season with Kobe Bryant analogy

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-desmond-bane-ejected-spiking-ball-onyeka-okongwu');   ga('set', 'title', 'Desmond Bane ejected for spiking ball off Onyeka Okongwu');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_0289.jpeg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Desmond Bane ejected for spiking ball off Onyeka Okongwu</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-04T19:08:19-08:00">November 4th, 7:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-04T19:27:12-08:00">November 4th, 7:27pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David Yapkowitz is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a credentialed reporter based in Los Angeles who covers the NBA/WNBA, NCAA/NCAAW and boys/girls high school basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Tensions flared during the Orlando Magic’s game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1985904391723917723" rel="noopener">resulting in the</a> ejection of Desmond Bane. Bane was attempting to contest Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu’s shot at the rim, when he grabbed Okongwu across the arms and threw him to the floor while spiking the ball at Okongwu in the aftermath. Bane was assessed a flagrant foul, a technical foul and ejected after review.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Desmond Bane was hit with a flagrant 1, a technical foul and ejected from the Magic-Hawks game.</p><p>He bounced the ball off Onyeka Okongwu after pulling him down by the elbow.</p><p>Thoughts? 🤔<a href="https://t.co/tDfpYNIFii">pic.twitter.com/tDfpYNIFii</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1985904391723917723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Desmond Bane’s ejection came in the third quarter with the Magic trailing the Hawks by double digits. Mouhamed Gueye came to Onyeka Okongwu’s defense, getting into Bane’s face as teammates and the officials intervened before the situation could get any further out of control.</p><p>Bane finished the game with nine points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in a little over 22 minutes of play. He shot 2-of-6 from the field, 2-of-4 from the three-point line and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line before he was ejected.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact">Magic paid a hefty price to acquire Bane</a> in the offseason, trading away four future first round picks and a first round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony. The prevailing thought was an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact">established guard like Bane could help the Magic</a> take another leap forward in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>So far, the Magic have started the 2025-26 season at 3-4, and will fall to 3-5 following the likely loss to the Hawks. Coming into Tuesday’s game, Bane had appeared in all seven games for the Magic at just about 30 minutes per game.</p><p>He’s been averaging 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists with splits of 41.9 percent shooting from the field, 25.8 percent shooting from the three-point line and 94.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line. The No. 30 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Bane is in his sixth season in the NBA, and first with the Magic after playing the first five seasons of his career with the Grizzlies.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Desmond Bane ejected for spiking ball off Onyeka Okongwu

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-get-injury-updates-franz-wagner-jalen-suggs-vs-wizards');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic get key injury updates for Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs vs. Wizards');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-drives-for-a-score-against-the-Philadelphia-76ers.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic get key injury updates for Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs vs. Wizards</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-31T14:26:30-07:00">October 31st, 2:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-31T14:26:30-07:00">October 31st, 2:26pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic (2–4) received positive news ahead of Saturday night’s matchup against the Washington Wizards (1–4): Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs were <a href="https://x.com/therealBeede/status/1984343233267171677" rel="noopener">both removed</a> from the team’s Friday injury report, signaling full availability as the five-game road trip continues (7:00 p.m. ET, MNMT).</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-injury-update-for-hornets-clash">Wagner had been listed with a left heel contusion</a> entering Thursday’s game in Charlotte. He started and led Orlando in scoring during a 123–107 win that snapped a four-game skid, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal on 8-for-16 shooting, including 3-for-6 from three, in 34 minutes. He posted a team-best plus/minus of +23 as the Magic controlled the second half to secure their second victory of the season.</p><p>Suggs last appeared in Wednesday’s 135–116 loss at Detroit, recording eight points, five assists, two steals and a block in 21 minutes while shooting 1-for-4 from the field and 1-for-3 from deep. His removal from the report indicates the guard is set to rejoin the backcourt rotation as Orlando looks to build on Thursday’s result.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jalen Suggs is back off the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Magic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Magic</a> injury report for Saturday’s game at Washington.</p><p>So is Franz Wagner, who was dealing with a left heel contusion Thursday at Charlotte.</p><p>Beyond Moe Wagner, a clean report for Orlando: <a href="https://t.co/nH3BValvbQ">pic.twitter.com/nH3BValvbQ</a></p><p>— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) <a href="https://twitter.com/therealBeede/status/1984343233267171677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>Magic remove Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs from injury report ahead of Wizards matchup</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-shoots-on-Detroit-Pistons-center-Jalen-Duren-in-the-first-half-at-Little-Caesars-Arena.jpg"><figcaption>© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Through six games, Wagner is averaging 22.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists with one steal per game. He is shooting 52.7% from the field and 44.0% from three across 34.8 minutes, continuing an efficient start that has paced the Magic’s offense. Suggs, in four games, has averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and one steal while shooting 65.2% overall and 53.8% from three in 19.3 minutes, offering two-way impact and secondary playmaking.</p><p>The availability of both players helps stabilize Orlando’s rotation as the road trip continues. With Wagner’s scoring and floor spacing and Suggs’ point-of-attack defense, the Magic enter Washington aiming to build on Thursday’s momentum and capture consecutive wins for the first time this season.</p><p>The Wizards opened 1–4 and will seek to counter Orlando’s size on the wing and improved perimeter efficiency. The Magic, who shot 42.1% from three in the win over the Hornets, will look for continued balance around Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, with Wagner’s health and Suggs’ return providing additional lineup flexibility.</p><p>After Saturday, Orlando concludes the trip Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks (2–3) at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC Peacock before returning to Kia Center for their first <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/full-2025-nba-cup-schedule-predictions-breakdown-for-each-group">NBA Cup matchup of the season against the Boston Celtics</a> (2–3) next Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET. The clean bill of health for Wagner and Suggs positions the Magic to test rotation combinations and regain momentum as the schedule tightens.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic get key injury updates for Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs vs. Wizards

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-injury-update-for-hornets-clash');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Franz Wagner gets pivotal injury update for Hornets clash');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-22-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Philadelphia-76ers.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Franz Wagner gets pivotal injury update for Hornets clash</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-30T11:52:29-07:00">October 30th, 11:52am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-30T11:52:29-07:00">October 30th, 11:52am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic could be without one of their key starters when they face the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. As the team continues its five-game road trip, the <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2025-26-season/" rel="noopener">latest injury report lists</a> forward Franz Wagner as questionable with a left heel contusion.</p><p>Wagner last played in Orlando’s 135-116 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block in 33 minutes. He shot 6-for-14 from the field, 3-for-4 from three-point range, and 7-for-11 from the free-throw line. Despite his efficient effort, the Magic fell to 1-4, marking their fourth straight defeat since their opening-night win over the Miami Heat.</p><p>Now in his fifth NBA season, Wagner has been a steady force for Orlando, averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game while shooting 53.3% from the field and 42.1% from beyond the arc. His scoring versatility and strong chemistry with Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane have anchored the Magic’s offensive rhythm through the early stretch of the season.</p><h2><b>Magic could turn to young depth with Franz Wagner questionable for Hornets matchup</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-22-dribbles-while-defended-by-Detroit-Pistons-forward-Duncan-Robinson-55.jpg"><figcaption>© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>If Wagner is sidelined, second-year forward Tristan da Silva is expected to see increased minutes. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-young-forward-continuing-to-earn-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosley-praise">Da Silva has provided efficient scoring and defensive versatility</a> off the bench, giving head coach Jamahl Mosley another reliable option in the rotation. Third-year guard Jett Howard could also be called upon to help fill the void, offering perimeter shooting and size on the wing as the team looks to generate more floor spacing.</p><p>The Hornets enter Thursday’s matchup at 2-2, led by All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. However, they will be without third-year forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/charlotte-hornets/hornets-news-brandon-miller-ruled-out-76ers-injury">Brandon Miller, who remains sidelined with a shoulder subluxation</a>. Miller last played in Charlotte’s 125-121 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, logging nine minutes before exiting with the injury after recording four points and a rebound. Prior to that, he impressed in the team’s season opener against the Brooklyn Nets, posting 25 points, seven assists, a steal, and a block while shooting 8-for-19 from the field in a 136-117 win.</p><p>Following the matchup in Charlotte, Orlando’s trip continues with games against the Washington Wizards (1-3) on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET and the Atlanta Hawks (2-3) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. The team will then return to Kia Center to face the Boston Celtics (2-3) as it seeks to regain its footing and reestablish early-season momentum.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Franz Wagner gets pivotal injury update for Hornets clash

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-hit-brutal-josh-smith-comparison-amid-orlandos-slow-start');   ga('set', 'title', 'Paolo Banchero hit with brutal Josh Smith comparison amid Magic’s slow start');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Banchero-drives.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Paolo Banchero hit with brutal Josh Smith comparison amid Magic’s slow start</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-28T13:26:23-07:00">October 28th, 1:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-28T13:26:23-07:00">October 28th, 1:26pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University alum from Atlanta who graduated with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Monday evening, the Orlando Magic dropped to 1-3 on the 2025 NBA season with a disappointing road loss <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/philadelphia-76ers/76ers-news-vj-edgecombe-more-points-first-3-games-michael-jordan">against the Philadelphia 76ers.</a> The loss was another puzzlingly bad defensive performance from <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-franz-wagner-points-self-inflicted-errors-after-orlando-loss-to-hawks">a Magic team</a> that was supposed to be among the league’s elites in that department this year.</p><p>Not helping the cause has been Paolo Banchero, who has gotten off to a rough shooting start to the season and recently took a startlingly bad shot attempt late in a close game against the Atlanta Hawks.</p><p>Recently, NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry stopped by The Ringer’s Zach Lowe’s podcast and <a href="https://x.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/1983243370429403634" rel="noopener">made a comparison</a> to a former NBA power forward.</p><p>“I’m going to raise the red flag over Paolo Banchero Island. This is such a key moment for him, and I hesitate to admit this — but at times, he reminds me of Josh Smith,” said Goldsberry, per MrBuckBuck on X, formerly Twitter. “He’s made just five of his 27 jump shots this year, and I’m not cherry-picking. I love Paolo — he’s a huge part of the future of American basketball — but last season, among the 62 most active jump shooters in the NBA, he ranked 60th in efficiency.”</p><p>“He has a jump-shooting problem, and as the team’s most active scorer, that’s an issue,” he concluded.</p><p>Josh Smith similarly was a supremely talented player for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2000s and early 2010s but struggled to shoot the ball from outside, to the point where fans in attendance would actively groan when he got ready to launch one up.</p><h2><b>A rough start for the Magic</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Magics-Paolo-Banchero-flexing.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Coming into this year, the Magic were expected to compete for one of the top seeds in the East after trading for Desmond Bane in the offseason. While four games is far too small a sample size to make any big declarations, the Magic have not looked great so far, particularly on defense, surrendering a 136-point effort to the 76ers on Monday.</p><p>Things will likely improve as this new-look roster continues to gel, so it’s too early for any fans to hit the panic button. However, if this is the version of Banchero that Orlando is going to get this year, there will be a hard ceiling on just how good they can be.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Paolo Banchero hit with brutal Josh Smith comparison amid Magic’s slow start

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-franz-wagner-points-self-inflicted-errors-after-orlando-loss-to-hawks');   ga('set', 'title', 'Franz Wagner points to ‘self-inflicted’ errors after Magic’s 111–107 loss to Hawks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-drives-to-the-basket-around-Atlanta-Hawks-guard-Luke-Kennard.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Franz Wagner points to ‘self-inflicted’ errors after Magic’s 111–107 loss to Hawks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T12:18:38-07:00">October 25th, 12:18pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T12:18:38-07:00">October 25th, 12:18pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-jamahl-mosley-details-difficulty-defending-trae-young-hawks-edge-orlando">Orlando Magic dropped to 1–1 on the young season</a> after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-young-forward-continuing-to-earn-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosley-praise">falling 111–107 to the Atlanta Hawks</a> on Friday night at the Kia Center. Despite another strong individual performance from Franz Wagner, turnovers and missed free throws proved costly in the team’s first loss of the year.</p><p>Wagner led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal while shooting 10-for-17 from the field, 2-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 5-for-6 from the free throw line in 35 minutes. However, his postgame remarks reflected frustration over the <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video">team’s self-inflicted mistakes</a>.</p><p>“Yeah, it hurts a lot,” Wagner said. “I feel like we kinda beat ourselves — not to take credit away from Atlanta, but I think a lot of mistakes we made are self-inflicted and we gotta clean those up.”</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosley cite turnovers and missed free throws as key factors in loss to Hawks</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-is-fouled-by-Atlanta-Hawks-guard-Dyson-Daniels-during-the-second-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The 24-year-old forward, now in his fifth NBA season, also noted the team’s struggles to maintain offensive rhythm late in the game.</p><p>“I think you’re going to have lows,” Wagner said. “I honestly thought going into that third quarter when they made a run, we got some really good looks, we just didn’t make them and then we stalled out a little bit in the fourth. Just finding the next action and playing quicker in the halfcourt as well. It’s not going to be fast like that especially towards the end of the game, so that’s when executing in the halfcourt becomes more important.”</p><p>The Magic’s offensive miscues were glaring. Orlando committed 22 turnovers, which the Hawks converted into 20 points. Meanwhile, the Magic missed 13 free throws, finishing 24-of-37 from the line. Those missed opportunities ultimately kept the game within reach for Atlanta, which hit 21-of-28 from the stripe.</p><p>Head coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Wagner’s assessment, emphasizing that the <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">missed free throws shifted the game’s momentum</a>.</p><p>“I think that was it,” Mosley said. “You get to the free throw line 37 times, go 24-for-37, you don’t give yourself a chance there. Those are opportunities that can kind of break the back of the opponent when you knock them down — it goes from a 10-point lead to possibly a 15-point lead, but when you miss them they have the opportunity to come back down the stretch.”</p><h2><b>Mosley urges Magic to tighten defense as Wagner’s strong start continues</b></h2><p>Defensively, Orlando also had difficulties containing Atlanta’s penetration. The Hawks scored 58 points in the paint and took advantage of gaps in the Magic’s rotations, particularly during second-chance and transition opportunities.</p><p>“We’ve got to sit down and guard our yard,” Mosley said. “Understanding who we’re closing out to, them attacking the middle of the floor — we’ve got to be better there. Just closing off gaps and showing early help, then getting out.”</p><p>Wagner’s consistency, however, continued to stand out through two games. He is averaging 25.5 points, five rebounds, and four assists while shooting 55.9% from the field and 40% from three. Mosley praised Wagner’s assertiveness on both ends.</p><p>“Just a pure level of aggression,” Mosley said. “Getting out in transition, getting some early easy baskets — make or miss, looking to get out and run, just putting pressure on the defense, getting to the paint, touching the paint, and then being able to make a play from there.”</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-jalen-suggs-isnt-playing-vs-bulls">Magic will look to regroup quickly as they host the Chicago Bulls (1–0)</a> on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET to wrap up their three-game homestand. After two competitive outings, Orlando’s next test will be sustaining its early-season momentum while limiting the costly mistakes that defined Friday’s loss.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Franz Wagner points to ‘self-inflicted’ errors after Magic’s 111–107 loss to Hawks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-jamahl-mosley-details-difficulty-defending-trae-young-hawks-edge-orlando');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jamahl Mosley details difficulty of defending Trae Young after Hawks edge Magic');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Trae-Young-drives-around-Orlando-Magic-guard-Anthony-Black.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Jamahl Mosley details difficulty of defending Trae Young after Hawks edge Magic</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T11:33:50-07:00">October 25th, 11:33am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T11:34:31-07:00">October 25th, 11:34am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Hawks</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-jalen-suggs-isnt-playing-vs-bulls">Orlando Magic dropped to 1-1 on the season after falling 111-107 to the Atlanta Hawks</a> on Friday night, with head coach Jamahl Mosley <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">emphasizing the challenge of containing</a> star guard Trae Young down the stretch.</p><p>Young controlled the tempo late, showcasing his trademark craft and ability to draw fouls when Orlando tried to tighten its defense. Mosley addressed the frustration that comes with defending a player of Young’s skill level, particularly in clutch situations.</p><p>“He got downhill quickly down the stretch because of his ability to knock down shots, so you have to press up,” Mosley said. “Then a couple of those last ones where he gets downhill and stops on a dime and you’re stuck in the place of you’re trying not to foul, but he takes away your space and they give him that call… so it’s hard. You try to defend him without fouling, without giving up the easy layup, but he’s such a shifty player that he can stop on a dime and get that call as well, you know, throwing his body into the defender and getting that call so it’s tough to defend it that way.”</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner leads Magic as Hawks rally behind Trae Young’s late heroics</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Franz-Wagner-passes-the-ball-over-Atlanta-Hawks-guard-Dyson-Daniels.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Young finished with 25 points, six assists, three steals, and a rebound while shooting 7-for-18 from the field and 10-for-12 from the free throw line. Though he struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just one of six attempts, his late-game execution proved too much for Orlando to contain.</p><p>The Magic controlled much of the first half but faltered down the stretch, undone by turnovers and missed free throws in the final minutes. Franz Wagner once again led the team offensively, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting 10-for-17 from the field.</p><p>Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, however, struggled to find rhythm. Banchero finished with 11 points on 4-for-15 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range, along with six rebounds and one assist in 36 minutes. Bane added 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals, but shot just 5-for-14 from the field and 1-for-7 from deep across 33 minutes.</p><p>Despite the loss, Orlando saw <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-young-forward-continuing-to-earn-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosley-praise">another strong performance from second-year forward Tristan da Silva</a>, who provided energy off the bench with 15 points, six rebounds, and three steals on efficient shooting. His contributions helped keep the Magic within striking distance late.</p><p>The Magic will look to regroup and close out their three-game homestand on a positive note when they host the Chicago Bulls (1-0) on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/thunder-news-is-chet-holmgren-playing-vs-hawks-latest-injury-update">Hawks return to Atlanta to host the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder</a> (2-0) on Sunday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jamahl Mosley details difficulty of defending Trae Young after Hawks edge Magic

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-jalen-suggs-isnt-playing-vs-bulls');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Magic’s Jalen Suggs isn’t playing vs. Bulls');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-drives-to-the-basket-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-fourth-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Why Magic’s Jalen Suggs isn’t playing vs. Bulls</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T11:18:10-07:00">October 25th, 11:18am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T11:19:27-07:00">October 25th, 11:19am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic (1-1) will be without guard Jalen Suggs on <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-young-forward-continuing-to-earn-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosley-praise">Saturday night as they host the Chicago Bulls (1-0)</a> to conclude their three-game homestand. The team announced Saturday afternoon that Suggs has been <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2025-26-season/" rel="noopener">ruled out due to left knee injury management</a>.</p><p>Suggs’ absence comes after back-to-back strong performances to open the 2025-26 season. The decision to rest him is precautionary, as the Magic continue to manage his workload following a surgery to address a cartilage injury in his left knee.</p><p>The 24-year-old guard suffered the injury in January 2025, which <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-provides-updates-jalen-suggs-moritz-wagner-injuries">required arthroscopic surgery</a> and sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magics-paolo-banchero-desmond-bane-call-jalen-suggs-heart-and-soul-after-return-vs-heat">Suggs returned to action on opening night Tuesday against the Miami Heat</a>, marking his first game since January 25. He immediately made an impact, contributing 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals while shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc in a 125-121 win.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Per injury report, Jalen Suggs is out for Magic for left knee injury management. Magic are playing second night of a home-and-home back-to-back.</p><p>— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/KCJHoop/status/1982127096261456080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>Jalen Suggs ruled out vs. Bulls as Magic manage guard’s knee injury</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-shoots-a-three-point-basket-against-Atlanta-Hawks-guard-Dyson-Daniels-5.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>He followed that performance with another efficient outing Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. In the 111-107 loss, Suggs recorded 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds, shooting 4-for-5 from the field and 3-for-4 from three-point range in 19 minutes. His energy and defensive intensity were key in both games, reaffirming his role as one of Orlando’s emotional leaders.</p><p>However, with the team playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Magic opted to sit Suggs to prioritize long-term health and recovery. Managing his minutes early in the season has been a focus for Orlando’s medical and coaching staff, particularly after his extended rehabilitation process last year.</p><p>The Magic are expected to rely on Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, and third-year guard Anthony Black to help fill the backcourt void against Chicago. Suggs’ absence could also lead to an expanded role for second-year forward Tristan da Silva, who has impressed early in the season, while rookie guard Jase Richardson remains an option should the team look to adjust its rotation depth.</p><p>Orlando will look to finish its homestand with a win before embarking on a five-game road trip next week. The team is expected to reevaluate Suggs ahead of its next matchup, though his absence is not believed to be serious.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Magic’s Jalen Suggs isn’t playing vs. Bulls

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-young-forward-continuing-to-earn-franz-wagner-jamahl-mosley-praise');   ga('set', 'title', 'The young Magic forward continuing to earn Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosley’s praise');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Orlando-Magic-forward-Franz-Wagner-22-and-forward-Tristan-da-Silva-23-chase.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>The young Magic forward continuing to earn Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosley’s praise</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T10:44:44-07:00">October 25th, 10:44am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T10:44:44-07:00">October 25th, 10:44am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic may have fallen short in Friday night’s 111-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but second-year forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-player-who-caught-jamahl-mosley-attention-win-over-heat">Tristan da Silva continues to impress</a> both his teammates and head coach Jamahl Mosley.</p><p>After catching Mosley’s attention with a strong showing in the Magic’s season opener against the Miami Heat, da Silva followed up that performance with another efficient outing. The 24-year-old finished Friday’s game with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals while shooting 5-for-10 from the field, 2-for-4 from three-point range, and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line across 24 minutes. He also posted a team-high plus/minus of +8, further validating the trust Mosley has placed in him early this season.</p><p>Da Silva’s effort against Atlanta came just three days after his impressive debut performance in the 125-121 win over Miami, where he scored 16 points in 18 minutes off the bench, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. His back-to-back double-digit outings have quickly made him one of Orlando’s most reliable contributors in the early stages of the season.</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner and Jamahl Mosley commend Tristan da Silva’s growing impact</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tristan-da-Silva-23-shoots-against-Atlanta-Hawks-guard-Keaton-Wallace-2.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Following the loss to Atlanta, star forward Franz Wagner, who led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds, and two assists on 10-of-17 shooting, spoke highly of his <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">young teammate’s confidence and growth</a>.</p><p>“I think he’s playing super confident, very aggressive which I think he’s that type of player and needs to play like that,” Wagner said. “And super happy obviously to see him make steps forward and hopefully he can do it tomorrow.”</p><p>Wagner’s praise carries additional weight, as he and da Silva share experience as teammates on the German national team. The pair helped lead <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/eurobasket-news-dennis-schroder-franz-wagner-lead-germany-final-1st-time-20-years">Germany to a gold medal in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket tournament</a> over the summer — an experience that has visibly translated into da Silva’s improved poise and execution at the NBA level.</p><p>Head coach Jamahl Mosley also addressed da Silva’s performance postgame, noting the value of his presence in the rotation and the momentum he brought during key stretches.</p><p>“There was some thought about it,” Mosley said, when asked about da Silva’s extended run in the second half. “I think that group in there had a little bit of a rhythm and they had worked on some things together. So, I think [you] go back and look at the tape and see exactly what we could have done differently, where we could improve other than the free throws and the turnovers, but what could we have done tactically different.”</p><h2><b>Da Silva’s versatility and hot shooting bolster Magic’s depth early in the season</b></h2><p>Da Silva’s versatility on both ends of the floor has stood out early in the season. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive instincts has allowed Mosley to deploy him in multiple lineups — from small-ball units to more traditional forward pairings. His ability to space the floor has been especially valuable alongside Wagner and Paolo Banchero, giving the Magic an added perimeter threat.</p><p>Through two games, da Silva has averaged 15.5 points while shooting over 55% from the field and 55.6% from three, offering the type of production that strengthens Orlando’s depth. His steady progression from a promising rookie to a confident, assertive contributor is earning him the respect of both his coach and teammates.</p><p>The Magic will aim to bounce back and close out their three-game homestand on a high note when they face the Chicago Bulls (1-0) on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The young Magic forward continuing to earn Franz Wagner, Jamahl Mosley’s praise

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-the-player-who-caught-jamahl-mosley-attention-win-over-heat');   ga('set', 'title', 'The Magic player who caught Jamahl Mosley’s attention in win over Heat');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jamahl-Mosley-looks-on-during-the-first-quarter-against-the-New-Orleans-Pelicans-at-Kia-Center.jpg"><figcaption>© Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>The Magic player who caught Jamahl Mosley’s attention in win over Heat</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T11:11:28-07:00">October 23rd, 11:11am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T11:11:28-07:00">October 23rd, 11:11am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact">Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season with a 125-121 win over the Miami Heat</a> on Tuesday night, head coach Jamahl Mosley made sure to single out one player who stood out in the victory — second-year forward Tristan da Silva.</p><p>Da Silva, coming off an impressive summer with Germany’s national team, provided a spark off the bench in his season debut. The 24-year-old finished with 16 points and a rebound in 18 minutes, shooting 5-for-8 from the field, 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. His efficient scoring and timely plays earned him a plus/minus rating of +11, among the best on the team.</p><p>Mosley praised da Silva’s confidence and composure, <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">pointing to his offseason experience</a> as a catalyst for his early success.</p><p>“Exactly what we need from him throughout the year – being able to come in [and] make timely shots, playing with a high level of confidence,” Mosley said. “I think playing this summer with the national team did wonders for him to know what we need from him to not be afraid when he steps on the floor and play with that type of swagger.”</p><p>Da Silva spent the summer competing with the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/eurobasket-news-germany-accomplishes-feat-not-seen-since-2005">German national team in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket</a> tournament, where <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/eurobasket-news-dennis-schroder-franz-wagner-lead-germany-final-1st-time-20-years">Germany captured the gold medal alongside Magic teammate Franz Wagner</a>. The international experience, Mosley said, helped da Silva further understand how to contribute within a team of talented players and play with greater assertiveness.</p><h2><b>Tristan Da Silva’s growth gives Magic valuable depth and versatility entering new season</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tristan-da-Silva-23-reacts-after-making-a-three-point-basket-against-the-Miami-Heat.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>During his rookie season, da Silva averaged 7.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 33.5% from three across 22 minutes in 74 appearances. His steady improvement and willingness to play within Orlando’s system have made him a reliable rotation piece heading into his sophomore year.</p><p>With the Magic entering the season healthy and deeper than in previous years, da Silva’s development provides Mosley with another versatile option on the wing. His perimeter shooting and ability to space the floor complement the team’s frontcourt led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, giving Orlando flexibility to maintain offensive rhythm even when its stars rest.</p><p>Da Silva’s calm approach and efficiency reflect the qualities Mosley has emphasized across the roster — confidence, poise, and execution. For a Magic team aiming to build on last season’s 41-41 finish, contributions from players like da Silva could be critical in pushing them further up the Eastern Conference standings.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magics-paolo-banchero-desmond-bane-call-jalen-suggs-heart-and-soul-after-return-vs-heat">Magic will look to continue their strong start to the season</a> when they host the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET to continue their three-game homestand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The Magic player who caught Jamahl Mosley’s attention in win over Heat

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magics-paolo-banchero-desmond-bane-call-jalen-suggs-heart-and-soul-after-return-vs-heat');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-reacts-after-a-basket-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-fourth-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T10:42:35-07:00">October 23rd, 10:42am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T10:42:35-07:00">October 23rd, 10:42am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact">Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season on a high note</a> Tuesday night, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/what-we-know-about-terry-rozier-chauncey-billups-fbi-investigations">defeating the Miami Heat 125-121 at the Kia Center</a> in a fast-paced, physical matchup that marked the return of guard Jalen Suggs. Playing in his first game since January, Suggs quickly reminded teammates and fans alike why he’s considered the team’s emotional core.</p><p>Suggs finished with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in just 17 minutes of action. He shot 6-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-3 from three-point range, and recorded a team-best plus/minus of +15. It was his first game since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-provides-updates-jalen-suggs-moritz-wagner-injuries">undergoing arthroscopic surgery</a> in February to remove a cartilage fragment in his left knee — an injury that ended his 2024-25 season prematurely.</p><p>The former All-Defensive Team guard made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor, helping Orlando set the tone early against a veteran Miami squad. His return drew praise from teammates Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, who both described him as the “<a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">heart and soul</a>” of the team.</p><p>“I mean everybody saw it… him starting the game hitting shots,” Banchero said. “Defensively, doing what he does – can’t say enough about what he does for our team and the player he is so it was great having him out there.”</p><h2><b>Desmond Bane calls Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ as Magic’s new core shines vs. Heat</b></h2><p>Bane, who made his Magic debut after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-desmond-bane-no-limits-orlando-after-grizzlies-trade">being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason</a>, echoed that sentiment and spoke about Suggs’ influence during key moments late in the game.</p><p>“He’s a game changer,” Bane said. “I mean he made a big shot on offense, a big steal on defense, charge – as soon as the crowd started getting into it we were in a timeout with like three minutes to go and he was like, ‘come out we get a stop or two and this place is gonna explode and just ride that momentum to the end.’ I tell him all the time, he’s the heart and soul of this thing. Without him we’d still be a good ball club but he’s really the guy that puts us over the top.”</p><p>Bane added that Suggs’ presence provides an energy boost that can’t be replicated.</p><p>“He’s an energizer bunny – every time something happens he’s pumping the crowd up,” Bane said. “He brings that much needed juice for sure.”</p><p>The game showcased the chemistry between the Magic’s newly constructed backcourt and its established core. Alongside Suggs’ efficient night, Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Bane contributed 23 points in his first regular-season game with the team. Franz Wagner matched their production with 24 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 36 minutes, further solidifying Orlando’s balanced attack.</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner praises Bane and Suggs as Magic eye deeper run with healthy roster</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-reacts-with-guard-Desmond-Bane-3-after-a-play-against-the-Miami-Heat.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Wagner pointed out that both Bane and Suggs played pivotal roles in creating momentum late in the game, highlighting a moment that reflected their collective mindset.</p><p>“I just talked about Bane, not just as a player but that play shows his character – he’s a big time scorer but he really wants to win and does that type of play as well,” Wagner said. “And then J Suggs, pretty hard to find someone that I don’t know what it was, eight months off… six for seven, +15, it’s pretty impressive.”</p><p>Suggs’ return adds another dimension to Orlando’s guard rotation, which now features Bane’s outside shooting and veteran leadership alongside Suggs’ defensive intensity and emotional spark. The Magic finished last season 41-41 after a year riddled with injuries to Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner. With a healthy roster and offseason additions, the team has set its sights on making a deeper postseason push.</p><p>The Magic will look to build on their opening-night win when they host the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET as part of their three-game homestand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley rave about Desmond Bane’s impact');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Desmond-Bane-3-looks-on-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-third-quarter-at-Kia-Center.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley rave about Desmond Bane’s impact</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T10:13:14-07:00">October 23rd, 10:13am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T10:13:14-07:00">October 23rd, 10:13am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/what-we-know-about-terry-rozier-chauncey-billups-fbi-investigations"> Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season with a statement win</a> on Tuesday night, defeating the Miami Heat 125-121 at the Kia Center. The debut of veteran guard Desmond Bane stole much of the spotlight, earning immediate praise from star forward Paolo Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley following his first game in a Magic uniform.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-desmond-bane-no-limits-orlando-after-grizzlies-trade">Bane, acquired this offseason from the Memphis Grizzlies</a>, scored 23 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes. He shot 7-for-18 from the field, 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 6-for-6 from the free throw line, playing a key role in helping Orlando close out Miami in a high-scoring contest.</p><p>Banchero, who led the Magic with 24 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block on 7-of-17 shooting, said Bane’s aggressive approach and confidence fit seamlessly into Orlando’s system.</p><p>“He was just being himself and that’s what we’ve asked him to do since the day he got here,” Banchero said. “Just hunt his shots, be aggressive and let it fly. We trust him with the ball in his hands [and] whatever he decides to do with it so I thought he played great.”</p><h2><b>Paolo Banchero and Jamahl Mosley praise Desmond Bane’s leadership</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Desmond-Bane-3-is-guarded-by-Miami-Heat-center-Bam-Adebayo-13-in-the-third-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Mosley <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">echoed that sentiment</a>, emphasizing Bane’s leadership and composure in key moments.</p><p>“Well he brings a calm but he also brings a toughness – his ability to get guys together in huddles,” Mosley said. “You saw him bringing the group together down the stretch, I think it was the 4:30 mark that he brought guys in. Jalen was over there getting the crowd going and Desmond brought everybody in and I think his ability to do that for this group says a lot. And also making the right play, putting the ball in his hands down the stretch – he can handle it, him and Paolo two man game, pick and roll… it’s a luxury to have these guys down the stretch to be able to make big time plays for one another.”</p><p>Bane’s debut performance capped off an all-around offensive showing for Orlando, as Franz Wagner matched Banchero’s 24 points while adding six assists, four rebounds, and two steals on 9-of-17 shooting. Wagner also reflected on Bane’s impact, praising his competitive edge and unselfishness.</p><p>“I just talked about Bane, not just as a player but that play shows his character – he’s a big time scorer but he really wants to win and does that type of play as well,” Wagner said, referencing Bane’s dive for a loose ball late in the game. “Like I said, you don’t know which play is gonna win the game.”</p><h2><b>Balanced scoring trio powers Magic past Heat, highlighting team’s depth and versatility</b></h2><p>The trio of Banchero, Bane, and Wagner combined for 71 points, marking just the second time in franchise history that three Magic players scored 20 or more points in an opening night game. The <a href="https://x.com/Magic_PR/status/1981177684257366450" rel="noopener">only other instance came on Oct. 19, 2022</a>, in Detroit, when Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Wagner each topped 20 points.</p><p>For Mosley, the new scoring balance highlights Orlando’s growing depth and versatility.</p><p>“Those are very good problems,” Mosley said. “I mean, you see down the stretch we’re trying to find a matchup – we go to Paolo and Desmond in the pick and roll when we usually go to Franz and Paolo in the pick and roll. Jalen’s out there, he makes a big play. It says a lot about the guys that are not afraid of the moment and they trust each other enough to make the right play at the right time and they’re all capable of making big time plays and they celebrate each other. And that’s the beauty of this team — our depth, our togetherness, and the focus that we have to continue to work for one another.”</p><h2><b>Banchero says expectations are ‘exciting’ as Magic look to build on opening win</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paolo-Banchero-5-looks-to-shoot-the-ball-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-third-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Banchero, now in his fourth NBA season, said the addition of Bane has elevated both the team’s confidence and expectations.</p><p>“The expectations are exciting, the pressure is exciting,” Banchero said. “It’s a privilege for people to think or have very high expectations for your team and I think we just wanna embrace that here. I wouldn’t say it was our best performance but we were able to still grind out the win and stay together. There was a lot of good as well so… going back to look at what we could work on and taking the good as well and just being better from it. But it was a very good first showing and I think the sky’s the limit for us.”</p><p>Wagner shared a similar perspective, noting that the offseason additions have sharpened the team’s mindset.</p><p>“Obviously with the moves we made this summer, our urgency is at an all-time high,” Wagner said. “A lot of guys that we added not just on the court with their playing style but with their demeanor, their character, I think fits us perfectly with what we needed. And add that to a really talented group that everybody got a lot better over the summer, I’m excited for what we can do.”</p><p>With the Magic’s home opener now behind them, the team will look to build on its early momentum when it hosts the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET to continue their three-game homestand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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Magic News: Get the latest Orlando Magic news, scores, stats, standings, fantasy games, and more from ClutchPoints.

Latest Magic News

Dolphins DC tried to save season with Kobe Bryant analogy

Desmond Bane ejected for spiking ball off Onyeka Okongwu

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