The Orlando Magic appeared to be in for a game after losing Paolo Banchero to an oblique injury that would keep him out until Christmas. Those fears were seemingly borne out as Orlando lost the next four games without its star.
However, the Magic have lived up to their name ever since. Orlando has won six straight and 12 of its last 13 after Sunday’s 100-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Franz Wagner scored 20 points (12 of 14 free throws) with nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks to lead the Magic. Sunday’s game was the 17th this season in which Wagner scored 20 or more points. That’s the third-highest total in the NBA this season. according to StatMuse.
Wagner was Orlando’s leading scorer 11 times during those 13 games, averaging 26.6 points per contest. Wagner is averaging a career-high 23.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.9 steals this season.
After four straight losses following Bancher’s injury, the Magic were 3–6. Orlando is now 15–7 and in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks. The team is also first in the Southeast Division, 3.5 games ahead of the Miami Heat.
The schedule has been kind to the Magic during that 13-game stretch with opponents including the Nets, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. They beat teams they should beat. However, the competition was not easy. Orlando also beat the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
The Magic also went 3-0 during NBA Cup group play, tying the New York Knicks atop East Group A. The winner of that group will be decided on Tuesday when Orlando visits Madison Square Garden.
Heading into their biggest game of the season, Sunday’s letdown against the Nets seemed like a valid concern. But head coach Jamaal Mosley reminded his players to stay locked in.
“Focus on tonight’s game,” Mosley told Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “There’s no other way to say it.”
Now that the Nets are out of the way, the Magic can turn their focus toward a win on Tuesday. A win over the Knicks (11–8) could be a springboard for a Dec. 19 matchup with the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (15–4).