As Orlando take the win in a competitive game there was a lot to be satisfied with. A pretty solid performance from all the guys in our opening preseason game.
KEEP A LEVEL HEAD
Not to get carried away by either the result or performance as we said yesterday in our game preview the process was more important than the result. Even so it was nice to see Orlando take the win.
We should also remember that the Hawks had not played a game since March. They were also integrating a whole host of new players to their squad.
That being said I think the Magic got as much out of the game as they could have hoped for.
We came away with no new injury concerns, improved game conditioning, plus got solid performances on both an individual and team basis.
A NIGHT OF DEBUTS
Cole Anthony played 20 minutes in his debut, scoring 7 points and making 3 assists. He also had 3 turnovers and was unhappy at his performance. It is only 3 weeks since being drafted so for me it was an ok start.
Chuma Okeke made his debut in the 3rd quarter, having a “welcome to the league” moment in immediately being up against veteran Danilo Gallinari. In his 14 minutes of play Okeke scored 9 points, took 3 rebounds, had an assist and made a block.
There were also debuts from Karim Mane, Jordan Bone, Robert Franks, Devin Cannady and Jon Teske as Coach Clifford took a look at his rookies, two-way and 10 day contract players.
THE MAGIC STARTERS
The final debutant I haven’t yet mentioned was Dwayne Bacon playing 22 minutes with the starting unit. He had an impressive debut shooting 6 of 9 he made 14 points, whilst also contributing with an assist and 2 steals.
That starting 5 were superb for Orlando. Nikola Vucevic led the team with his customary double-double (18 points and 11 rebounds). Evan Fournier had 13 points.
Aaron Gordon returned from the calf injury that caused him to miss the playoffs. Giving us a couple of big dunks in his 16 minutes of play AG looked good with 12 points, 3 rebounds and a valuable 6 assists.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Across our recent episodes of Penny For Your Thoughts we have spoken in some detail about this season’s Magic squad, plus we took a look at Atlanta and a whole host more!
All episodes of the podcast is now available on the following platforms:
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WE GO AGAIN
Up next is a second game against the Hawks, again in Atlanta on Sunday. The tip time is 10pm for us U.K. fans and again only available to watch via an active NBA League Pass subscription.
