The Orlando Magic just kicked off the season with a bang, and boy, did they make a statement!
Magic’s Main Man: Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero, the Magic’s shining star, lit up the court in their opening game against the Miami Heat. With a final score of 116-97, Orlando didn’t just winโthey dominated. Banchero put on a show worthy of an MVP nod, dropping 33 points and snagging 11 boards. His +42 player differential? That’s just insane. And let’s not forget his defensive chopsโhe held his own, allowing just six points. Only Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier managed to slip past him. At 6’10” and 250 pounds, this guy’s got the build and the skills to be a defensive nightmare. It’s no wonder the Magic snagged him as their top pick in the 2022 Draft. If this game is a sneak peek of what’s to come, the rest of the East better watch out. Could the Magic climb to a top-three seed? I’m thinking it’s a real possibility.
Wagner and Harris: The Dynamic Duo
But hold up, Banchero wasn’t flying solo out there. Franz Wagner was on fire, racking up 23 points with a sizzling 62.5% shooting rate. He was a sniper from downtown, hitting three of six from beyond the arc. And let’s talk about Gary Harris for a sec. The vet turned back the clock to his Denver days, chipping in 18 points off the bench and swatting away two shots. His three-point shooting? A cool 66.7%. Plus, he was a defensive wall, allowing only four points. In my opinion, Harris is the kind of experienced player who can really anchor a young team like Orlando.
Suggs Stepping Up
Jalen Suggs also deserves a shoutout. He was crucial in this victory, posting a +18 player differential, 11 points, and four assists. The Magic looked like a well-oiled machine, and if they keep this up, the Eastern Conference landscape might just get a shake-up. Don’t snooze on these guysโthey’re coming in hot.
So, what do you think? Are the Magic for real this year, or is it too early to call them contenders?
