Jalen Suggs Addresses Magic's Early Season Challenges
The Orlando Magic have struggled at the start of the season, beginning with a 1-4 record that included several tough losses. Despite this, Jalen Suggs and his teammates remain optimistic.
Season Start and Recent Improvement
Orlando was expected to be a strong contender in the Eastern Conference but has yet to show that on the court. After a rocky start, the Magic have bounced back with two consecutive wins heading into their road game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Player Performances
- Desmond Bane, a key new addition, has been underperforming with an average of 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
- Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have stepped up as the team's top scorers.
- Jalen Suggs, while not at peak form, remains confident about the team's progress.
Suggs' Perspective
“It’s coming along pretty well. It’s so easy to look at these things and call them ‘big, glaring problems,’ and then you forget that there’s 70-plus games left…” – Jalen Suggs, via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel
Team Adjustments and Statistics
The Magic have made noticeable changes in practice reflected in their recent play. Initially, they allowed 122.6 points per game, with opponents shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. Offensively, Orlando averaged 114.0 points per game with 46.7% shooting and 31.2% from beyond the arc.
In the last two wins, the team improved defensively, allowing only 100.7 points per game.