The Orlando Magic are in a rut. Everyone feels it. Everyone acknowledges it. Everyone is searching for answers.
There are a lot of rumors and speculation surrounding every team at the trade deadline. But a team that is struggling and falling in the standings especially feels the pressure this time of year. The vibes have not been good.
No one feels that more acutely than the team’s star players. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, even at 22 and 23 years old, are the team’s leaders. The responsibility falls on them to set the tone for the team. And, especially while coming back from major injuries that caused them both to miss more than a month of play, the duo has struggled to provide a consistent drumbeat.
Regardless of what happens at the trade deadline, no trade will change the Magic dramatically more than Banchero and Wagner playing better and setting the tone for the team.
Look no further than their showing in the Magic’s 130-111 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
Banchero set the tone early by attacking the basket, where he went 5 for 6 in the restricted area. He scored 23 points and dished out nine assists. His aggression and his desire to attack the basket set the tone for the rest of the team. He made quick decisions and got downhill.
The Magic had their offense rolling even though they were up by only two at the half.
That is when Franz Wagner took over in the second half.
With the defense surrounding Banchero and swarming him, he found Wagner and got him going. Wagner scored 15 of his 31 points and made four 3-pointers in a 42-point third quarter. Banchero had four assists. And the Magic’s combo of stars took over the game to build as much as a 30-point lead.
Neither had to play in the fourth quarter as the Magic finally found some relief – and some shooting, making 16 of 31 3-pointers for the game and eight in the third quarter alone.
It started with their star players, where it always has to start.
“When your two best players show up like your two best players, you give yourself a chance every single night,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “You could see the level of confidence rising. To me and to us as a group, that was the most important piece. They do hang their hat on the swag of those guys and our ability to have that is very important.”
Banchero and Wagner were the key. They are always the key. Their energy and their intensity set the tone for the entire team. When the Magic win, it is usually because of something that branches out from their play.
Banchero especially has struggled since his return from injury. He said after Wednesday’s game he hopes to use the All-Star Break to rebuild his elite conditioning and get in better shape after missing two months.
Games like this one show how valuable Banchero and Wagner can be. It shows that no matter what the Magic might do at the trade deadline, everything starts with their two stars.
Wednesday’s game was a reminder of the Magic’s potential when they stick to their formula. It is a reminder this team can win at a high level on the backs of their stars alone. And getting them back to playing at that level is a necessary and huge step.
