With the Orlando Magic down multiple guards, coach Jamahl Mosley opted to begin large the staff’s first win, a 113-93 house victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Bol Bol (7-foot-2) stepped into the beginning lineup Friday alongside Terrence Ross (6-foot-6), Pablo Banchero (6-foot-10), Wendell Carter Jr. (6-foot-10) and Franz Wagner (6-foot-10) to provide the Magic a beginning lineup of 5 gamers at the least 6-foot-6, together with 4 who’re listed as at the least 6-foot-10.
With Cole Anthony (proper inside indirect muscle damage), Markelle Fultz (fractured left large toe), Gary Harris (left knee damage restoration) and Jalen Suggs (sprained proper ankle) sidelined, Banchero, Carter and Wagner carried a heavier playmaking burden.
They took benefit of the chance.
Banchero completed with a season-high 7 assists to go together with 21 factors (8-of-14 taking pictures) and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes. He turned the sixth participant in NBA historical past to begin his profession with six consecutive 20-point video games, together with Wilt Chamberlain (56), Elvin Hayes (10) and Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins and Oscar Robertson (six).
Carter completed with 15 factors (6-of-13), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of steals whereas Wagner had 13 factors (5-of-8) and 4 assists in 23 minutes.
Mo Bamba added 19 factors (8-of-12), 6 rebounds and three blocks in 17 minutes off the bench. Bol had 11 factors and seven rebounds in his first begin of the season and the third of his profession since being a second-round choose in 2019.
Jonathan Isaac (left knee damage restoration) and Moe Wagner (sprained proper midfoot) have been additionally sidelined whereas the Hornets have been with out LaMelo Ball (sprained left ankle), Cody Martin (sore left quad) and Terry Rozier (sprained proper ankle).
“It’s great for these guys,” Mosley mentioned of Banchero and Wagner getting elevated playmaking duties. “Teams are understanding we’re down some guards so they’re picking up full court, so it gives these guys great experience understanding how they can handle pressure.”
Friday was Steve Clifford’s first recreation teaching in Orlando since he and the Magic “mutually agreed” to half methods in the summertime of 2021.
Clifford rejoined the Hornets (2-3) as the top coach in June, being there from 2013-18 earlier than guiding the Magic from 2018-21.
He was additionally an assistant coach in Orlando on Stan Van Gundy’s employees from 2007-12.
Clifford mentioned Mosley has performed a “terrific” job because the Magic’s coach, including that they’ve a superb friendship.
“No. 1 is the energy level you have to have to start from scratch, especially with all younger guys,” Clifford responded when requested about Mosley pregame. “This is quite a bit totally different — individuals discuss to me about rebuilding — the 2 jobs I took over, we have been good.
“When I first went to Charlotte, we went from like 21 to [43] wins in the first year. When I came [to Orlando], it was similar. There were veteran players. When you have all younger guys and you’re not all in all the winning, that’s tough stuff when you’re a coach and you play 82 games. His positivity, energy levels and last year —I didn’t get to see them play a ton — they got better and better and that’s difficult to do. They have more talent and a way to play, which is a real tribute to how he’s handled the situation.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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