respect @celtics 🤝 pic.twitter.com/YgSigDL2ZK
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 23, 2022
HOPE IN DEFEAT
Terrance Ross, and the Orlando Magic, nearly upset the reigning Eastern Conference Champions in their home opener. Unfortunately, the visiting Boston Celtics escaped a raucous Amway Center, 126-120.
Playing for their hometown for the first time this season, Orlando’s young talented group (still without many key pieces on the floor) would seize the lead from the Celtics several times. After that, Boston’s elite frontcourt would calmly snatch back control. A frustrating effect of being one of the youngest teams in the league, but an exciting prospect for those of us who root for this franchise’s success.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Yes, when it comes to this team, I believe in magic.
For 240 minutes, this young squad gave Jayson Tatum and the reigning Eastern Conference Champions everything they could handle. When this season began, every question about this team’s potential revolved around youthful inexperience, and being able to overcome the adversity that comes with it.
That said, plenty of other teams would not have had the game tied at halftime, or have had the opportunity to pull the upset in the closing minutes, against the Eastern Conference’s best.
WATCH: Paolo draws the foul
– Clip by Ryan Rivera, Sports Club Florida
GROWING PAINS
“Less room for error”
In the post-game conference, Paolo Banchero received an excellent question from the legendary Mellissa Thomas of Florida National News. Citing his near-seamless transition from the college game to the pros, she asked the young star to describe the difference between playing at the high-level in college, versus his young professional career.
In his remarks, Paolo alluded to the “the little things”, echoing the message of his coach.
This theme can applied to the entire team. Momentum crushing miscues, late-game mistakes and untimely fouls on free-throw shooters who don’t miss, have been the deciding factor in the three heart-breaking loses for Orlando’s team.
Orlando Magic face the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 7 pm ET.
THE CONVERSATION.