Jalen Suggs Comments on Magic's Early Season Challenges
The Orlando Magic have struggled at the start of the season, but Jalen Suggs and the team remain optimistic. After beginning with a 1-4 record and several tough losses, the Magic have rebounded with two consecutive wins heading into their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite expectations to be one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference, the Magic's performance has been underwhelming. Newly acquired guard Desmond Bane has been a notable disappointment, averaging 14.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have emerged as the leading scorers for the team.
Suggs admits he has not been at his peak this season but remains confident about the team's progress.
“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, as quoted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel
Defensive and Offensive Improvements
The Magic's struggles were clear in their first five games, allowing an average of 122.6 points per game. Opposing teams shot 48.6% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range during that span. Offensively, Orlando averaged 114.0 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46.7% and only 31.2% from beyond the arc.
However, defensive adjustments have led to improvements in the last two games, with opponents scoring just 100.7 points per game.
Author's summary: Despite a rocky start, the Orlando Magic show signs of growth and resilience, with key players stepping up and coach-led changes improving their defense.