It looked like trouble was coming for the Orlando Magic after losing Paolo Banchero to an oblique injury that was expected to keep him out until around Christmas. Those concerns were seemingly confirmed when Orlando lost its next four games without its star.
However, the Magic have lived up to their name since then. Orlando has won six straight and 12 of its last 13 after a 100-92 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
Franz Wagner scored 20 points (made 12 of 14 free throws) with nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks to lead the Magic. Sunday’s game was the 17th this season in which Wagner scored 20 or more points. That’s tied for the third-highest total in the NBA this season. according to StatMuse.
Wagner has been Orlando’s leading scorer 11 times during this 13-game span, averaging 26.6 points per game. For the season, Wagner is averaging 23.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and a career-high 1.9 steals.
After losing four in a row following Banchero’s injury, the Magic were 3-6. Orlando is now 15-7 and in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks. The team is also first in the Southeast Division, 3.5 games ahead of the Miami Heat.
The schedule has been kind to the Magic during this 13-game stretch with opponents including the Nets, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls. They are beating the teams they are supposed to beat. However, the competition has not been entirely easy. Orlando has also defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
The Magic also went 3-0 during NBA Cup pool play, tying them with the New York Knicks atop Group A of the East. The winner of that group will be determined Tuesday when Orlando visits Madison Square Garden.
With the biggest game of the season ahead, a disappointment against the Nets on Sunday seemed like a valid concern. But coach Jamaal Mosley reminded his players to stay focused.
“Focus on tonight’s game,” Mosley said. Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “There’s no other way to say it.”
The Nets are now out of the way and the Magic can turn their focus toward what would be a marquee victory on Tuesday. A win over the Knicks (11-8) could be a springboard to a Dec. 19 showdown against the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (15-4).