Amidst the clash at the United Center, the Orlando Magic received auspicious tidings on player availability before their 96-94 triumph over the Bulls on Wednesday.
Gary Harris, the seasoned marksman, had been absent for the preceding quintet of games, nursing a right groin strain. However, his return added vigor to the Magic’s roster.
In a span of 21 minutes, Harris contributed 6 points and swiped 2 steals, playing a pivotal role in the Magic’s victory, culminating in Paolo Banchero’s 7-foot jump shot in the waning seconds.
Banchero, with a commendable 17 points, led the team, exemplifying the depth of Orlando’s scoring prowess, with five players breaching double digits.
Coach Jamahl Mosley extolled Harris for endowing the team with the steadiness of a seasoned campaigner, steadfast defense, and pinpoint shooting accuracy when gracing the court.
“He delivers the defensive prowess essential for our bench, a contribution imperative to our team,” Mosley affirmed. “On the other side, he offers shooting [with] his adeptness to space the floor and locate open pockets to release his shot.”
Before succumbing to his injury in the initial five games of the season, Harris boasted averages of 8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 17.8 minutes. His 50% accuracy from the 3-point range, a stark contrast to the team’s average of 33%, underscored his proficiency.
Anticipating Harris’s return, Mosley strategically managed his playing time against the Bulls, demonstrating prudence in easing him back onto the court.
During Harris’s absence, the Magic leaned on another seasoned player in the roster to furnish stability within the second unit.
In the encounter with the Nets on Tuesday, the recent addition, Joe Ingles, showcased his prowess with a season-best 11 points. His flawless performance from beyond the arc, connecting on all three attempts, complemented by a 2-point basket, affirmed his impact.
Although Ingles has taken longer than anticipated to find his shooting rhythm with the Magic, his contributions transcend mere long-range accuracy.
Ingles, a career 40% 3-point shooter, currently operating at 33%, provides counsel to younger teammates like rookie Anthony Black and asserts his opinions candidly among his peers.
“Commenting on Ingles after the team’s 20-point loss in Brooklyn, Mosley praised his ability to sink baskets, stating, ‘He has a knack for knocking down shots, orchestrating the floor, and ensuring teammates are in optimal positions for the right plays.
“In addition to his leadership in the locker room, Ingles contributes a sense of calm on the court. Witnessing his successful shots was an encouraging indicator as we progress further.”
Despite Harris’s return, the regular starting point guard, Markelle Fultz, sidelined by left knee tendinitis, missed his third consecutive game and the sixth in total for the season.
Mosley elucidated pregame on Wednesday that Fultz remains under observation, emphasizing the team’s vigilant monitoring of his condition.
The Magic’s sojourn in Chicago extends as they prepare to face the Bulls once more on Friday in their second group-play fixture of the In-Season Tournament (Bally Sports Florida, 8).