Jalen Suggs Demonstrates Playoff-Level Defense in Magic's Win Over Pistons

Jalen Suggs is laying the foundation for the Orlando Magic's playoff defense.

The Orlando Magic completed its three-game home stand, winning all three games. The final victory came up against the lowly Detroit Pistons, who have been struggling all season.

It was the final game Orlando will play against Detroit this season, and the Magic swept the season series, 4-0. It was the first time all season that the Magic held Cade Cunningham to fewer than 15 points, as he finished with only nine. 

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In fact, it was only the fifth time all season that the former first-overall pick was held to single-digit points.

Cunningham went four-for-12 from the field, thanks to stifling defense from Jalen Suggs. The Pistons' star was unable to fire off quality shots, and Suggs got his credit for his continued excellence on the defensive side of the ball.

"I think Jalen [Suggs] started that," coach Jamahl Mosley said. "He's the head of the snake for us. When he is locked in defensively, which he has been, it's hard to score on him."

The Magic entered the game with one plan in mind: stop Cunningham. The Pistons' offense is not very good this season, and Cunningham is the only consistent weapon, so slowing him down was the key to Orlando's success. 

"We wanted to get the ball out of his hands, make it tough on him," continued Mosley. "But I'm going to keep going back to the game plan that our coaches put in place. I think they do such a tremendous job of getting these guys prepared."

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While the Pistons are not a playoff team, Suggs' continued defensive efforts against one of the better players in the league bodes well for Orlando's playoff hopes. When the Magic make the playoffs and eventually face off against Jaylen Brown, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, or Jalen Brunson, having an elite on-ball defender will be key for Orlando's success.