Jamahl Mosley 'Extremely Proud' as Orlando Magic Adopts 'Next Man Up' Mentality
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is no stranger to the injury bug, and that was apparent in Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons.
The team was down three starters in Markelle Fultz (knee), Jalen Suggs (ankle) and Wendell Carter Jr. (foot), along with top reserve Jonathan Isaac (ankle). However, the Magic was still able to pull out a 34-point win thanks to the team's depth and energy.
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center.
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"It's next man up mentality and these guys get that and understand that if somebody's out," coach Jamahl Mosley said. "The next man has to step up to play the right way with that same amount of energy and we got to find it from different people. You challenge guys and they took that challenge on and I'm extremely proud of the way in which these guys played for each other. They competed all night long and they had a sense of joy while doing it."
The Magic has played most of the season without Fultz and Carter Jr., who have both been out for a month. Yet, Orlando still remains towards the top of the Eastern Conference because it has adopted this mindset of staying ready when the number is called.
On Saturday night, it was Gary Harris who entered the starting lineup away from his usual reserve role. Chuma Okeke and Caleb Houstan also saw extended minutes and delivered on both ends of the floor.
If the Magic can continue to execute at this level, it won't matter who is out there as long as the team sticks to its principles.
The Magic is back in action on Monday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
