Jamahl Mosley 'Extremely Proud' as Orlando Magic Adopts 'Next Man Up' Mentality

The Orlando Magic is winning its way through the Eastern Conference with depth and the right attitude.
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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.
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley looks on during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

"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.

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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.


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.