Coach Mosley Not Happy With Magic's Turnovers vs. Suns

The Phoenix Suns beat the Orlando Magic in large part to Orlando's inability to take care of the ball.

The Orlando Magic ended 2023 with a 112-107 road loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Magic were led by Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who scored 27 and 28 points respectively, but they were not enough for the Suns’ Big Three of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, who combined for 77 points.

The Magic also lost the turnover battle, 15 to six. Both teams average 14.8 turnovers per game this season, so Phoenix’s ability to keep possession was one of the determining factors in the loss.

Devin Booker (1) sizes up Orlando Magic's Anthony Black (0) / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley commented on the turnover difficulties. 

“The way we started that game we had to battle back and I’m proud of our guys for the way in which we did keep our poise.” Mosley said. “But again, give them credit for how they played. Elite shot makers, tough shot makers. But again, you turn it over 16 times for 18 points, you’re not giving yourself the opportunity to get those shots up.”

The Magic attempted two more shots than Phoenix, but the Suns were much more efficient at making them, so those extra looks that Orlando missed by turning the ball over certainly came back to bite them.

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Orlando went down 37-24 after the first quarter and turned the ball over five times. Overcoming an early double-digit lead definitely made Orlando play with desperation, which only compounded the turnover issue.

Orlando next plays tomorrow against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The Warriors are a turnover-heavy team, so Orlando’s defense should be able to turn the tide and rack up plenty of steals against the former dynasty.