Jamahl Mosley Not Worried About Magic's Matchup vs. Hawks: 'Defense Travels'

The Orlando Magic eyes defense as the key to winning tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Orlando Magic is feeling the groove they found themselves in earlier in the season. After beating the New York Knicks on the road yesterday, the Magic travels to the Peach State to take on Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.

The Magic built success earlier this season, peaking with a nine-game win streak and the second spot in the loaded Eastern Conference. Mostly finding their rhythm on the defensive side of the ball, the Magic have lost it, skidding to an 8-13 record since having their streak snapped.

Orlando Magic forward Joe Ingles (7) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).  / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The win in New York was reminiscent of Orlando’s play in November. Physical, defensive basketball that results in few points for both teams, with Orlando coming out on top. Coach Jamahl Mosley praised the Magic’s intensity down the stretch. “Hold that team (Knicks) to 94 points, guarding the right way down the stretch, protecting the rim, keeping them to 36 points in the paint, and doing it without fouling,” was his response when asked what he liked from that game.

Heading to Atlanta, the Magic will have to stop Trae Young, who lit up the San Antonio Spurs yesterday for 36 points. Mosley isn’t worried, despite the travel and limited rest. “We have to know that defense travels and defense is what we’re going to continue to hang our hat on,” he said.

In New York, the Magic only forced nine turnovers from the Knicks but managed to hold them to 39 percent shooting from the floor. Atlanta runs a fast-paced offense that can be turned inefficient when faced with pressure, so Orlando needs to be patient on the defensive side of the ball and not force turnovers, but instead force bad shots.

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Luckily for Orlando, their defense does travel. They have only a 9-13 record, but their defense has held opponents to a below-average scoring output in their last ten road games. The defense showing up is a given, it’s just a matter of the offense not being totally absent in Atlanta.