The Magic Insider

Orlando Magic PF Jonathan Isaac 'Beyond Special,' Says Jamahl Mosley

Jonathan Isaac shined on both ends of the court for the Orlando Magic in the season debut.

Jonah Kubicek

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In the Orlando Magic’s utter dismantling of the Houston Rockets in the season debut, everyone on the roster got their flowers. Anthony Black looked solid, Markelle Fultz was a menace on defense, and Franz Wagner couldn’t miss. However, it was Jonathan Isaac who got the most praise from the coaching staff.

"Jonathan was really good out there," coach Jamahl Mosley said. “I mean, he sets the tone defensively in so many ways and and just finding his comfort level offensively. He does so many little things, you saw the putback dunk that he had offensive rebounds he's getting to a shot when need be. But defensively, he's special. Beyond special."

Isaac only had one block and four rebounds in 14 minutes of play, but his impact was felt. The Rockets were terrified to take the ball to the hoop when he was on the floor. Jabari Smith Jr. will have to wait another game to shed the “bust” labels, as Isaac firmly pinned the bust badge to his chest.

Isaac looks for an open teammate against the Miami Heat.  / © Mike Watters, USA TODAY

Isaac has dealt with injuries all season, and the Magic are taking things slow with him and working him back into the rotation with a degree of caution, but Isaac feels better than he ever has before.

"I've worked extremely hard to get back and just focusing on each day and learning about myself and learn about my mental state and just trusting God through it all," Isaac said. His teammates have noticed. Cole Anthony crowned him the “biggest difference maker” on the team.

The hard work has paid off, as Isaac has made it clear that he owns the paint on both ends of the floor at the Amway Center. He was a perfect 3/3 inside the paint during the win and should be one of the most efficient scorers in the league this season.

Even without the offensive output, his stifling defense has the league on notice moving forward. Orlando won’t be an easy win for anyone. 

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Jonah Kubicek
JONAH KUBICEK

Jonah Kubicek has been writing about the NBA since 2021, covering the Pistons, Jazz, Spurs, Magic, Rockets, and Knicks. As a lifelong Spurs fan living in Michigan, he never misses an opportunity to bring up the 2005 NBA Finals (you should have guarded Horry!). He is a long-suffering Tigers fan and closely follows the NFL, although he never found an affinity for the Lions. Jonah graduated from Oakland University with a degree in History and spends his spare time playing tennis or reading. Follow Jonah on Twitter for updates on Tre Jones and other NBA news.

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