Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
'Meaningful Basketball': Magic Growing From Postseason Elimination
ORLANDO - Any hope for a postseason berth ended on Tuesday for the Orlando Magic.
And while it was only a matter of time, needing to win-out and for the Chicago Bulls to lose-out, the confirmation clearly stung across the team following the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, for this Magic team who was projected to win just 26 games prior to the season, sitting at 34 wins with three left to go gives confidence across the entire organization for next season.
"I think we put ourselves in position to learn this year and see what it’s like to play against playoff [teams]; meaningful basketball and understanding what it takes to win those games," guard Markelle Fultz said postgame Tuesday. "Again, that’s something that we have to continue to build and continue to work on as we go into the offseason.”
After starting the year 5-20, Orlando proceeded to go 29-25 over its next 54 games to position itself for a Play-In bid - needing until game No. 79 to be officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Over its past 15 games, Orlando posted a 7-8 mark with a +/- of 1.4, with five of those losses decided by six or less points.
“Absolutely. A lot of close games, especially late in the season," center Wendell Carter Jr. said postgame Tuesday. "I think it’s just preparing us for next year ... We have to try and finish out the year strong and do what we’ve got to do. Get ready for next year.”
Now closing out the season with games against the Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, Orlando looks to close out the year with the same mindset it started the season with.
"We’ve competed all year, and I think that’s what these guys are going to continue to do, no matter the circumstances," head coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame Tuesday.
Orlando is back in action on Tuesday against Cleveland. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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