Orlando Magic's success or failure is in how they respond
The Orlando Magic are hoping a homestand can break them out of their funk. Their success or failure depends on how they respond. They found it late to defeat the San Antonio Spurs.
After Wednesday's win against the Sacramento Kings, Paolo Banchero acknowledged he is not quite himself yet. His play has reflected that as he seems to settle for jumpers. His general decision-making has not been as sharp.
Banchero looks like himself in flashes. But the frustration is worn on his face. And the team is struggling as they keep their trust in their star forward. They are riding with Banchero as long as he will take them. They just hope it still gives them a chance to win.
That is part of the league though, grinding through rough patches. It is all about how you respond.
Banchero was struggling again Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He shot only 3 for 11 through the first three quarters. The Magic fell behind by as much as 13 points before a flurry from Franz Wagner brought them to a manageable seven-point deficit.
The Magic needed a response. That is what defines winning teams and what the Magic have struggled with in the last few weeks. Teams that struggle get hit with runs and stay down, the teams that win always fight back.
Orlando fought back, capping off a seven-point comeback in the final 3:36 of the game with a 10-2 run on a Paolo Banchero turnaround fadeaway jumper with 25.3 seconds left. He had his redemption and his answer. The Magic stuck with it and gutted it out for a lead.
They ended it with one last stop as Victor Wembanyama's shot at the buzzer fell no good and the Magic held on for a 112-111 victory.