The Magic‘s role players need to be way better to challenge Boston in their first-round series, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner carried the offense in Orlando’s Game 1 loss, while their teammates had a combined 27 points on 10-of-30 shooting.
“They’ve got a lot on their shoulders as the offensive scorers on the team,” big man Jonathan Isaac said. “We’ve got to do a better job as role players.”
Cole Anthony believes a quicker pace would help the cause.
“We did a great job in the first half pushing the pace and crashing that glass,” he said. “The second half, we kind of got away from it as a team. So, I think if we can maintain that pace for 48 (minutes), we’ll have a chance.”
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Following their Game 1 loss to top seed Cleveland, the Heat realize they’re not going to win the series on talent. Instead, they’ll have to rely on grit and determination. “We got to be the hardest playing team,” Heat guard Davion Mitchell told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “They’re a really good and talented team. They can score the ball with the best of them, so we got to be the hardest playing team. That’s what we got to do.”
- Terry Rozier is out of the Heat‘s rotation but he still wound up on the injury report for Wednesday’s Game 2. Rozier suffered a left ankle sprain during an optional workout, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel tweets.
- Brandon Miller is the only Hornets player close to untouchable status, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith opines in his offseason preview. Charlotte should try once again to seek a trade for Mark Williams and even consider moving LaMelo Ball if the right offer comes along, Smith suggests, adding that getting assets, even minor ones, for some of their other regulars to free up time for developmental players should also be a part of the team’s offseason approach.
KCP jawing at Horford ‘your with us’ and smack talking anyone in ear shot after committing the foul on Tatum was the beginning of the end game 1.
I didn’t check the game as I was sadly forced into a family Easter event, but the beginning of the end occurred before game 1. All of the 1-8 and 2-7 games are complete mismatches other than GS-Houston. Zero drama.
Been there. Helen used to drag me to all these obscure orthodox holidays. How many times can you celebrate Easter? We definitely argued a lot.
It’s brutal. These people have no priorities.
Basketball > Family
Also
Bourbon > Ham
Oh, I just say No, not happening. Nothing during playoff game time anyways. If you want to do something after that, sure. The extended family has dinner together once a fortnight. Not like I don’t see them. Mrs ‘Don’t you want to see your family?’ Me ‘No, seen them last week, the Celtics are playing’. Done.
Seen an interesting trade proposal on Bleacher Report for the Heat going for Kevin Durant.
In their suggestion it was KD for Ware, Rozier, Robinson and 2 first.
I think that’s pretty light for the Suns.
I think a deal of Wiggins, Rozier, Ware and 2 firsts makes more sense for both sides.
Heat keep Daivon, pair him with Herro, KD and Jovic with Bam at centre. Robinson stays on the bench and goes nicely with Jacquez.
Herro KD Bam that’s a great trio
For the Suns, Rozier could potentially be a good sixth man guy behind Jones. Wiggins slots in nicely beside Booker if they want to stay competitive. Ware would be a good centre for them and would well in combination with Richards.
You could then try send Beal away using the 2 firsts and give yourself a complete reset and stay a good side. Target a guy like Randle/Markeneen for that PF spot and Booker Co star and let Wighims be that 3rd option.
Why don’t they try to build around Miller, Williams and Ball? Seems like three productive young players with room to grow. What’s their drawback as a base to build around?