Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) controls the ball from Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) in the third quarter at Kia Center. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
ORLANDO, Fla. –– The Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, 118-106, behind 30-point nights from both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Recap: Wagner, Banchero outduel LeBron, Luka as Magic defeat Lakers
After the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley, Banchero, Wagner and guard Anthony Black met reporters to discuss the result.
Below is a partial transcript and video of each availability.
“I think just adjusting to what they were doing, recognizing some of their coverages, the ability to get downhill and then a big portion of it is we defended without fouling for the most part in that second half. They had 21 free throws in the first half and end up with 28, so I think a better job defending without fouling and it’s pushing the break more as we got the stops.”
“I think he did that the other night in Washington as well – just being aggressive, looking to get downhill. Looking to attack, looking to put pressure on the rim, making the team have to adjust because they were doing a great job of loading up to him and his ability to just get into the gaps and get downhill.”
“I think just continuing to put these things together. We’ve talked about the third (quarter) a ton and we came out in Washington, played well in the third, tonight did the same thing. I think just a level of focus and having the mindset of we have to take care of business, and I think that that’s what these guys did tonight.”
“You can’t say enough about those two. I think their toughness, their resilience, their competitive edge and competitive nature to find a way to get things done. You know, there was a moment in that third we missed a bunch of layups we missed a bunch of easy ‘chippies’ that we could’ve put our heads down, but we stayed attacking and we stayed putting our foot on the gas and I think that’s what it says about those guys. And then their willingness to trust – they find guys when they’re open, the Lakers did a great job of loading up to the basketball when we were trying to find skip passes for the openings for other guys as well.”
“I think he’s going to continue to grow, and I’ve probably said it in here 10 times about when he is aggressive, getting downhill, you saw the transition basket when he pushes on the brake, it’s something great to watch, putting pressure on the defense, stepping into his shots with confidence, but more than anything, his ability to pick up full court, turn guys, because that’s the type of defense we’re going to need from him moving forward.”
“Honestly, I thought our effort all game was pretty solid. You know, [in the] first half, I think they got too many free throws and in the second half, once we kept them in the half court [and] stopped fouling – all game I thought we had great pace on offense. I think that’s where we went on a bigger run and found some really good looks.”
“Obviously, it’s always a big game. It’s a good atmosphere when the Lakers are in town. But more importantly though, the way our season has been, and we haven’t won two-in-a-row in a while, it was a big game for us and like I said, I thought our approach was really, really good. Even when they made runs, I thought that we stayed together. I think obviously, it’s our job to be out here but it’s also fun to be out here. I think the best players always find a way to enjoy the game.”
“Yeah, I think we were just locked in from start to finish. We knew this was going to be a big game for us. Obviously, we knew also that we haven’t won two games in a row in a long time. You know, we said that we have to get this one and [I’m] just happy with everybody’s focus and effort.”
“It doesn’t mean anything. Honestly, that’s what we expect. We just hadn’t done it. We were hungry to do it but that doesn’t matter if we go into Charlotte tomorrow and lay an egg. We’ve got to be locked in, ready to go, and turn it around.”
“Yeah, you know, we can play with anybody, and we know that. We just haven’t been playing up to our standard for a long time and sometimes, you know, a game like this is something that can propel you to start playing better, start playing at a higher level, and so hopefully everyone just realizes we’re a really good team. We just have to have a certain level of focus night in [and] night out. You know, we can’t be relaxed. Tonight, nobody was relaxed. Everybody was locked in on the goal from the very start.”
The Magic take on the Charlotte Hornets Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. ET on the second night of a back-to-back.
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