Suggs Shines After Knee Surgery as Magic Navigate Injuries and New Faces
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Jalen Suggs is intent on surpassing his pre-injury form. The third-year guard, returning from last season’s arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, delivered 23 points, seven assists, two steals and two blocks in Thursday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers, pushing the Orlando Magic to 5-1 over their past six games.
“I’m not chasing my former self,” Suggs said. “I’m reaching for who I can be.”
Head coach Jamahl Mosley limited Suggs to 26 minutes because Orlando led comfortably after three quarters. Suggs’ workload has climbed from 16 minutes on opening night to 32 minutes Tuesday against Golden State, with Mosley adjusting game by game depending on how the knee responds.
Paolo Banchero’s Groin Strain Continues
All-Star forward Paolo Banchero missed his fifth straight contest Saturday with a left groin strain. Mosley said earlier in the week that Banchero is progressing, though no return date has been set. “Everybody’s stepping into their role and playing confidently,” forward Franz Wagner noted of the team’s play without its leading scorer.
Da Silva Slides Into Starting Lineup
Second-year forward Tristan Da Silva has started in Banchero’s place, a role he also filled during Banchero’s absence last season. “My coaches and teammates put a lot of trust in me,” Da Silva said. “Being a starter sets the tone for the game.”
Bane Finding His Footing
Shooting guard Desmond Bane, acquired from Memphis in an offseason trade, is beginning to settle after an uneven start, ESPN reported. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman acknowledged Orlando paid “a heavy price” that included a first-round pick the club no longer controls, but said Bane fits the roster and timeline: “We’re not looking at this as one season.”
Coaching Change Mid-Game
Mosley did not coach the second half of Saturday’s game against the New York Knicks because of an illness, the team announced. Assistant coach Joe Prunty handled bench duties after halftime.
Source: Hoops Rumors
