2023-2024 General Game Thread

[CTMagicUK 1,482]

I have no idea if it's sustainable to play this level of insane defense every single night. But I'm sure going to enjoy it while it lasts. 

But one thing I will say is we're not wearing on our guys too much yet. Paolo is our total minutes leader and he's 46th in the league in MPG. Franz is just behind him and he's 54th in the league in MPG. There's no other Magic player in the top 100. 

Even if you look by total minutes, since they've played and started all 14 games Paolo and Franz are at 28 and 32 respectively and then no other Magic player is in the top 100. 

Sure some of that is down to injuries (i.e. Wendell and Fultz would probably be up there with Franz and Paolo if they had played all 14) but some of it is is that we're blowing teams away and getting rest in the 4th quarter and some of it is that we're generally a deep squad. 

One of the great things about last night's win was Suggs played 21mins, Isaac played 12, we're going to need both of those guys to contribute defensively tonight so it's nice we didn't have to push their minutes up to close out this game. 

 

[OnlyFranz 292]

Great team win last night! I especially loved the intensity they showed on the defensive end. Goga is a real threat in the paint the way he alters and blocks shots. He’s also a very good rebounder and stays within himself on the offensive end. As much as I love WCJ I’d seriously consider entertaining trades for him if it gets us a good return. Like others have mentioned it’s going to be hard finding minutes for Goga when WCJ comes back and I feel like he’s earned minutes in this rotation. Like it was also pointed out WCJ spends too much time in the perimeter shooting 3’s which takes him out of the paint and limits our offensive rebounding chances. This is something we’ve really been exploiting against other teams ever since Goga was inserted in the starting 5. Just some things I’ve been thinking about and am interested in seeing how it all plays out when WCJ returns. 

[hootie249 293]

Just gonna say great win. Too busy today but i think i'm going to try to get league pass through the Fanduel promo. I have to watch the replays when they are playing this well!

[TrueMagicFan07 674]

6 hours ago, MagicMan1979 said:

No way you get a down vote.  You even gave Cole love!  Lol

To my surprise, Cole was outstanding last night, and he didn't try to do too much. You have to give credit where credit is due. :)

[CTMagicUK 1,482]

I'm very much not in the "trade WCJ" camp after 9 games without him. 

But if Goga plays great defense tonight against the best player in the world it might become a bigger conversation. 

[Albert Lergier 99]

5 minutes ago, CTMagicUK said:

I'm very much not in the "trade WCJ" camp after 9 games without him. 

But if Goga plays great defense tonight against the best player in the world it might become a bigger conversation. 

I think Goga has watched a lot of Jokic film.....reason why his assists are way up there.

He is an unselfish / team player too, which is a big positive of his game. He should play well tonight. GO MAGIC.

WCJ is a role player in this team....has been, is and will be.

Too early but I think with next year's pick the FO is adding a C for after WCJ contract expires after 2 years.

CT, I think next draft has a few C's......if possible, one day, gives us an assessment of what you see. Thanks.

[Albert Lergier 99]

Markelle is out tonight for 7th straight game. Has played in 5 of 14 games. Poor knee. Get better Kelle !!!

[MagicMan1979 105]

3 hours ago, TrueMagicFan07 said:

To my surprise, Cole was outstanding last night, and he didn't try to do too much. You have to give credit where credit is due. :)

Absolutely. I was a Cole hater most of his time here like you.  He seemed to think he was a star for awhile.  Now that he took that team friendly contract and realizes he is a bench scorer I’ve been more of a fan. Though like we all know he still takes 1-2 shots a game that make you want to pull your hair out lol

 

I love this teams chemistry this year. everyone gets along and is pulling for the next guy.  Go Magic!

 

[TrueMagicFan07 674]

1 hour ago, MagicMan1979 said:

Absolutely. I was a Cole hater most of his time here like you.  He seemed to think he was a star for awhile.  Now that he took that team friendly contract and realizes he is a bench scorer I’ve been more of a fan. Though like we all know he still takes 1-2 shots a game that make you want to pull your hair out lol

 

I love this teams chemistry this year. everyone gets along and is pulling for the next guy.  Go Magic!

 

 

Oh, I agree. On a game to game basis, you never know which Cole you are going to get.  :)

[ball junkie 277]

So the dreaded Paolo Franz lineup reared its ugly head …told my son when we switch the lineup my gut tells me we’ll make a run …awesome crowd 

[MagicMan1979 105]

2 minutes ago, ball junkie said:

So the dreaded Paolo Franz lineup reared its ugly head …told my son when we switch the lineup my gut tells me we’ll make a run …awesome crowd 

What a great game to be at. Have fun!

[ball junkie 277]

My son just brought to my attention Ingles has 6 assists already