Magic Pulling Off Historic Comebacks, Not Allowing Injuries Or Obstacles To Stand In Way

December 24, 2024

What a week for the Orlando Magic. In case you missed it, the Magic pulled off one of the wildest comebacks in NBA history on Saturday, storming back from a 22-point deficit to stun the Miami Heat.

With top scorers Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs all sidelined, and backup guard Gary Harris also out with a hamstring issue, Orlando looked like a team playing with a skeleton crew. But this Magic squad refuses to be counted out.

The odds were stacked against them. Moritz Wagner, their fourth-leading scorer, suffered a devastating torn ACL in the first quarter.

Big man Wendell Carter got ejected early in the second. But the Magic, against all odds, fought back. They outscored the Heat 37-8 in the fourth quarter, completing one of the biggest comebacks the NBA has ever seen. No, this isn’t a typo – 37-8 in the final frame. It was a statement game for this resilient team.

And who was the biggest catalyst for that improbable rally? Backup guard Cole Anthony, who had been struggling for much of the season.

Anthony, averaging a career-low 11.7 minutes per game coming into the contest, erupted for 35 points (27 in the second half), 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. He completely took over, and Orlando outscored Miami by 17 points in his 28 minutes on the floor.

After the game, an emotional Anthony expressed how much this win meant to him, knowing he’d been underperforming but still being embraced by his teammates.

“You don’t get this many good people in one organization,” said Anthony, nearly moved to tears. “I’m just blessed to be a part of this.”

And just when you thought Orlando might’ve used up all their magic, they did it again on Monday. The Magic followed up their epic win over the Heat with another gritty comeback against the defending champion Celtics.

It was the first time Orlando had secured consecutive comebacks of at least 15 points since 2014. Trevelin Queen, who had been a spark off the bench against Miami, started against the Celtics and dropped 17 points.

Meanwhile, rookie Tristan Da Silva, showing why he was a first-round pick, led the way with 18 points, including a clutch three to ice the game. Carter, moving to the bench to adjust for the loss of Moe Wagner, gave the Magic more size in the paint.

But let’s talk about Moe Wagner for a moment. The guy was having a career year and could’ve very well been in the running for NBA Sixth Man of the Year, bringing energy and toughness that this team desperately needs.

To watch him go down with that knee injury was gut-wrenching, and you could see the emotional toll it took on his teammates, especially head coach Jamahl Mosley.

“That’s part of what I try to ask our guys to do in those moments, but the reality is we’re all human beings,” Mosley said, choking up after the game. “It broke me a little bit.”

Through all of this, though, the Magic continue to show just how tight-knit this group is. Wagner may be out for the season, but the support from the organization has been overwhelming, and that bond has been a driving force behind these improbable victories.

And as for Banchero, who’s been sidelined since October with a torn oblique? He’s slowly progressing, doing some light shooting and ball-handling. Suggs can’t wait to have the 22-year-old back on the court.

“Just having his presence back amongst us is going to be amazing,” Suggs said, per Jason Beede of the Orlandio Sentinel. “He’s used his voice throughout the time he’s been out. I know it’s been hard for him. It always is when you’re not playing to speak up at times and things like that. But to see how mentally locked in he’s been throughout this process, it’s been really cool.”

His voice, his leadership — the Magic will be glad to have him when he’s fully healthy.

Orlando may be missing key players, but this team is proving that heart and unity can take you a long way. They’ve earned their spot in the NBA’s spotlight, and you’d be foolish to underestimate them moving forward.