Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner admit major flaws after 2 straight losses to Cavs

Paolo Banchero, who led the Magic with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, highlighted the ongoing issues following the game. Franz Wagner also contributed with 18 points and seven rebounds, but his shooting efficiency was lacking, as he made just five of his 17 field goal attempts.

Offensive struggles have plagued the Magic throughout the series, underscored by their 36.2% shooting from the field and even worse, a 25.7% mark from the three-point line. Complicating matters further, the team committed 17 turnovers which the Cavaliers converted into 15 points, hindering any momentum Orlando attempted to build.

Banchero also addressed concerns regarding teammate Jalen Suggs, who sustained a left knee sprain during the game but valiantly returned in the second half. Suggs finished with eight points, six rebounds, and five assists, showing resilience despite the setback.

“Our defense is what we thought it was but it ain’t going to win us a game, we gotta be better on the other end,” Banchero remarked, stressing the need for the Magic to enhance their offensive execution.

Franz Wagner echoed the sentiment about the team’s insufficient scoring, “We’re not scoring enough. I thought we got good looks from three, but yeah only 9 for 35, only 83 points. I think we’re playing good defense but I scored a little bit more.”

Jamahl Mosley and Banchero discuss early deficits and challenges ahead for in Cavs Game 3

The Magic’s head coach, Jamahl Mosley, also reflected on the team’s recurring issue of slow starts, particularly notable in the first quarter of the latest game where they quickly fell into a 12-point deficit as the Cavaliers capitalized, shooting an impressive 57.9% from the field.

“We’ve done a decent job and then they go on a little 6 to 8-0 run. That puts you behind right away and then you’re crawling back from there,” Mosley observed.

On dealing with Jarret Allen’s significant impact, who tallied 16 points, 20 rebounds—including nine offensive—and three blocks, Banchero emphasized the need for a more physical defensive approach.

“I mean we gotta put bodies on him, that’s what we do. He’s been doing it for a long time. He’s elite around the rim, in the paint, rebounding, finishing plays, blocking shots. So, he’s dominating right now. We gotta find a way to neutralize it,” the Magic star shared.

Looking ahead, the Magic are set to host the Cavaliers for Game 3 on Thursday at 7 PM ET at the KIA Center, marking their return to Orlando. Paolo Banchero highlighted the importance of fan support in the upcoming games. “We’re gonna need them. I mean, just seeing how much the fans lift them guys up, being here playing these two games, they feed off it, it helps you make shots, help you make plays, helps you get that extra effort. So, we definitely going to need the fans.”

The Magic hope to leverage their home-court advantage to initiate a turnaround in the series, aiming to correct their flaws and rally back against the Cavaliers.