NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The NBA Play-In game starts on April 16th and the NBA Playoffs begin April 20th. If they started today the Orlando Magic would play the New York Knicks as a 5 seed. Coming out of the All-Star break some wonder if this young team could maintain and finish strong heading into the post season. Winning the games they “should” win the Magic are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are growing more each time they set foot on the floor. With a 23-6 record against teams below .500 which is what winning teams do, and this hasn’t been done by Orlando in a long time. With growing support from the home fans the final 16 games have them at hoe 10 times and the Kia Center will be a big advantage come money time aka the playoffs. The franchise rewarded head coach Jamal Mosley with a contract exstention which was earned and deserved. He has been allowed to get his type of players and input his system something we do not see in todays sports world. This also puts the rest of the league on notice this franchise is moving towards being a serious one and not just a fun story. This all started with Orlando nailing it in the draft, that’s right the draft with BIG mobile wings Franz Wagner and Paolo. Both have grown their games a lot in the last 2 years. Franz can create his own shot, and is good off the screen. Paolo has become a much improved passer and will only improve.
Jalen Suggs has been in and out of the lineup and is a big part of the team with his defense and spark he can bring on the offensive end. I have even heard loud wispers of his name in the Defensive Player of The Year award. Having him ON the floor is a must and even though he has missed a ton of time Markelle Fultz still has that sauce he can bring to any game. Paolo Banchero is still filling the stat sheet and refuses to let a good season end on a sour note. His face and name is making its round on a national stage as well. 6 players averaging in double figures for the season is a sign of a balanced attack. The length of the front court makes them a nightmare on defense for opposing teams.
A match with the New York Knicks would be so much fun the matchups are juicy and who doesn’t love a young teams first steps into the playoffs? With the team already being ahead of where most thought they would be this season is a huge learning learning opportunity. I would not be shocked if they are able to win a series or maybe even TWO. A lot has to happen I know, I know but the parts and vibes are there for it to be a season to remember. This is going to be one of the most competitive NBA playoffs we have seen in a LONG time. Yes, the Denver Nuggets are SICK but they can be beaten the questions are how and by who. We are legit in the home stretch Magic fans and the fun is just getting started the kingdom is being rebuilt and so far the views are lovely.
