ORLANDO, Fla. — With the Orlando Magic down multiple guards, coach Jamahl Mosley opted to start big for Friday’s 113-93 home victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Bol Bol (7-foot-2) stepped into the starting lineup alongside Terrence Ross (6-foot-6), Pablo Banchero (6-foot-10), Wendell Carter Jr. (6-foot-10) and Franz Wagner (6-foot-10) to give the Magic a starting lineup of five players at least 6-foot-6, including four who are listed as at least 6-foot-10.
With Cole Anthony (right internal oblique muscle injury), Markelle Fultz (fractured left big toe), Gary Harris (left knee injury recovery) and Jalen Suggs (sprained right ankle) sidelined, Banchero, Carter and Wagner carried a heavier playmaking burden.
They took advantage of the opportunity, giving the Magic their first win (1-5).
Banchero finished with a season-high 7 assists to go with 21 points (8-of-14 shooting) and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes. He became the sixth player in NBA history to start his career with six consecutive 20-point games, including Wilt Chamberlain (56), Elvin Hayes (10) and Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins and Oscar Robertson (six).
Carter finished with 15 points (6-of-13), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while Wagner had 13 points (5-of-8) and 4 assists in 23 minutes.
Mo Bamba added 19 points (8-of-12), 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in 17 minutes off the bench. Bol had 11 points and 7 rebounds in his first start of the season and the third of his career since being a second-round pick by Miami in 2019.
Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery) and Moe Wagner (sprained right midfoot) also were sidelined while the Hornets were without LaMelo Ball (sprained left ankle), Cody Martin (sore left quad) and Terry Rozier (sprained right ankle).
“It’s great for these guys,” Mosley said of Banchero and Wagner getting increased playmaking responsibilities. “Teams are understanding we’re down some guards, so they’re picking up full court. It gives these guys great experience understanding how they can handle pressure.”
The Magic’s length and size bothered the Hornets, who shot 37.9% from the field and 28.9 on 3s.
Friday was Steve Clifford’s first game coaching in Orlando since he and the Magic “mutually agreed” to part ways in the summer of 2021.
Clifford rejoined the Hornets (2-3) as the head coach in June, having been there from 2013-18 before guiding the Magic from 2018-21.
He was also an assistant coach in Orlando on Stan Van Gundy’s staff from 2007-12.
Clifford said Mosley has done a “terrific” job as the Magic’s coach, adding that they have a good friendship.
“No. 1 is the energy level you have to have to start from scratch, especially with all younger guys,” Clifford responded when asked pregame about Mosley. “This is a lot different — people talk to me about rebuilding — the two jobs I took over, we were good.
“When I first went to Charlotte, we went from like 21 to [43] wins in the first year. When I came [to Orlando], it was similar. There were veteran players. When you have all younger guys and you’re not all in with the winning, that’s tough stuff when you’re a coach and you play 82 games. His positivity, energy levels and last year — I didn’t get to see them play a ton — they got better and better and that’s difficult to do. They have more talent and a way to play, which is a real tribute to how he’s handled the situation.”
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