Purdue point guard Braden Smith scored 21 of his 29 points in the second half to lead the top-ranked Boilermakers over Alabama in a top-10 showdown.
How to watch Maryland vs. Marquette: TV, live stream info, storylines for Saturday’s game
The Big Ten meets the Big East in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jonathan Kuminga ruled out for Warriors vs. Spurs with bilateral knee tendonitis
Jonathan Kuminga ruled out for Warriors vs. Spurs with bilateral knee tendonitis originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After missing the second half of Wednesday’s game, Jonathan Kuminga has been ruled out of the Warriors’ second consecutive game against the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday at Frost Bank Center.
Kuminga is dealing with bilateral patellar (knee) tendonitis, and while he could miss some time, the Warriors aren’t worried about it being a structural issue.
The 23-year-old forward isn’t expected to miss an extended period of time, but the Warriors want to be cautious with their young wing who’s been dealing with some recent soreness in his knees.
Golden State is in the midst of a six-game road trip, which it’s gone 1-1 so far.
After San Antonio, the Warriors will face the New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic and then close out the road trip in Miami against the Heat.
In 13 games (12 starts) this season, Kuminga is averaging 13.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting, with 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.7 minutes.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr experimented with a new starting lineup in Wednesday’s win that moved Kuminga to the bench after he had started the previous dozen contests.
Kuminga played just 12 minutes and went scoreless before being pulled for good at the half.
How to watch Clemson vs. Georgetown: TV, live stream info, storylines for Saturday’s game
It's a matchup of two 3-0 teams in Washington, D.C.
13 for 13, Part 2: Assessing key Celtics role players through 13 games
13 for 13, Part 2: Assessing key Celtics role players through 13 games originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Editor’s Note: In a three-part series, Chris Forsberg is sharing 13 thoughts on the 13 Celtics players who have played in the team’s first 13 games. Part 1 focused on the “core four.” Next up: four of the team’s top role players.
One of the more encouraging developments through the early part of the 2025-26 season has been the contributions of role players for these new-look Boston Celtics.
After the team’s offseason roster overhaul, it was fair to wonder who was ready to step into elevated roles. The Celtics confidently rolled 10 deep in recent seasons, but beyond the returnees who contributed to the 2024 championship run, it was fair to wonder who amongst a motley crew of recent draftees and offseason signings would be able to fill the clear voids of the veterans who departed.
While some of Boston’s younger players are still on a quest for individual consistency, the bench has given the Celtics steady output to start the season. The Celtics rank 11th in the NBA in bench scoring (38.1 points per game) but are getting a league-best 6.8 bench 3-pointers per game, while the reserve group has often provided energy and grit.
For Part 2 of our “13 for 13” series, we’re putting the spotlight on some of the team’s top role players.
Jordan Walsh
One number: +23.6
That is Walsh’s net rating this season. For context, here are the NBA’s net rating leaders (minimum of 15.0 minutes per game and nine games played):
- Alex Caruso, Thunder: +29.1
- Jordan Walsh, Celtics: +23.6
- Chet Holmgren, Thunder: +22.6
- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets: +21.0
Essentially, Walsh is lingering among key members of a championship team that’s now on pace to challenge the 2016 Warriors’ 73-win season, as well as a three-time MVP. That’s solid company.
One thought
Entering November, Walsh had logged three DNPs and played fewer than six total minutes in his three appearances. Now he’s starting games and setting a tone for Boston with his willingness to defend the best offensive player on the opposing team regardless of what position they play.
Life comes at you fast in the NBA.
We don’t want to overreact to a five-game sample, but Walsh has clearly put together the best week of his NBA career and given hope that he can be a true contributor as these Celtics shape their next title-chasing team. He’s shooting the 3-pointer with confidence (43.8 percent beyond the arc on 1.8 attempts per game) and his ability to guard all shapes and sizes — from Tyrese Maxey to Paolo Banchero — has won him the confidence of Mazzulla.
Walsh needs to keep his foot on the accelerator, but it sure feels like he’s the sort of wing who can take a whole bunch of stress off Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, at least on the defensive end. His rebounding has been vital since his minutes spiked.
Josh Minott
One number: 5.0
That’s Minott’s foul percentage this season, which ranks in the highest fifth of the league, per Cleaning the Glass data. His propensity to pick up early fouls has hindered his ability to lock down the starting role that he elevated to early in the season.
One thought
The Lawn Mower’s ability to impact the game with his energy is undeniable. When the Celtics were getting battered on the glass to start the season, he injected some much-needed height and athleticism into Boston’s starting frontcourt. His offense emerged, too, as he started knocking down above-the-break 3s and finishing loud alley-oops in transition.
But the 22-year-old Minott is still searching for consistency — and the coaching staff seems to be imploring him to play without fouling. Minott has all the physical abilities to be a consistent presence for this team, and being laser-focused will ensure he stays on the floor.
Hugo Gonzalez
One number: 8
That’s the number of All-Stars the Celtics have had Gonzalez defend in his first 171 minutes of floor NBA time. From long stretches against Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey; to shorter stints jousting with Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, Donovan Mitchell and Alperen Sengun; the Celtics have put Gonzalez to the test early and often.
He’s held up well, limiting his opponents to 44.7 percent shooting, or 1.2 percent below expected output. Gonzalez generates steals on 3.6 percent of defensive possessions, which ranks in the 100th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass data.
One thought
Gonzalez does not look like a teenager on the floor. He confidently hounds opposing players and even displays a little bit of a swagger, particularly in his exasperation when he gets a rookie whistle.
We’ve maintained that there’s an All-Defense player inside that body, and Mazzulla’s willingness to even play the rookie shows the team’s early confidence in his potential.
Yes, Gonzalez gets an earful every time he makes a mistake. Yes, his offense has a long way to go to keep him on the court. But he plays with a poise that few NBA teenagers possess. Having him on a bargain rookie pact for the next four seasons could be vital in giving the team flexibility to build its next title contender.
Luka Garza
One number: 5.5
That’s the number of screen assists per 36 minutes that Garza is generating this season. He’s in the top 20 for total screen assists despite his limited time. Operating at times like an offensive lineman, he’s relentless in trying to pancake opposing defenders to free up a Boston ball-handler.
Thanks to Garza and Neemias Queta, the Celtics rank second in the NBA in both screen assists per game (9.6) and screen assist points generated (23.1 points per game). Only the Jazz have higher numbers this season.
One thought
Everyone knew the defensive limitations with Garza coming into the season, and that has bore itself out — the Celtics’ defense is 7.8 points worse with Garza on the floor this season. But for a team thin on big bodies, Garza is willing to fight hard for rebounds, runs the floor with reckless abandon and is content to set screens as if it’s the top line on basketball resume.
Garza has been solid in short doses, and he certainly has aided the bench offense with a variety of paint finishes and an ability to knock down 3-pointers. The Celtics are 5-0 when they’ve won — or basically tied, as was the case vs. Cleveland — Garza’s minutes.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Week 5 Streaming Targets
Heading into Week 5, the landscape of fantasy basketball is rapidly changing, demanding that managers stay updated on the latest trends.
With a flurry of NBA injury news shaking up NBA depth charts across the league, a number of potential pickups are emerging as permanent assets capable of drastically improving your fantasy basketball rankings. Identifying players who are benefiting from expanded roles—whether it's an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player boosting your steals and blocks—is vital as you navigate the season.
Let's dive into nine key NBA sleepers whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Yahoo High Score Leagues
Brandon Williams
(18% rostered)
At this point, we are considering Williams a must-roster player across all formats. Having supplanted D'Angelo Russell as the starting point guard in Dallas, Williams has flashed upside on both ends of the floor. He has played 33 minutes in consecutive games, both of which were narrow losses. However, it is clear that the team looks to function a lot better with Williams steering the ship, a fact that shouldn't be lost on fantasy managers. Having scored 49, 34 and 40 fantasy points in each of the past three games, his value is not confined to one category, making him a player with a relatively safe floor. Dallas has four games on the slate for this week, including a favorable back-to-back against the Pelicans and the Grizzlies. Make sure he isn't still available in your league.
De'Andre Hunter, Cleveland Cavaliers 
(34% rostered)
Known primarily as a scorer, Hunter has been able to add some wrinkles to his overall game thus far this season. With Darius Garland continuing to deal with a toe injury, Hunter has been saddled with more responsibility, resulting in strong numbers. He has scored at least 35 fantasy points in five of his past seven games and is coming off a game in which he tallied a season-high six assists, highlighting his improved peripheral production. Outside of a couple of poor performances, Hunter has been relatively consistent, something that is not typically the case. Garland is without a specific timetable, making Hunter a sneaky addition across all formats, including high score leagues.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks 
(32% rostered)
Despite having locked down the starting point guard position in Atlanta, at least until Trae Young returns from his knee injury, Alexander-Walker remains drastically under-rostered. He has assumed the starting point guard role and, to this point, has left no stone unturned. Since returning from a brief injury-related absence, Alexander-Walker has put up 34 and 40 fantasy points in each of his past two games. He is by no means flashy, but should continue to play a sizeable role for the foreseeable future, making him a must-add player.
Standard 9-Category Leagues
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets 
(33% rostered)
Seen as a potential breakout candidate heading into the season, Sheppard took his time to get going. He scored double digits only twice in the first six games, with his playing time limited off the bench. However, the past three games have reinvigorated his potential fantasy value. During that span, he has averaged 17.7 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 4.3 three-pointers, despite continuing to come off the bench. Perhaps the biggest takeaway has been the fact that his playing time has increased to 26.8 minutes per game. While his hot shooting is likely to regress at some point, he certainly should be rostered in a lot more leagues right now.
Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans 
(18% rostered)
The Pelicans are going nowhere fast, with Queen being one of the only positives thus far. After a modest start to his rookie season, injuries to other players have afforded Queen an opportunity to play meaningful minutes. He has scored double digits in five straight games, averaging 14.4 points to go with 6.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.8 steals. The imminent return of Zion Williamson from yet another hamstring injury is going to complicate matters somewhat. However, with very little to play for other than looking to develop its young players, New Orleans could do a lot worse than continuing to have Queen play a sizeable role.
Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers 
(15% rostered)
Coming into the season, Drummond was viewed by many as the third-strong center behind Joel Embiid and Adem Bona. With Embiid continuing to deal with knee issues, it has been Drummond who has stood tall, turning back the clock with some regularity. Over the past four games, he has averaged 12.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.7 combined steals and blocks. Bona has offered very little thus far, especially on the offensive end. With Embiid's future, both long-term and short-term, continuing to raise questions, Drummond could very well maintain some sort of fantasy value, at least for the foreseeable future.
Standard Points Leagues
Max Christie, Dallas Mavericks (16% rostered)
Christie is not going to blow anyone away with his numbers, but he has quietly put together a strong start to the season. He has now scored double digits in 10 straight games, having started in the past nine. He has totaled at least 30 fantasy points in three consecutive appearances, putting him inside the top 100 during that time. His role appears relatively secure, thanks in part to the poor play of Klay Thompson. While he isn't the most exciting target, Christie seems like a relatively risk-free target, at least for now.
Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns 
(28% rostered)
Another relatively ho-hum target, O'Neale has also put together a quietly strong start to the season. He has started in eight of the past nine games, and with Jalen Green now sidelined for at least six weeks, that role seems likely to continue. Unlike Christie, O'Neale's value is built around his ability to contribute across the board. He is averaging 27.5 fantasy points per game across the first 12 games, and he should be able to sit in that range until we see Green back on the floor. If you are looking for a no-nonsense, plug-and-play option, O'Neale could be the player for you.
Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets 
(9% rostered)
Of the three points league targets, Clowney comes with arguably the most risk despite seemingly having a clear path to minutes. Brooklyn is not afraid to shuffle its rotation, which makes it difficult to project individual playing time. However, what is clear is that Clowney is a priority for the Nets, a player who could be a key piece moving forward. He has started in five straight games, averaging 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 three-pointers and 1.8 combined steals and blocks. While there will almost certainly be a few bumps in the road, perhaps Clowney is finally ready to take the next step that has seemingly been coming for the past couple of years.
Betts’ 20 points, 10 rebounds power No. 3 UCLA past No. 11 North Carolina
All-American Lauren Betts had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. UCLA to a 78-60 victory over No. North Carolina on Thursday night in the WBCA Challenge, the Bruins' second win over a ranked team this week.
No. 2 Purdue beats No. 8 Alabama 87-80
Braden Smith scored 29 points, including 21 in the second half, and No. Purdue beat eighth-ranked Alabama 87-80 on Thursday night in the first matchup of top-10 teams this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Boilermakers (3-0), who notched the program's first road win against a top-10, non-conference opponent since winning at Louisville in 1982.
Stephen Curry to end 12-year partnership with Under Armour, become sneaker free agent
After 12 years, Stephen Curry and Under Armour have mutually agreed to end their partnership, making Curry a shoe free agent after the end of this season.
Under Armour will release the Curry 13 in February 2026, then they will part ways. Curry has been with UA since 2013, when the company signed him away from Mike.
Curry will retain sole ownership of the Curry Brand (which had been a subdivision of the Under Armour brand) and will seek a new retail partner.
"Under Armour believed in me early in my career and gave me the space to build something much bigger and more impactful than a shoe. I'll always be grateful for that." Curry said in a statement announcing the split. "Curry Brand was created to change the game for good and over the past five years, we successfully changed the game for kids, for communities, and for basketball. What Curry Brand stands for, what I stand for and my commitment to that mission will never change, it's only growing stronger. I'm excited for a future that's focused on aggressive growth with a continued commitment to keep showing up for the next generation."
"It's been an incredible privilege to work with Stephen, who as President of Curry Brand has been much more than an ambassador – he's become a thoughtful and strategic business leader," said Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour, in a statement. "Together with our teammates, he helped build something rare: a brand with credibility, community impact, and product that performs at the highest level. For Under Armour, this moment is about discipline and focus on the core UA brand during a critical stage of our turnaround. And for Stephen, it's the right moment to let what we created evolve on his terms. We'll always be grateful for what he's brought to the UA team."
Curry's signing with Under Armour was a massive win for the company. They released a series of shoes over the years, then in 2020 launched the Curry Brand (think of it like the Jordan Brand with Nike, a separate company under the umbrella of a larger one).
Now, that brand is going to be a free agent and it will be in demand.
No. 17 Michigan State beats San Jose State 79-60, sets up matchup with No. 9 Kentucky in New York
Jaxon Kohler had 17 points and a career-high 18 rebounds, Jeremy Fears scored a career-high 15 points and had nine assists, and No. 17 Michigan State beat San Jose State 79-60 on Thursday night. San Jose State (0-3) scored the first eight points of the second half and later pulled within 10 points, but couldn't get closer.
Jalen Brunson diagnosed with Grade 1 right ankle sprain, out Friday vs. Heat, then day-to-day
This is as good of news as the Knicks could have hoped for after Jalen Brunson hobbled off the court with 1:54 left against Orlando on Wednesday and went straight to the locker room.
Brunson has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 right ankle sprain, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and Ian Begley of SNY.tv and since confirmed by multiple other sources. He is out Friday night when the Knicks host the Heat in an NBA Cup game, after which he will be day-to-day.
A Grade 1 sprain is the least severe level of sprain, and recovery can take anywhere from less than a week up to almost three weeks. This is the same ankle Brunson sprained at the end of last season.
Brunson was still in the game with the Knicks down 16 and less than two minutes to go in the game when the injury took place, something former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was criticized for (and new coach Mike Brown said he would change). After the game, Brown said he had no update, and Brunson did not speak to reporters but was seen leaving the arena in a boot using crutches.
Brunson is averaging 28 points and 6.5 assists a game this season for the 7-4 Knicks, who sit third in the Eastern Conference. Brunson has had the ball in his hands less this season — fewer dribbles and seconds holding the ball when he gets it — and has shown he can thrive off the ball as well
Knicks' Jalen Brunson to miss Friday's game vs. Heat with Grade 1 ankle sprain
The Knicks have officially avoided the worst.
Additional testing on Jalen Brunson’s right ankle revealed that the star point guard has only sustained a Grade 1 ankle sprain, league sources tell SNY's Ian Begley.
Brunson will miss Friday’s game against the Heat, and he will be evaluated daily.
New York’s captain turned his ankle as he was driving the lane with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night’s ugly loss to the Magic.
After knocking down one of his two free throws, Brunson gingerly walked up to an Orlando player and committed an intentional foul to get himself out of the game.
He immediately walked off the court towards the Knicks’ locker room.
Head coach Mike Brown didn’t have much of an update postgame, but league sources confirmed to Begley that the All-Star left in a protective boot and on crutches.
Though there was initial concern with that sight, it appears the Knicks can let out a sigh of relief.
Brunson was leading the way for New York’s offense yet again prior to his departure, putting up a team-high 31 points on 10-of-23 shooting from the field.
It remains to be seen exactly how Brown will shake things up in his absence, but you have to figure Miles McBride will see more minutes at point guard, at least for Friday's contest.
Klay Thompson slams ex-NBA player's 'disgusting and disturbing' reference to Megan Thee Stallion
Klay Thompson didn't hold back after a former NBA player used a graphic term in reference to the Dallas Mavericks star's girlfriend, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, on a podcast this week.
Jason Williams was discussing Thompson's shooting struggles this season with his "Hoopin' N Hollerin'" co-hosts, fellow ex-NBA player Patrick Beverley and Barstool Sports personality Rone.
Thompson, who won four NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors, is 35 and playing in his 13th NBA season, not counting the two-plus seasons he missed from 2019 to 2021 while recovering from tears to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and his right Achilles tendon.
His team, the Dallas Mavericks, has struggled to the second-worst record (3-9) in the Western Conference and fired general manager Nico Harrison.
Read more:Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison, who traded superstar Luka Doncic to Lakers last season
Nonetheless, Thompson's relationship with the Grammy-winning hip-hop star was mentioned as a possible explanation for his career-low statistics (8.5 points per game, 32% shooting). The couple went public with their relationship in the offseason, and the "Not My Fault" singer has attended multiple Mavericks games since then.
Williams used an explicit term for female genitalia to make his point.
“I’m from West Virginia, man. I’ve been taught a lot by some old folks, old white folks. They say p—’s powerful," Williams said. "They say it’s so powerful … it only takes one ... to drag a battleship across a desert, that’s how powerful it is.
"Klay Thompson — I ain’t saying that’s what it is, but that might be what it is. That ain’t taking nothing away from Megan Thee Stallion. She might be a great girl, great for him. But I don’t know if she’s great for the shot."
Read more:How one aspect of Rui Hachimura's game reminds JJ Redick of Michael Jordan
A video clip of the discussion — that added a graphic that featured a photo of Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion together and the caption "What's going on with Klay Thompson?" — was posted to the podcast's Instagram account. Thompson called out the show's hosts in the post's comment section.
"Referring to my GF as a 'p—' is so disgusting and disturbing," Thompson wrote. "Especially from someone who played in the NBA . How would yall feel if I referred to your wives in such a way ? ...
"Do better fellas. Very disappointing"
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Magic's incomplete offensive identity has them leaning on defense in hopes of meeting preseason expectations
This was supposed to be the year that the Orlando Magic vaulted into a tier of true contenders in the Eastern Conference. After winning 47 games and earning the 5th seed in the playoffs in 2023-24, they posted a 41-win season and a 7th seed in 2024-25. Boasting the 5th-youngest roster in the league, this season was when their leap was going to happen.
Coming into the season, ESPN ranked the Magic as the 9th-best team in basketball and set their projected wins total at 48 games. The Athletic had the Magic ranked as the NBA’s 7th-best team, and general pre-season betting odds had them with the 9th-best odds to win the title and an Over/Under of 51.5 wins.
Yet, 12 games into the season, the Magic sit at 6-6 and are tied for 10th in the Eastern Conference. So what has happened in the early going that led the team to stumble out of the gate?
For starters, Orlando's shooting woes from last season have carried over into the new season as well.
Heading into Friday night's game against the Nets, the Magic are 20th in the league in effective field goal rate. They're hitting just 33.6% of their three-point shots, which is 24th in the NBA. Not a single player on the Magic averages two or more made three-point shots a game, and only four of them even attempt four or more three-pointers per game.
That was a big reason why the Magic went out andtraded for Desmond Bane this offseason. The 27-year-old is a career 40.7% shooter from beyond the arc and a 47.1% shooter overall. He was meant to provide the floor spacing and knockdown shooting that the Magic so desperately needed. Yet, so far this season, he is shooting just 30.2% from three and putting up just 4.4 three-point shots per game, well below his career mark of 6.3
Bane didn't just become a bad jumpshooter, so we have to expect that the shots are going to begin to fall for him, as they did on Wednesday against the Knicks, when he knocked down three of six from deep. However, Bane being fourth on the team in three-point attempts per game is more noteworthy.
Some of that can be attributed to the team's offensive scheme, which has not created many catch-and-shoot opportunities this season.
The Magic take just 22.1 catch-and-shoot threes per game, which puts them 28th in the league, and they make 34.2% of those shots, which is 23rd in the league. In fact, if you include shots from inside the arc, the Magic shoot just 36.2% on all catch-and-shoot opportunities, which is 21st in the NBA. What's more, 8.3% of Orlando’s shots this season are with a defender within two feet, which is the 4th-most in the NBA. On the season, the Magic are 26th in the NBA in percentage of threes that are deemed open (when the defender is within 4-6 feet). They attempt only 11.1 open threes a game, which is also 26th in raw amount. None of that is particularly good.
However, a more generous way to view the slow shooting start for both Bane and the Magic is that the team is still learning how to play with one another.
"We're still trying to figure out playing with each other," said Anthony Black after the win over the Knicks. "It looks a little different. Rotations are a little different. So I think, as we're finding out where to be on the floor, we're getting better looks, and we're figuring out how to convert... Dudes are starting to find their rhythm, their confidence, so I think we can keep that going and start to make more shots."
"It takes time," added Bane. "It’s new for everybody, so we're trying to get this thing to come together."
In addition to Bane, another new piece in the rotation is guard Tyus Jones, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason. The Magic are also adjusting to who is no longer on the court. Last season, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope averaged nearly 30 minutes a game in 77 games with the Magic. Mo Wagner played nearly 20 minutes a game in his 30 games, and Cole Anthony averaged just over 18 minutes per game in 67 games. None of them are on the Magic roster currently or healthy (Wagner tore his ACL last December).
"I think that was a big portion of it," responded Magic coach Jamahl Mosley when asked about his team's performance on offense. "Guys finding a way to click together, both offensively and defensively. Putting some new pieces together, having that chemistry flow... Guys not being on minutes restrictions anymore. I think those things all play a part."
Part of the process of figuring each other out is also going to be encouraging Bane to be more selfish when looking for his own shot.
"Dez gets downhill really well," said Black. "You know, we joke around and say we need him shooting some of those shots that he's attacking, but he just does such a good job getting into the paint. He's fast getting past his man that it just makes it easy for the other dudes to play off of him."
While there is certainly nothing wrong with attacking the paint and looking to get looks for your teammates, Bane has the second-highest pass rate on drives of any player in the Magics' rotation, but just an 8.5% assist rate on those opportunities. That ranks 78th out of 121 guards in the NBA playing at least 20 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Bane is attempting just 1.1 corner threes per game and 3.3 above-the-break threes per game after taking 4.9 above-the-break threes per game last year and shooting 41.2% on them.
He's also been involved more as a pick-and-roll ballhandler than he was in Memphis, but that's a major part of Orlando's offensive DNA. As a team, the Magic run the pick-and-roll the 4th-most of any team, but they rank 24th in points per possession on the pick-and-roll and 20th in effective field goal percentage. They are 19th in scoring frequency on pick-and-rolls, so even though they have a propensity for utilizing it, it hasn't been overly successful so far this season.
Some of that could be that teams know it's how Orlando wants to attack, and Orlando doesn't have the luxury of adjusting that approach with their two highest-usage players.
The Magic use Paolo Banchero as a pick-and-roll ballhandler 24.2% of the time. However, he has recorded just 0.89 points per possession and a 46.1% eFG% in that role. Among players who average at least one opportunity as a pick-and-roll ballhandler per game, that ranks 93rd and 129th of 209 players. The Magic also score on 40.8% of the plays in which Banchero is the pick-and-roll ballhandler, which is 98th out of 209 players, one spot ahead of teammate Jalen Suggs.
The team also uses Franz Wagner as a pick-and-roll ballhandler 26.8% of the time after he was the main focus of the offense against the Knicks. He has been slightly better than Banchero in that role, but his 0.94 ppp and 49.2% eFG% are sitting around league average, which is not ideal if that's one of your team's main ways to create offense.
“I think teams switch us because they want to stall us out," explained Mosley before the Knicks game. "They both know those guys [Banchero and Wagner] get downhill very aggressively and get to the paint. So we talk about the screening angles because, if we know teams are switching, where you set the screen is going to be very important. Sometimes you set it, sometimes you slip, sometimes you set a low angle in order to create a problem because now that opens up for others."
Perhaps more time on the court and execution in practice will make those pick-and-roll opportunities more efficient as the year goes on. So far, it hasn't hurt the overall effectiveness of the team's starting five, which ranks 5th in the NBA in net rating for any five-man lineup that has played at least 50 minutes together. That lineup of Banchero, Wagner, Bane, Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. is also 2nd in the league in pace, and that's a huge component of how Orlando wants to play basketball.
As a team, Orlando is 10th in pace. They want to get a full head of steam and then use their size and physicality to attack opponents in the paint. They came into Wednesday's game against the Knicks 5th in the NBA in field goals made on drives with 11.5 per game. They were also 8th in the NBA in drives per game at 52.3, 10th in the NBA in the percentage of points that come on drives, and 7th in the league in points that come in the paint. That has also led them to average 10.2 free throw attempts per game on drive, which was 2nd in the NBA. As a team, the Magic average 32.6 free throws per game. They are the only team in the NBA to average over 30 attempts per game.
So their offensive pace does create opportunities at the rim and free throw chances, but their over-reliance on it as their only consistent source of scoring has been problematic in the past and has continued to be so this year. Yet, while Orlando may need to diversify its offensive identity to be more than physical attacks at the rim, that same level of physicality on defense has been central to their success over the last couple of seasons.
"Defense has been our calling card since I came here," admitted Black. "I think that's what leads to a lot of our wins, even a lot of our offensive success. So I think the more we keep getting into the ball, being physical, creating turnovers, I think that'll keep leading to better offensive performances and just a better vibe and just a better feel out there."
The evidence of that was on display on Wednesday in a win over the Knicks. The Magic jumped on the Knicks early, hounding the ball on the perimeter and showing active hands in the passing lanes. That led to 10 steals and forced the Knicks into 14 turnovers.
Yet, that type of performance hasn’t been the norm for Orlando this season. Coming into that Knicks game, the Magic were 15th in the NBA in defensive rating, but they had been 2nd at the end of last season. Part of that is due to Orlando being less active and effective in the passing lanes. This year, they’re 23rd in the NBA in steals with 7.8 per game, but they were 6th in the league last year with 8.9 steals per game. Last year, the Magic were also 6th in the league in deflections with 17.7 per game. This year, they’re 24th at 15.9 per game.
According to Coach Mosley, some of that was just due to preparation and execution: “We gotta do a better job of knowing personnel and then being able to keep them out of the lane, but also being able to get out to shooters at the same time."
The Magic are still hounding opponents on the perimeter, so their aggressive nature hasn't changed. Last year, Magic opponents took 7.9% of their field goals with a defender very tight (within 2 feet), which was 3rd-best in the NBA. 31.3% of their opponents' shots were with a defender tight (2-4 feet), which is also 3rd in the NBA. This year, the Magic are also third, so the issue has been more about poor execution as the Magic defenders close out on the perimeter, which has caused the Magic to average almost three more fouls per game than last year.
"We got to be smarter," admitted Coach Mosley. "That's a big portion of it. Understanding we are a physical team, but we got to be smart about how we're physical, where we're grabbing...A lot of those things that happen in the lane, those guys go up, you make sure you're showing your hands [to avoid foul calls]. I'm screaming it on the sideline. We got to make sure we're communicating that with our guys when they break that three-point line, we've got to be able to show our hands too."
When the Magic do complete a successful defensive possession, they also need to capitalize more often than they have been. This season, their defensive rebounding rate is down to 69.1%, which is 14th in the NBA. Last year, they were 6th in the league at 72%.
"The shot goes up, you don't watch the ball," said Coach Mosley. "You turn and check to see if that man is flying in. You make contact with him, and then you've got to know where that ball is flying off, and then you go pursue it. After you've cleared the box out, you don't just go chase the basketball, and you've got to put your body on them and make sure that after that, once it's secured, then you can get out on the break."
For the Magic, everything is about getting out on the break, but they need to execute their defensive principles in order to do that. "That's who we are, a defensive team that can get out and run and create opportunities because of our defense."
That wasn't who they were early in the season, but it's who they are becoming again. Perhaps heading into Madison Square Garden to take on a Knicks team that had yet to lose a home game was the extra motivation the team needed, but Coach Mosley doesn't believe the opponent the Magic defeat is any more important than what the Magic are doing themselves.
"It's not a statement [win]. It's our process. If we can sit down and guard the right way every single night, trust the pass, share the ball, get out on the break and convert on the break, do a better job defending without fouling That's our process, and the result will take care of itself, but we've got to continue to focus on our process, and it starts on the defensive end of the floor."
Focusing on that end is how the Magic have rebounded from a 1-4 start and won five of their last seven games. It's how the Magic emphatically defeated a potential title contender on its home court. It's how the Magic elevated themselves into the playoff conversation the last couple of years, and it's how they will be able to take the next step towards being a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. Just as all the pre-season predictions anticipated.
“I think the expectations of the outside are always going to be there no matter what we say," reflected Coach Mosley, "but our ability to just focus on our game plan and how we're trying to approach this game is going to be more important...Our guys know exactly how they can play, how good [our] team has been playing, and how we're trending.”
Now it's time for them to deliver that night in and night out.
How to watch Drexel vs Syracuse: Live stream info, preview for Saturday’s game
Drexel vs Syracuse tips off at 3:30 PM ET on Peacock.