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Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley highlighted the impact of the home crowd after his team’s 121-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA play-in tournament on Friday at Kia Center. The victory secured the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
“The reason why we got this victory in more ways than one was our fans. They were absolutely unbelievable,” Mosley said. “They propelled us to get this win. The energy that they brought the energy for our group.”
Mosley expanded on the consistent support from Orlando’s fan base throughout the season, emphasizing their influence during difficult stretches and high-pressure moments.
“They’ve been unbelievable through the ups, the downs, the highs, the lows,” Mosley said. “We can’t say enough about this fan base and the way that they support us and got this thing going in the right direction.”
The Magic coach framed the contest as a decisive elimination matchup, drawing parallels to college basketball pressure situations and stressing his team’s mentality entering the game.
“It was a do or die game for your group tonight,” Mosley said. “You either had a chance to end your season or you start a new one.”
Orlando’s defensive execution set the tone early, limiting Charlotte’s efficiency and forcing difficult shots throughout the first half. Mosley credited the collective effort from his perimeter defenders.
“That defense in the first half was probably about as elite as we’ve seen in a while,” Mosley said. “Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs were high level defensively.”
Mosley also praised Paolo Banchero’s response amid outside criticism, pointing to the forward’s consistency and work ethic under pressure.
“I can’t say enough about the young man,” Mosley said. “He puts his head down and he works. That’s what he’s always done. He finds a way to respond.”
Wendell Carter Jr.’s early impact also drew attention from the coaching staff, particularly his rebounding and defensive presence that helped Orlando establish control.
“It was not necessarily the scoring,” Mosley said. “It was his ability to keep them off the glass. That’s a big credit to Wendell.”
Looking ahead to a first-round series against Detroit, Mosley summarized the performance in straightforward terms while keeping focus on the next challenge.
“We did what we were supposed to do tonight,” Mosley said. “We gave ourselves an opportunity to be in the playoffs, but at the end of the day we still have a job to do.”
Defensive strategy also played a central role in containing Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball, with Mosley crediting the scouting and execution from his staff and players.
“Our defensive coaches did an incredible job with this scout,” Mosley said. “Our guys being committed to following it all the way through.”
Mosley also emphasized the importance of physicality and early-game control as a foundation for Orlando’s approach.
“We set the tone right away,” Mosley said. “We’re better when we do that.”
As the Magic prepare for a playoff series against the top-seeded Pistons, Mosley pointed to recovery and preparation as immediate priorities.
“First of all, get our recovery, get our bodies right,” Mosley said. “Then understand the team we’re about to face. It’s one game at a time.”
