2024-2025 Regular Season Game 44: Denver Nuggets (25-16) at Orlando Magic (23-20) 6:00PM

[Idiosyncratic]

Yay…good game, especially from the established proven “vets” we’ve re-upped. All good

I mean being realistic they are missing 4 of their top 6 players and people are spouting about need for additions. Guys like Simons and Sexton lose all the frickin time as is, we aren't winning currently with one of them when we are still missing Franz, Suggs, Goga, Mo, Paolo playing into shape. Just funny is all. Doesn't mean they couldn't be good additions, it's just so pointless to fixate on right now.

I'm not a fan of Caldwell-Pope, Isaac, Wendell, Cole or Jett. I don't think this front office is perfect. I just also don't absolutely need a trade to happen and can recognize there is very little to gain from analyzing these games when we are this hurt.

I think a lot of fans are overly reactionary and it goes for all sports. It's OK though sports are just a fun outlet outside of real life stuff, and like I always say it would be boring if we all agreed on everything.

Yeah, like right now after three blowouts the natural reaction is to say "something needs to change!". Fortunately there is an immediate and drastic change on the horizon with Franz returning. And then two more drastic changes in Suggs and Goga returning. Health will be enough to get us back on track.

Exactly. If our team is looking broken when Franz is back I will also be hitting the panic button.

Also we all know we need shooting. Front office should be looking for upgrades. I have said many times I would add shooting and there are even guys I would be willing to trade a 1st for. Let's be patient though, there have been 3 trades and the Warriors and Lakers have not received any kind of trade boost anyway TBD on the Suns.

Also if there is no trade we will still be fine, I can understand the disappointment though. Going into the offseason with 2 firsts would still be good ammunition for trades when potentially more players are available if that is the route they choose.

[eyriq]

I mean being realistic they are missing 4 of their top 6 players and people are spouting about need for additions. Guys like Simons and Sexton lose all the frickin time as is, we aren't winning currently with one of them when we are still missing Franz, Suggs, Goga, Mo, Paolo playing into shape. Just funny is all. Doesn't mean they couldn't be good additions, it's just so pointless to fixate on right now.

I'm not a fan of Caldwell-Pope, Isaac, Wendell, Cole or Jett. I don't think this front office is perfect. I just also don't absolutely need a trade to happen and can recognize there is very little to gain from analyzing these games when we are this hurt.

I think a lot of fans are overly reactionary and it goes for all sports. It's OK though sports are just a fun outlet outside of real life stuff, and like I always say it would be boring if we all agreed on everything.

Yeah, like right now after three blowouts the natural reaction is to say "something needs to change!". Fortunately there is an immediate and drastic change on the horizon with Franz returning. And then two more drastic changes in Suggs and Goga returning. Health will be enough to get us back on track.

Exactly. If our team is looking broken when Franz is back I will also be hitting the panic button.

Also we all know we need shooting. Front office should be looking for upgrades. I have said many times I would add shooting and there are even guys I would be willing to trade a 1st for. Let's be patient though, there have been 3 trades and the Warriors and Lakers have not received any kind of trade boost anyway TBD on the Suns.

Also if there is no trade we will still be fine, I can understand the disappointment though. Going into the offseason with 2 firsts would still be good ammunition for trades when potentially more players are available if that is the route they choose.

I'm with you, there's no rush. It would be aesthetically pleasing to move off of the re-tool era guys, and it would provide some peace of mind to move off the injury prone players, but it's not mission critical. In fact those moves might push AB down to the 4th guard, reducing his reps and adding unnecessary risk to his development. That's the only real downside though that I can think of outside of risks to culture and cohesion. Getting healthy is priority Numero Uno.

[Redwood]

I mean being realistic they are missing 4 of their top 6 players and people are spouting about need for additions. Guys like Simons and Sexton lose all the frickin time as is, we aren't winning currently with one of them when we are still missing Franz, Suggs, Goga, Mo, Paolo playing into shape. Just funny is all. Doesn't mean they couldn't be good additions, it's just so pointless to fixate on right now.

I'm not a fan of Caldwell-Pope, Isaac, Wendell, Cole or Jett. I don't think this front office is perfect. I just also don't absolutely need a trade to happen and can recognize there is very little to gain from analyzing these games when we are this hurt.

I think a lot of fans are overly reactionary and it goes for all sports. It's OK though sports are just a fun outlet outside of real life stuff, and like I always say it would be boring if we all agreed on everything.

Yeah, like right now after three blowouts the natural reaction is to say "something needs to change!". Fortunately there is an immediate and drastic change on the horizon with Franz returning. And then two more drastic changes in Suggs and Goga returning. Health will be enough to get us back on track.

Exactly. If our team is looking broken when Franz is back I will also be hitting the panic button.

Also we all know we need shooting. Front office should be looking for upgrades. I have said many times I would add shooting and there are even guys I would be willing to trade a 1st for. Let's be patient though, there have been 3 trades and the Warriors and Lakers have not received any kind of trade boost anyway TBD on the Suns.

Also if there is no trade we will still be fine, I can understand the disappointment though. Going into the offseason with 2 firsts would still be good ammunition for trades when potentially more players are available if that is the route they choose.

The issue I have with this logic is that injuries to your main players show what you really have with your role players, the whole next man up mentality. Well the next man is up, and they suck. The team has no depth and that's not surprising given our poor track record drafting over the past decade and FA signings that aren't working out.

I'm not at all sold on Jett or Black, either.

[Idiosyncratic]

Yeah, like right now after three blowouts the natural reaction is to say "something needs to change!". Fortunately there is an immediate and drastic change on the horizon with Franz returning. And then two more drastic changes in Suggs and Goga returning. Health will be enough to get us back on track.

Exactly. If our team is looking broken when Franz is back I will also be hitting the panic button.

Also we all know we need shooting. Front office should be looking for upgrades. I have said many times I would add shooting and there are even guys I would be willing to trade a 1st for. Let's be patient though, there have been 3 trades and the Warriors and Lakers have not received any kind of trade boost anyway TBD on the Suns.

Also if there is no trade we will still be fine, I can understand the disappointment though. Going into the offseason with 2 firsts would still be good ammunition for trades when potentially more players are available if that is the route they choose.

The issue I have with this logic is that injuries to your main players show what you really have with your role players, the whole next man up mentality. Well the next man is up, and they suck. The team has no depth and that's not surprising given our poor track record drafting over the past decade and FA signings that aren't working out.

I'm not at all sold on Jett or Black, either.

They made some bad mistakes on Cole, Wendell and Isaac. Caldwell-Pope is probably not worth his contract and I wouldn't have done that one either.

I completely agree those guys are a terrible use of cap space. I just don't know how they fix that at this deadline. Cole expires soon, Wendell isn't tradeable yet. Isaac I think there are outs in his contract and it's descending in value. I agree having these guys as our high paid role players is the biggest problem with this team, those were not good moves, but I just don't see it as fixable yet.

[pepe1991]

Isaac had nothing on Jokić, who only took 9 shots. Made 7.

Braun vs KCP looked like race between Audi S6 from 2020 & Renault 4 from 1984. Nobody in Denver is crying for KCP.

Watching Nuggets move without ball and how many hand off cuts they do is thing of beauty, Westbrook & Jokić are so awkward combo that works really well.

We gave them competitive 28-ish min.
In general we just need Franz back, hopefully Suggs and Goga return soon as well.

And since there is lot of talk about "next man up" mentality, Clippers. Lost Paul George for nothing.
Lost Kawhi Leonard for pretty much 40 first games, now got him back and sit at 24-17 record and man , you really don't want them on your side of playoff bracket.

[KillMonger]

It Seemed like except for a made 3 pt shot, Braun made all his points from just running and beating us down the court

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[drsd]

Box-score thoughts.

Orlando lost the FG% battle and lost the game.

It's really quite amazing these stats:
Denver made 14 more FTs in a game won by 13. Is there another stat to read? Well, yes.
Orlando took 25 more FG attempts, yet made 4 less FGs.
That was because the Magic got smoked on rebounding differential finishing minus-17: (40-57).

Also: the Magic has now dipped below the horrendous 3PM% line of 2012/13 Minny and is currently the worst 3pt% team since the 2011-12 Bobcats. That was a 29.5% stinkhole; Orlando won't dip below that. Right?
For the stat-hounds, Orlando is currently the FORTH WORST EVER 3pt shooting team by percentage.
1. Denver Nuggets (2002–03 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 27.8%
2. Charlotte Hornets (2011–12 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 29.5%
3. New Jersey Nets (1986–87 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 29.6%
4. Orlando Magic 2024/25 ???????

In the end, with F-Wagner and Suggs coming back soon, I would think the Magic's final season stat line will end up above 30.6%, and the Magic will land as the 6th worst ever (there is a big jump to what will become seventh).

Here is a list of the worst three-point shooting teams over a season in NBA history:

1. Denver Nuggets (2002–03 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 27.8%
Description: This performance stands as the lowest team three-point shooting percentage in NBA history.

2. Charlotte Hornets (2011–12 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 29.5%
Description: This historically poor shooting season coincided with the Hornets' record-low win percentage (.106) during the lockout-shortened season.

3. New Jersey Nets (1986–87 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 29.6%
Description: A rough season for the Nets, who struggled to adapt to the growing emphasis on the three-point shot in the late 1980s.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (1992–93 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 30.4%
Description: The Timberwolves had one of the league's lowest offensive efficiencies, compounded by their inability to shoot from deep.

5. Chicago Bulls (1999–00 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 30.5%
Description: Following the post-Jordan rebuild, the Bulls had one of the least efficient offenses in the league.

6. Detroit Pistons (2014–15 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.2%
Description: Despite improvements in other areas, Detroit's inability to shoot the three was a glaring weakness.

7. Atlanta Hawks (2004–05 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.3%
Description: A rebuilding Hawks team lacked consistent outside shooting, contributing to a poor overall season.

8. Miami Heat (2000–01 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.4%
Description: An aging Heat roster struggled with offensive spacing and shooting efficiency.

9. Philadelphia 76ers (2015–16 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.6%
Description: Part of "The Process," this season's team suffered from inefficient shooting across the board.

10. Orlando Magic (1990–91 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.8%
Description: A young Magic team still finding its identity struggled mightily from long range.

..

[GelbeWand09]

They just have injuries

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They have no guard that Paolo or Franz can rely on

Been the same every year lmao

The offense is going to be run through Paolo and Franz. Who was the PG for Pippen and Jordan? Who was the PG for Wade, Lebron, and Bosh?

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LeBron is a better passer and got better vision than 95-98% of all PG in history. Your solution is hoping Franz and Paolo become the best or 2nd best player of all time and the other one a top 20-30 of all time. Easy peasy. Much easier than getting a solid PG.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Box-score thoughts.

Orlando lost the FG% battle and lost the game.

It's really quite amazing these stats:
Denver made 14 more FTs in a game won by 13. Is there another stat to read? Well, yes.
Orlando too 25 more FG attempts, yet made 4 less FGs.

Also: the Magic has now dipped below the horrendous 3PM% line of 2012/13 Minny and is currently the worst 3pt% team since the 2011-12 Bobcats. That was a 29.5% stinkhole; Orlando won't dip below that. Right?
For the stat-hounds, Orlando is currently the FORTH WORST EVER 3pt shooting team by percentage.
1. Denver Nuggets (2002–03 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 27.8%
2. Charlotte Hornets (2011–12 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 29.5%
3. New Jersey Nets (1986–87 Season): Three-Point Percentage: 29.6%
4. Orlando Magic 2024/25 ???????

In the end, with F-Wagner and Suggs coming back soon, I would think the Magic's final season stat line will end up above 30.6%, and the Magic will land as the 6th worst ever (there is a big jump to seventh).

Here is a list of the worst three-point shooting teams over a season in NBA history:

1. Denver Nuggets (2002–03 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 27.8%
Description: This performance stands as the lowest team three-point shooting percentage in NBA history.

2. Charlotte Hornets (2011–12 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 29.5%
Description: This historically poor shooting season coincided with the Hornets' record-low win percentage (.106) during the lockout-shortened season.

3. New Jersey Nets (1986–87 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 29.6%
Description: A rough season for the Nets, who struggled to adapt to the growing emphasis on the three-point shot in the late 1980s.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (1992–93 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 30.4%
Description: The Timberwolves had one of the league's lowest offensive efficiencies, compounded by their inability to shoot from deep.

5. Chicago Bulls (1999–00 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 30.5%
Description: Following the post-Jordan rebuild, the Bulls had one of the least efficient offenses in the league.

6. Detroit Pistons (2014–15 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.2%
Description: Despite improvements in other areas, Detroit's inability to shoot the three was a glaring weakness.

7. Atlanta Hawks (2004–05 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.3%
Description: A rebuilding Hawks team lacked consistent outside shooting, contributing to a poor overall season.

8. Miami Heat (2000–01 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.4%
Description: An aging Heat roster struggled with offensive spacing and shooting efficiency.

9. Philadelphia 76ers (2015–16 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.6%
Description: Part of "The Process," this season's team suffered from inefficient shooting across the board.

10. Orlando Magic (1990–91 Season):
Three-Point Percentage: 31.8%
Description: A young Magic team still finding its identity struggled mightily from long range.

..

[basketballRob]

I'm not sure the NBA will let the Magic continue to use the concussion protocol for Goga.

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[basketballRob]

5 of the 10 players used last night weren't in the opening night rotation. Including 2 starters

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[T-Cat]

I'm not sure the NBA will let the Magic continue to use the concussion protocol for Goga.

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Orlando Magic are secretly tanking! Goga has a concussion really? Suggs is the heart of this team is sideline indefinitely.

[basketballRob]

I'm not sure the NBA will let the Magic continue to use the concussion protocol for Goga.

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Orlando Magic are secretly tanking! Goga has a concussion really? Suggs is the heart of this team is sideline indefinitely.

I just don't buy that a concussion is the only thing going on with Goga. If he misses another game and isn't on the bench, the reporters should start asking a few more questions.

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[Skybox]

Yay…good game, especially from the established proven “vets” we’ve re-upped. All good

I mean being realistic they are missing 4 of their top 6 players and people are spouting about need for additions. Guys like Simons and Sexton lose all the frickin time as is, we aren't winning currently with one of them when we are still missing Franz, Suggs, Goga, Mo, Paolo playing into shape. Just funny is all. Doesn't mean they couldn't be good additions, it's just so pointless to fixate on right now.

I'm not a fan of Caldwell-Pope, Isaac, Wendell, Cole or Jett. I don't think this front office is perfect. I just also don't absolutely need a trade to happen and can recognize there is very little to gain from analyzing these games when we are this hurt.

I think a lot of fans are overly reactionary and it goes for all sports. It's OK though sports are just a fun outlet outside of real life stuff, and like I always say it would be boring if we all agreed on everything.

Yeah, like right now after three blowouts the natural reaction is to say "something needs to change!". Fortunately there is an immediate and drastic change on the horizon with Franz returning. And then two more drastic changes in Suggs and Goga returning. Health will be enough to get us back on track.

I’m not dim enough to think ORL isn’t a lot better when at full strength…it doesn’t mean we don’t have holes in our roster then too…they’re just more glaring and more pressing when we’re diminished. Why does everyone presume that any criticism (better wording…”opportunity for improvement”) is a thoughtless reaction to, specifically, the last game they played? Intelligent posters have been noting the same needs & opportunities for a couple of seasons or more. Our offense is bad…when at 100%- it’s less bad…I wish that the areas for my business (or whatever issues of the world) were so clearly visible and the opportunities to improve were so obvious.

[Skybox]

They have no guard that Paolo or Franz can rely on

Been the same every year lmao

The offense is going to be run through Paolo and Franz. Who was the PG for Pippen and Jordan? Who was the PG for Wade, Lebron, and Bosh?

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LeBron is a better passer and got better vision than 95-98% of all PG in history. Your solution is hoping Franz and Paolo become the best or 2nd best player of all time and the other one a top 20-30 of all time. Easy peasy. Much easier than getting a solid PG.

I feel like there’s completely different interpretations of what (some/most) of the “proactive” types are asking for. Here’s mine:
-Paolo and Franz SHOULD run the offense, like MJ & LBJ, two 3&D guards in the SL bringing hellfire defensive pressure can set an opposing team on their heels from the start.
-None of the existing core should be moved to address our upgrades. “Core” does not include guys only playing because of injuries
-An ADDITIONAL triple-threat scorer/playmaker, who can handle the ball would add tremendous variability to our overall offense, particularly our second unit - which isn’t well-constructed without Jingles or even Fultz directing (not asking for them)
-AB, in particular, would benefit most from playing alongside that kind of guard, and, hopefully, take on more and more of the on-ball reps…since the other, hypothetical, guard could be effective off-ball too. But we’re too relevant already to watch a presently unequipped AB flounder as a PG. Give him the time & opportunity to contribute with what he’s got (defense, spot-up, cutting, more defense) while the rest comes along.
-having two late frps is nearly a burden for THIS young team, rookie deals are NOT the only way to fill out a roster inexpensively. But they are multi-year guaranteed deals promised to 18yo mysteries. We are at a point that lower-upside, sure things are what we need around our excellent young core. TdS worked out great…odds are less likely to do that again. One rookie is plenty…use the other now to build your team out now…not because you have to- because you can.
-This isn’t 2K, organic internal development, family, don’t skip steps…what profound cliche did I forget?

[RichCollab]

I'm not sure the NBA will let the Magic continue to use the concussion protocol for Goga.

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Orlando Magic are secretly tanking! Goga has a concussion really? Suggs is the heart of this team is sideline indefinitely.

I just don't buy that a concussion is the only thing going on with Goga. If he misses another game and isn't on the bench, the reporters should start asking a few more questions.

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Concussion symptoms very wildly based on the individual. Bright lights and noise can be problematic for the individual.

I’m not sure the NBA has merit in asking more questions if all the standard protocols are being followed.

[basketballRob]

Orlando Magic are secretly tanking! Goga has a concussion really? Suggs is the heart of this team is sideline indefinitely.

I just don't buy that a concussion is the only thing going on with Goga. If he misses another game and isn't on the bench, the reporters should start asking a few more questions.

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Concussion symptoms very wildly based on the individual. Bright lights and noise can be problematic for the individual.

I’m not sure the NBA has merit in asking more questions if all the standard protocols are being followed.

At some point, reporters should ask where he's been or how he is doing.

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[Bergmaniac]

I know we are short-handed and were going against the best player in the world, but being blown out at home in a game with such a massive turnover disparity in our favour is pretty embarassing. Paolo was dreadful, they put Westbrook on him for a pretty long stretch and he couldn't take advantage at all, his defense was pretty bad too. Wendell defended Jokic quite well, especially early on, and had a very encouraging start offensively, but again started bricking everything later on. KCP made 2 threes for a change, but he continues to be dreadful from the corners, he is down to 27% on corner 3s from the season, almost all of which are wide open, it's just absurd at this point.

It Seemed like except for a made 3 pt shot, Braun made all his points from just running and beating us down the court

He does this pretty consistently, his motor is great and he is very quick down the court for aguy his size, and obviously playing with Jokic and Westbrook helps a lot.

[RichCollab]

I just don't buy that a concussion is the only thing going on with Goga. If he misses another game and isn't on the bench, the reporters should start asking a few more questions.

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Concussion symptoms very wildly based on the individual. Bright lights and noise can be problematic for the individual.

I’m not sure the NBA has merit in asking more questions if all the standard protocols are being followed.

At some point, reporters should ask where he's been or how he is doing.

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Mos “Slowly improving “ canned response

[AdamTheGreek]

I'm not sure the NBA will let the Magic continue to use the concussion protocol for Goga.

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Orlando Magic are secretly tanking! Goga has a concussion really? Suggs is the heart of this team is sideline indefinitely.

I just don't buy that a concussion is the only thing going on with Goga. If he misses another game and isn't on the bench, the reporters should start asking a few more questions.

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He’s got a foot/ankle issue, too.

However, concussions can impact a player for weeks sometimes.
One of Vooch’s concussions with us was notably worse than others.